What Happened to Brendan Fraser? Where is Brendan Fraser Now?
by Mathelene
Updated Jun 30, 2023
Who is Brendan Fraser?
Brendan James Fraser is a Canadian-American actor. He began his acting career after graduating from the Cornish College of the Arts in 1990 and made his film debut in "Dogfight" in 1991. Fraser achieved breakthrough success in 1992 with the comedy "Encino Man" and the drama "School Ties."
He continued to rise to prominence with leading roles in comedies like "With Honors" (1994) and "George of the Jungle" (1997), and solidified his star status by portraying Rick O'Connell in "The Mummy" trilogy from 1999 to 2008. Fraser also took on more dramatic roles in films such as "Gods and Monsters" (1998), "The Quiet American" (2002), and "Crash" (2004), as well as fantasy roles in "Bedazzled" (2000) and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (2008).
However, Fraser's film career experienced a slowdown from the late 2000s to the mid-2010s due to various health and personal issues, as well as fallout from an alleged sexual assault he endured in 2003 by Philip Berk, who was then the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
This period was marked by fewer film roles for Fraser. However, he ventured into television, taking on notable roles in shows such as the Showtime drama series "The Affair" (2016-2017), the FX series "Trust" (2018), and the HBO Max series "Doom Patrol" (2019-2023).
Fraser's film career was revitalized with standout performances in Steven Soderbergh's "No Sudden Move" (2021) and Darren Aronofsky's "The Whale" (2022). His portrayal of an obese gay man in "The Whale" received critical acclaim, and Fraser's performance earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor. With this win, he became the first Canadian actor to receive this honor.
Despite the challenges he faced, Fraser's recent success has reaffirmed his position in the entertainment industry and showcased his talent and versatility as an actor.
What Happened to Brendan Fraser?
Brendan Fraser's career took a downturn after he claimed to have been abused by Phillip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). In his memoir, Fraser described the incident as more than just a pinch, but Berk denied any wrongdoing. Fraser believes the incident and subsequent silence may have led to his blacklisting in Hollywood, causing him to feel depressed and isolated.
However, director Darren Aronofsky played a significant role in revitalizing Fraser's career by casting him in the film adaptation of Samuel D. Hunter's play, "The Whale." Initially, Aronofsky considered actors with obesity for the role of a 600-pound man, but he eventually chose Fraser after seeing his performance in a trailer for a low-budget Brazilian movie. Fraser's portrayal of the character received critical acclaim, and the film garnered attention at the Venice Film Festival, generating Oscar buzz for Fraser.
Despite his career resurgence, Fraser announced that he would not attend the Golden Globes due to his troubled history with the HFPA. He expressed his lack of respect for the organization and cited his principles as the reason for his decision. Fraser continues to experience imposter syndrome, even with his recent success, but he remains grateful for the support he has received and looks forward to taking on greater challenges in the future.
Where is Brendan Fraser Now?
After a hiatus of two decades, Brendan Fraser made his return to Hollywood in Darren Aronofsky's recent film, "The Whale," which premiered in cinemas on December 9, 2022. The film has garnered significant attention during the awards season, with Fraser's performance as the lead character, Charlie, being particularly praised.
During the New York premiere of "The Whale" in late November 2022, Fraser expressed his feeling of affirmation as Hollywood rallied around his career comeback, dubbing it the "Brenaissance." He mentioned that he now feels more comfortable in his own skin compared to 20 years ago.
However, he also emphasized that every actor, regardless of their success, remains grateful for the opportunity to work. Fraser expressed his desire to take on projects that would allow him to continue learning from his collaborators. Fraser's comments reflect his appreciation for the support he has received and his commitment to personal and professional growth. He acknowledges the importance of humility and the constant pursuit of knowledge in the acting industry.
Why did Brendan Fraser Stop Acting?
In addition to the physical challenges he faced in his acting career, Brendan Fraser also endured emotional and psychological difficulties following the 2003 assault he experienced. The traumatic incident caused him to withdraw and become more reclusive, impacting his overall well-being.
In a 2018 interview with GQ, Fraser speculated about the possibility of being blacklisted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), wondering if his disclosure of the assault had resulted in disfavor from the group. He expressed his feelings of isolation and frustration, describing the silence he faced as deafening.
The entire experience had a profound impact on Fraser's sense of identity and purpose. He felt that he had lost a part of himself and the opportunities that were once available to him. Jobs and opportunities seemed to diminish, and Fraser couldn't help but feel that something had been taken away from him. These challenges highlight the profound toll that the assault and its aftermath had on Fraser's life and career, leading to a period of personal struggle and loss.
What Happened to Brendan Fraser? - FAQs
Brendan Fraser speculated about the possibility of being blacklisted by the HFPA after disclosing the assault.
Brendan Fraser is a Canadian-American actor known for his roles in films such as "The Mummy" trilogy, "Encino Man," and "George of the Jungle."
Brendan Fraser's acting career began in 1991 with his film debut in "Dogfight."
Brendan Fraser gained prominence in the 1990s with films like "Encino Man," "School Ties," "With Honors," and "George of the Jungle."
Yes, Brendan Fraser's performance in "The Whale" earned him critical acclaim and led to him winning the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the first Canadian to win in that category.