Rupert Murdoch celebrated his 95th birthday on 11 March with a memorable party in Midtown Manhattan, where fellow Australian Hugh Jackman performed a special musical tribute. The event included Jackman singing songs such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “New York, New York,” and “I Still Call Australia Home” to honor the billionaire businessman.
The star-studded celebration highlighted the deep connection between Murdoch and Jackman, cementing their friendship through this heartfelt performance. The occasion was also marked by a video message from former US President Donald Trump and energetic applause from Ivanka Trump, who cheered Jackman from the crowd.
Details of the High-Profile Birthday Celebration
The 95th birthday party took place at The Grill in Midtown Manhattan, where Murdoch attended alongside his wife, Elena Zhukova, who he married in 2024. The gathering drew many notable figures, including Murdoch’s children Lachlan, Grace, and Chloe. However, Prudence, Elisabeth, and James were not present at the festivities.
The Murdoch family recently resolved a long-standing dispute over control of the family trust. This agreement designates Lachlan Murdoch, 54, to take over leadership of the media empire. His influence now extends across significant outlets such as The Times, The Sun, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and The New York Post, consolidating the family’s vast media holdings.
The Origin of Hugh Jackman’s Friendship with Rupert Murdoch
Hugh Jackman revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that his connection with Rupert Murdoch began through a mutual friend, Australian actress Nicole Kidman. Jackman explained that the first meeting happened during a private family gathering at Soho House in New York City.
Wendi [Deng, Rupert’s third wife] and Nicole Kidman were very good friends,
Jackman said.
It was Nicole’s birthday, and we all went to Soho House in New York, and we were in the pool. He was holding his daughter, and I was holding my son, and we became friends.
Jackman also highlighted Murdoch’s loyalty to long-term friends and family.
A lot of people in his life are there for a long time,
he noted.
He looks after them and appreciates them. He’s very caring and thoughtful and incredibly respectful of everybody around him.
Notable Guests and Family Dynamics at the Event
Alongside Jackman and Murdoch, the party included various members of Murdoch’s family and inner circle. Murdoch has six children: Prudence, Elisabeth, Lachlan, James, Grace, and Chloe. While three of them attended, the absence of the other three brought attention to ongoing family complexities.
The recent conclusion of the leadership dispute within the Murdoch family trust has significant implications for the future of their media holdings. With Lachlan Murdoch set to assume control, the leadership transition marks an important shift in one of the world’s most influential media dynasties.
Significance of the Celebration and What Lies Ahead
Celebrating Rupert Murdoch’s 95th birthday with a musical tribute by Hugh Jackman underscored the close ties between the two Australians and highlighted the blend of Hollywood charm with media empire influence. The event also reflected Murdoch’s stature as a global figure surrounded by family, friends, and powerful allies.
Looking forward, the stable leadership transition to Lachlan Murdoch signals a new chapter for the Murdoch empire, promising continued prominence in global media. The presence of high-profile guests like Jackman and support from influential political figures emphasize the enduring intersection between media, entertainment, and power in Murdoch’s world.
