788. Fearlessly Failing: Hugh Sheridan

Fearlessly Failing with Hugh Sheridan: From Ballet to Broadway and everything in between!

In this honest and vulnerable episode of "Fearlessly Failing," I sit down with Hugh Sheridan, aka Australia's favourite son! The multi-talented Australian actor, singer, and dancer who captured hearts as Ben Rafter in "Packed to the Rafters." Hugh opens up about his journey from ballet school to NIDA, and the rollercoaster of triumphs and devastating rejections that have shaped his career.

Hugh shares raw stories of near-misses that would break most spirits - from being cast in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Jesus Christ Superstar" only to have it pulled, to losing the lead in "Dirty Dancing" due to scheduling conflicts that left him running through the desert in tears. Despite the heartbreaks, including being dropped from "Hedwig" shortly after opening up about his personal life, Hugh's resilience shines through.

00:05:12 - Hugh's early years performing carols in his backyard and his journey through ballet school
00:19:30 - The life-changing "Packed to the Rafters" role and how Ben Rafter changed Australian masculinity
00:31:45 - The devastating "Dirty Dancing" rejection that became a pivotal moment
00:47:20 - Hugh's upcoming projects including "Tick, Tick... Boom!" and his Christmas album "The Merriest" You can listen to it here: THE MERRIEST
00:53:10 - Advice for creatives facing rejection: "Someone else is getting that role who needed it, and your role is still waiting for you"

Hugh's perspective on rejection is refreshingly generous - believing that when you don't get a part, it's going to someone who needed it more, while your perfect role is still waiting. His Christmas album "The Merriest" is out now, and you can catch him performing in "Tick, Tick... Boom!" and "Into the Woods" in 2026. Don't miss this masterclass in resilience from one of Australia's most authentic performers.

You can follow Hugh on insta here: https://www.instagram.com/hugh_sheridan/

And you can listen to Hugh's new Chrissy album on apple here! I've been listening to Mele Kalikimaka on repeat! It's unreal!! Listen here!

Big love,

Lola

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