MUMBAI: Australian actor Hugh Jackman won the Golden Globe for best actor in a musical or comedy Sunday for his all-singing role in musical adaptation "Les Miserables."

Jackman beat fellow nominees Jack Black in "Bernie," Bradley Cooper in "Silver Linings Playbook," Ewan McGregor in "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" and Bill Murray in "Hyde Park on Hudson."

In his acceptance speech, Jackman -- praised for his vocal skills in the movie -- revealed that he almost gave up the starring role of Jean Valjean only a few weeks before it started filming.

"Three weeks before we started filming, we had a terrible day of rehearsal. Humiliating day," he said, adding he told his wife: "'It's time. I have to ring (the director), tell him someone else should play the role. I've bitten off more than I can chew.'

"My wife talked me off the cliff like she talks me (down) most days. Baby, I will say it in front of the entire world -- thank you for always being right, baby. I love you."