Hugh Jackman, Julianne Hough Cuddle Pups to Promote Dog Adoption as Bernadette Peters Shuts Down Protestors

Mar. 15, 2025

They say dogs are man’s best friend but Bernadette Peters had a little help from her own pals this weekend as the stars turned out to support her 24th annual Broadway Barks.

The pair seemed delighted to meet and hold some of the dogs that were up for adoption, clearly smitten with the little fur balls.

Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Jackman, who is currently co-starring inThe Music Manwith Foster, cradled some lucky pooches in his arms and had a big grin on his face. TheX-Menactor, 53, has two dogs of his own at home.

Billy Crystal, who stars in and co-wroteMr. Saturday Night, posed with his tongue out while holding an adorable little puppy.

RELATED STORY:See Exclusive Backstage Photos of Sara Bareilles and Costars as They GoInto the Woodson Broadway

Peters co-founded the nonprofit with the late Mary Tyler Moore in 1999, during Peters' Broadway run inAnnie Get Your Gun.

She managed to attract the support of stage stars from across the productions; Jane Lynch, who is currently inFunny Girl, was also there to show her love for canine companions. Lynch hasopened up about her lovefor her rescue pets over the years, often speaking about the importance of adopting a pet over buying one.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

PHOTO: Bruce Glikas/WireImagePHOTO: Bruce Glikas/WireImage

Julianne Hough— whose Broadway debut came earlier this year in POTUS: Or,Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive— lost both of her beloved pet dogs in 2019.

The actress-and-singer was seen posing outside where Peters ran into a spot of trouble the same day.

Video shared on social media appears to show animal rights protestors disrupting the event. In one clip posted on Twitter, Peters is seen responding: “Excuse me! You are stopping all the animals here from having a chance to be adopted.”

“Is that not what you want?“Peters continued on the microphone before continuing with her speech. PEOPLE has reached out to Peters' representatives for comment.

source: people.com