Hugo grew up on Sydney's leafy North Shore. He attended the local primary school before moving to Barker College in Hornsby at the commencement of grade five. Hugo progressed through his schooling years participating heavily in many sports and extra curricular activities. He showed particular skill in the dramatic arts which he studied towards as an elective for his Higher School Certificate (HSC). At the completion of school he tried out for the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) and was unsuccessful due to his young age. He spent 2006 traveling and successfully gained entry into NIDA in 2007. Since the completion of the four year course he has successfully entered the Australian arts scene in a number of productions most notably his role as Fish Lamb in Tim Wintons 'CloudStreet'.