From heartthrob action hero to Oscar winner, Brendan Fraser has seen several ups and downs in his Hollywood journey
Brendan Fraser enjoyed a prominent status as one of the leading action stars of the 1990s and early 2000s. However, he gradually faded from the public eye, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his return. His journey in Hollywood includes a series of blockbuster hits in the late 1990s and 2000s, withdrawing from the spotlight due to several personal challenges, including multiple surgeries, the passing of his mother Carol, and his major comeback in 2023. From his initial rise to fame to his recent successes, here's Brendan Fraser's journey through the years.
1991: Brendan Fraser's debut
Brendan Fraser embarked on his Hollywood journey in the early 1990s, making his debut in the film industry with the 1991 feature 'Dogfight'.
1992: Brendan Fraser becomes a heartthrob
In 1992, Brendan Fraser became a major crush for many teenagers of the '90s. That year, he got his breakthrough by landing his first leading role in the comedy film titled 'Encino Man'. This surge in popularity led him to star in other movies like 'School Ties', solidifying his status as a heartthrob during that era.
1997: Brendan Fraser as 'George of the Jungle'
Brendan Fraser achieved his first significant box office triumph with the 1997 comedy film 'George of the Jungle'. The film amassed nearly $180 million at the box office. This success further solidified Fraser's standing in Hollywood.
1998: Wedding bells and critical acclaims
In 1998, Brendan Fraser and his partner Afton Smith exchanged wedding vows after a five-year courtship. Their romantic journey began in 1993 when they first crossed paths at a 4th of July celebration held at Winona Ryder's residence. The same year, Fraser received critical acclaim for his role in 'Gods and Monsters'.
1999: Brendan Fraser as action hero in 'The Mummy'
Brendan Fraser achieved another major career milestone when he took on the role of Rick O'Connell in the 1999 film 'The Mummy'. This movie proved to be a resounding commercial success, raking in over $416.4 million globally. Its popularity led to the production of two sequels -- 'The Mummy Returns' in 2001 and 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' in 2008. Fraser continued to portray Rick O'Connell in both sequels, cementing his place as the iconic adventurer.
The 2000s: From 'bedazzling' fans to Canada's Walk of Fame
During the early 2000s, Brendan Fraser remained a prominent figure in Hollywood, featuring in a series of well-received films such as 'Bedazzled', where he co-starred alongside Elizabeth Hurley, 'Looney Tunes: Back in Action', and his role in the Oscar-winning film 'Crash'. In addition to his film work, he made several guest appearances on popular TV shows, including 'Scrubs', 'King of the Hill', and 'The Simpsons'. Fraser also received a distinct honor when he was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2006, marking a significant achievement as the first American-born actor to receive this prestigious recognition.
2003: The sexual assault Brendan Fraser didn't speak about
'Blast From The Past' star Brendan Fraser was allegedly groped by Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, at a luncheon in 2003. The actor did not reveal the incident at the time. It was only in February 2018 that Fraser told GQ about the alleged sexual assault. "In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me," he said. Berk denied the allegations and called Fraser's account "a total fabrication".
2008: Year of surgical transformations
Brendan Fraser revealed in a GQ profile from 2018 that while filming his third 'Mummy' movie in 2008, the physical toll of performing his own stunts for years had become evident. He described that he felt like he was "put together with tape and ice," reflecting on the strain and wear and tear on his body from the demanding stunts he had undertaken throughout his career. Fraser revealed he needed laminectomy, partial knee replacement, compressing spinal pads together, and having his vocal cords repaired in the course of the next seven years.
Late 2000s: Brendan Fraser starts fading from limelight
During the period when Brendan Fraser was undergoing a series of surgeries, he found himself grappling with the complexities of a divorce. In December 2007, he and his wife Smith, who had been married for nine years, made their divorce public. The couple had been blessed with three children together -- Griffin (born in 2002), Holden (born in 2004), and Leland (born in 2006). Fraser then took up a role in the 2008 film 'Inkheart' but gradually retreated from the spotlight, diminishing his participation in television and film projects.
