Cooper Johns’ famous father, Matty, is known for his hilarious antics off the football field.
And his son has detailed a vicious prank the former NRL star pulled on Hollywood legend Hugh Jackman during the height of his fame.
Telling the story on KIIS FM Kyle and Jackie O Show On Friday morning, Cooper revealed his father’s connection to the Australian actor.
Matty, 52, used to work with radio host Gus Worland, Hugh’s best friend, on Triple M’s Grill Team.
Gus and Hugh have been friends since they were five years old in the early 1970s and went to the same primary school together.
Cooper Johns has detailed a vicious prank his father Matty played on Hollywood legend Hugh Jackman during the height of his fame.
Matty (center left) used to work with radio host Gus Worland (far left), who is Hugh’s (far right) best friend, on Triple M’s Grill Team. Pictured with Mark Geyer (center right)
Cooper, 24, explained how Matty and Hugh “used to have a lot to do with each other” because of Hugh’s connection with his radio co-host.
“We were in a restaurant one night and Hugh was sitting on the other side (of the restaurant) and dad came up and said, ‘Dude, would you mind coming?’ I’m sitting there with my family. The kids would love it. “I’d be so amused if you came and made me look important, like you admired me,” he said, noting that the prank occurred when Hugh was known for his role as Wolverine.
But 10 minutes after Matty approached the Greatest Showman star, he turned the tables on him and left Hugh red-faced.
‘Ten minutes later Hugh appears and says: “Matty, how’s it going, mate? Are you here with the kids? How’s it going, lads?” And Dad sewed it,” Cooper continued.
“He looked back and said, ‘Hugh, I’m sorry, if you don’t mind. I’m trying to have dinner with my family. “Just come over when we’re done eating out.”
Hugh and Gus’ friendship began at school in the early 1970s, when they were both just five years old.
Cooper said Hugh, 55, apologized profusely before calling the prank a “power move.”
Hugh and Gus have been inseparable since childhood and have enjoyed a fruitful relationship for almost five decades.
In an interview with Stellar As of 2021, Gus revealed that if he doesn’t hear from his best friend for a few days, he will send him a voicemail to see what he’s been up to.
The radio host said the responses he typically receives from Jackman often amount to something like, “I’ve been busy preparing to host the Oscars.”
Meanwhile, Hugh recently opened up about his friendship with Ryan Reynolds following his split from wife Deborra Lee-Furness.
The Wolverine star said People how he considers Ryan one of his closest friends as he recovers from separating from his wife after 27 years of marriage.
Hugh also said that they had come to trust each other completely over the years.
He said: “There are probably fewer friends in our life that you can say anything to, the things you’re ashamed of, whatever.”
“You can tell me anything and I can tell you anything, and I don’t feel like you’re going to judge me or necessarily give me the answer,” Hugh added.
Ryan also compared their connection to a marriage, saying that “a long-lasting friendship in Hollywood is not much different than having a partner or a marriage.”
Hugh announced his shock split from Deborra-Lee in September after 27 years of marriage, telling fans they separated “to pursue our individual growth.”
Hugh (left) recently opened up about his friendship with Ryan Reynolds (right) following his split from wife Deborra Lee-Furness.
The Wolverine star told People that he considers Ryan one of his closest friends as he recovers from separating from his wife after 27 years of marriage.
He shares two adopted children, son Oscar, 24, and daughter Ava, 18, with his ex-wife.
“We have been fortunate to share almost three decades together in a wonderful and loving marriage,” the couple said in a statement to People.
‘Our journey is now changing and we have decided to part ways to pursue our individual growth.
‘Our family has been and always will be our top priority. We face this next chapter with gratitude, love and kindness. We greatly appreciate your understanding in respecting our privacy as our family navigates this transition.”
The couple married in 1996 after crossing paths on the set of Correlli in 1995.
A source previously told ET that there is “no animosity” between the exes.
“Hugh and Deborra-Lee are on different pages and in separate chapters of their lives,” they said.
“They felt it was time to divorce, but they still maintain a happy and cordial friendship.”
The source went on to say that Hugh and Deborra-Lee “are grateful for the many years they spent together and their children.”
“At the end of the day, it was their collective agreement to go their separate ways and do what was healthiest for everyone involved,” they added.
Hugh announced his shock split from wife Deborra-Lee in September after 27 years of marriage, telling fans they separated “to pursue our individual growth.”