Rupert Murdoch, the influential media mogul behind News Corp and Fox News, celebrated his 95th birthday in grand style with a private party in New York City. The event, held at The Grill in Midtown Manhattan, drew a mix of political leaders, business executives, and entertainment figures.
Hugh Jackman Takes the Stage
Australian actor Hugh Jackman headlined the evening with a musical performance. According to reports, Jackman sang selections from The Greatest Showman along with classic standards such as Fly Me to the Moon and New York, New York. He closed his set with Peter Allen’s I Still Call Australia Home, a nod to his roots. Ivanka Trump was among the guests cheering him on.
Jackman, who has known Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner for years, previously noted that their friendship avoids political discussions. “We don’t talk politics at birthday parties,” he once said.
Murdoch Surrounded by Family and Friends
Murdoch attended the celebration with his wife Elena Zhukova, whom he married in 2024, and his son Lachlan Murdoch, widely expected to inherit control of the family’s media empire. Other children, including James, Elisabeth, and Prudence, did not attend due to ongoing disputes over the Murdoch family trust.
High-Profile Guest List
The guest list reflected Murdoch’s global influence. Attendees included composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, and U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Sports and business leaders such as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were also present.
President Donald Trump sent a video message praising Murdoch as “legendary” and “one of a kind.”
A Celebration of Legacy
Murdoch’s 95th birthday highlighted both his enduring presence in media and his ability to attract figures from across industries. Jackman’s performance added a touch of Hollywood glamour to an evening that blended politics, business, and entertainment.