2013: 'Extraordinary Measure' and financial woes
Brendan Fraser starred in 'Extraordinary Measures' in 2013 but the same year he filed a petition with the court to request a reduction in his alimony payments, reportedly citing financial constraints that made it impossible for him to pay the monthly amount of $50,000.
2016: Emerging from the shadows with a tell-all Interview
At the end of 2016, Brendan Fraser made a notable appearance on AOL's 'BUILD' series, marking his first interview in several years. During this appearance, he discussed his role in 'The Affair'. Subsequently, Fraser revealed in an interview with GQ that during his participation in the 'BUILD' series, he was coping with the recent passing of his mother Carol, who had unfortunately passed away just days before the interview.
2018: Breaking silence on sexual assault
Brendan Fraser candidly shared the details of his near-disappearance from Hollywood in a GQ profile. In the bombshell interview, he discussed his health challenges, shed light on the viral AOL 'Build' interview, and courageously disclosed his allegations regarding Philip Berk. He additionally expressed the sentiment that he had been effectively blacklisted by the HFPA following the incident.
2018: The 'Brenaissance' period
In 2018, Brendan Fraser started securing a series of television roles, with one of the most notable being the voice of Robotman in the show 'Titans'. He later reprised this role on HBO Max's 'Doom Patrol'. This surge of roles earned him the affectionate moniker "Brenaissance" on TikTok as enthusiastic fans eagerly celebrated his comeback to the world of acting.
2021: Brendan Fraser lands a role in 'Batgirl'
In October 2021, Brendan Fraser extended his collaboration with DC Comics by landing the role of the antagonist Firefly in the 'Batgirl' movie, which featured stars like Leslie Grace, Michael Keaton, and JK Simmons. However, despite the considerable anticipation surrounding the film, it was ultimately canceled by Warner Bros Discovery in August 2022.
2022: Spectacular comeback and critical acclaim for 'The Whale'
In January 2021, Brendan Fraser took on the leading role in Darren Aronofsky's 'The Whale'. The role marked a significant milestone for the actor as this was his first prominent leading role since 2013. Talking about the movie, Fraser told Vanity Fair, "He said he wanted an actor to reintroduce. And I wanted to be reintroduced."
September 2022: Tribute at Toronto International Film Festival
Brendan Fraser was deeply moved and visibly emotional as he accepted the Tribute Award in recognition of his performance in 'The Whale' at the Toronto International Film Festival gala.
October 2002: The well-deserved standing ovation
Brendan Fraser found himself overcome with emotion as he was met with a resounding five-minute standing ovation at the London Film Festival following a screening of his movie 'The Whale'.
November 2022: Rare appearance with his sons
Following his public appearance with girlfriend Jeanne Moore at the 2022 Gotham Awards, the actor made a rare outing with his sons Holden and Leland at a screening of 'The Whale' in New York City. Moore accompanied the actor and his son at the event.
December 2022: Golden Globe nomination for 'The Whale'
Despite having previously stated that he wouldn't be attending the 2023 Golden Globes, the actor received a nomination in December for his outstanding performance in 'The Whale'. Fraser earned a nomination in the category of Best Actor (Drama) for his role.
2023: From first-ever nomination to winning Best Actor at the Oscars
On January 25, 2023, the actor achieved a significant milestone by securing his first-ever Oscar nomination. He was among the five nominees for the Best Actor category, acknowledged for his remarkable performance in 'The Whale'. During the 2023 Oscars ceremony, Brendan Fraser clinched his first Academy Award by winning the Best Actor category for his performance in 'The Whale'. Overwhelmed with emotion, he delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech in which he expressed gratitude to his dedicated cast and crew. He also took a moment to acknowledge his three sons, two of whom proudly witnessed his moving speech from the audience.
