He’s been Hugh Jackman’s personal trainer and best friend for over 30 years.
So it’s no surprise that Michael Ryan has been spending time with his Hollywood actor pal almost daily while he’s back in Australia for the holidays.
Since being sighted in Sydney last Sunday, the Wolverine star has spent almost every moment with Michael in what has been a long-awaited catch-up between the two best mates.
The pair were first spotted dining at Speedos Café in the trendy seaside suburb of North Bondi.
They were joined by Hugh’s two children, Oscar, 24, and Ava, 19, whom he shares with his estranged wife, Deborra-Lee Furness.
The next day, Hugh maintained his buff physique at the gym with his personal trainer pal.
Hugh Jackman’s personal trainer Michael Ryan has been best friends with the Hollywood star for more than 30 years. Pictured together in December 2024
Leaving a Bondi gym together, Michael displayed his tanned skin and washboard abs while wearing khaki workout shorts and white running shoes.
Earlier, at the gym, Hugh was seen shoulder-pressing an impressive 35kg as his trainer watched on and observed his form.
The Greatest Showman star wore a grey singlet, black shorts and wrapped a towel around his neck as he left the fitness centre before taking a quick dip at a nearby beach.
Later that Monday, Hugh and his two kids enjoyed a family day out with Michael and his daughter as they cruised on Sydney Harbour.
The 56-year-old was visibly thrilled to be spending quality time with his family, giving off a relaxed air.
Hugh and Michael were also joined by the trainer’s other close family members. But his wife, Zoe Bingley-Pullin, didn’t appear to attend.
On Wednesday, Hugh maintained his good spirits while laughing and joking with his longtime personal trainer and friend at the beach.
Hugh cooled off amid the humid climes with a swim in the sea and then chatted with Michael as they strolled up the beach together.
So it’s no surprise that they have been spending time with with each other almost daily while Hugh’s back in Australia for the holidays. Pictured together in August 2017
Hugh and Michael have maintained a solid friendship and work relationship for more than three decades
On Monday, Hugh and his two kids enjoyed a family day out with Michael and his other family members as they cruised on Sydney Harbour
Hugh and Michael have maintained a solid friendship and work relationship for more than three decades.
The pair met at a Sydney gym prior to the Les Misérables star’s on-screen career.
‘I was working at a gym and he was introduced by a friend of his, Gina Chick, as a towel boy!’ Michael told Today Extra in July.
‘He wasn’t even an actor back then. So, through the journey of knowing him, I showed him how to train and then he got a role in acting.
‘I’ll never forget, he said to me one day, “If I ever made it as an actor, I’d use you as my trainer”.’
In May 2007, Hugh was Michael’s best man at his wedding to Zoe.
The pair tied the knot at St. Mark’s Anglican Church at Darling Point in Sydney, with Hugh’s now ex-wife Deb attending with their two adopted kids.
‘I am very proud to be best man to this guy,’ Hugh told The Sunday Telegraph at the time.
The pair met at a Sydney gym prior to the Les Misérables star’s on-screen career
Hugh told Michael: ‘If I ever made it as an actor, I’d use you as my trainer’
‘It’s going to be a very exciting day and there are lots of surprises he doesn’t know about.’
Hugh is currently back in Australia to spend the Christmas season with his children, following his split from his wife Deb in September 2023. It is unclear if their mother is also returning to Australia for Christmas.
Hugh – who lives in New York – and his children are likely staying at his stunning $12million North Bondi penthouse.
Hugh and Michael’s regular catch ups come after reports that Hugh’s ex-wife, Deb, is said to have been ‘seething with rage’ over his rumoured new romance with Sutton Foster.
Hugh and Deb, 69, confirmed their separation after almost three decades together in September 2023, and he is now said to be dating Broadway star Sutton, 49.
It has been claimed that Deb was enraged at being ‘the last to know’ about the relationship.
According to Radaronline, Deb was especially unimpressed with Hugh’s close friend Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively, who both allegedly ‘kept quiet’ about the rumoured romance.
‘They kept their lips sealed out of loyalty to Hugh,’ a source told the publication.
Hugh is currently back in Australia to spend the Christmas season with his children, following his split from his wife Deb in September 2023. Pictured in May 2023
‘Now she is seething with rage over being the last to know, Deb feels blindsided. She has a memory like a steel trap and isn’t afraid to use it.
‘Debs feels cheated by all three because someone could have told her what was happening and they all chose to keep their mouths shut,’ they added.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Deb and Ryan’s representatives for comment.
Hugh was reportedly planning to introduce Sutton to his and Deb’s children over the festive period.
However, Deb was allegedly ‘not keen on the idea’ with a source claiming that she does not want a ‘blended’ family Christmas.
‘It’s a delicate balancing act and he feels like if anyone is going to spend less time with the kids this year, it’s him,’ they added.
The insider said Hugh and Sutton are determined to make their relationship work and are keeping things low-key at the moment.
Hugh and Sutton took on the roles of Harold Hill and Marian Paroo in The Music Man, which ran from February 2022 to January 2023 at the Winter Garden Theatre in Manhattan.
Hugh and Michael’s regular catch ups come after reports that Hugh’s ex-wife, Deb, is said to have been ‘seething with rage’ over his rumoured new romance with Sutton Foster (right)
The pair have attended public events together, stepping out at the opening night of their show The Music Man on Broadway in February 2022.
In September 2023, Hugh shocked fans when he filed for divorce from Deb.
‘We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage,’ the couple said in a joint statement.
‘Our journey now is shifting, and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth.’
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