Hugh Jackman's father dies on Australian Father's Day

Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Hugh Jackman's father, Christopher John Jackman, died over the weekend, the actor revealed Monday.

His dad's death coincided with Australia's celebration of Father's Day, which takes place on the first Sunday in September.

In a Twitter post, Jackman described his father's death as peaceful and said that he was an "extraordinary" man.

"In the early hours of Father's Day (AU), my dad peacefully passed away. And whilst there is deep sadness, I'm filled with such gratitude and love," Jackman wrote. "My dad was, in a word, extraordinary. He devoted his life to his family, his work, and his faith. I pray he's now at peace with God."

Jackman's parents moved to Australia from Britain in the 1960s as part of the Ten Pound Poms migration scheme for attracting families after World War II. His father raised five children alone when his mother returned to Britain.

Jackman has previously written about his father on Instagram with deep affection.

"Happy Father's Day to the man who taught me to show respect for others, for education, for being led by your passions," he wrote. "I love you dad!"