Brendan Fraser was indeed one of the biggest stars of the 90s and early 2000s, known for his roles in iconic films like The Mummy series, George of the Jungle (1997), and Blast from the Past (1999).
However, his career took a downturn in the mid-2000s, leading to his disappearance from the Hollywood spotlight.
Several factors contributed to his absence. Fraser suffered from numerous physical injuries due to the demanding stunts he performed in his action roles, leading to multiple surgeries, including a partial knee replacement, a laminectomy, and even vocal cord surgery.
Additionally, Fraser faced personal challenges, including a difficult divorce in 2007 and the death of his mother in 2016.
In 2018, Fraser spoke publicly about an alleged sexual assault by Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, in 2003.
Fraser claimed that this incident, along with the lack of support from Hollywood, led him to retreat from the industry. He also faced professional struggles, as roles became scarce and his box office appeal waned.
Despite these setbacks, Fraser made a strong comeback with his role in Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale (2022), where he portrayed Charlie, a reclusive and morbidly obese man trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter.
His performance was widely praised, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2023.
This marked a triumphant return for Fraser, reestablishing him as a powerful presence in Hollywood after years away from the limelight.
What Happened To Brendan Fraser?
Brendan Fraser’s revelation about the alleged sexual assault by Philip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), was a significant and disturbing moment in his career.
In a 2018 interview, Fraser recounted the incident, which took place in 2003 at a luncheon hosted by the HFPA.
According to Fraser, Berk’s actions were far more invasive than Berk had later described in his memoir. Fraser detailed how Berk reached around and groped him, an experience that left Fraser feeling violated and deeply shaken.
Fraser admitted that this incident had a profound impact on him, both personally and professionally. He described how he withdrew from public life and became reclusive, suffering from depression.
He also believed that speaking out about the incident at the time would have resulted in further humiliation and damage to his career.
Fraser felt that he was effectively blacklisted from Hollywood as a result, with roles becoming increasingly scarce.
The impact of this event, combined with his physical injuries and personal struggles, contributed to Fraser’s long hiatus from the industry.
His decision to finally speak out in 2018 was part of the broader #MeToo movement, where many in the entertainment industry began sharing their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse.
Fraser’s bravery in coming forward has since been recognized, and his successful return to the screen with The Whale marked a significant moment of redemption and recovery for the actor, both professionally and personally.
Brendan Fraser’s account of the alleged sexual assault by Philip Berk and the subsequent fallout indeed had a significant impact on his life and career.
After Fraser’s representatives sought a written apology from the HFPA, Berk responded by denying any wrongdoing and claiming that Fraser’s account was a “complete fabrication.”
The lack of support and acknowledgment from the HFPA left Fraser feeling isolated and reclusive.
He noted that after the incident, he was rarely invited back to the Golden Globe Awards, which added to his sense of being blacklisted or ostracized by the Hollywood establishment.
This period of isolation, combined with personal and physical challenges, led to Fraser’s retreat from the spotlight.
His career suffered as he took on fewer roles, his marriage fell apart, and he largely faded from public view.
However, Fraser’s career saw a significant revival when director Darren Aronofsky cast him in The Whale (2022).
The film, based on Samuel D. Hunter’s play of the same name, features Fraser as Charlie, a 600-pound man struggling with personal and emotional issues.
Aronofsky initially explored casting actors with obesity for the role, but he found that no one fit the emotional depth and complexity required for the character.
This led him to Fraser, who, despite not being his first choice, ultimately delivered a powerful and critically acclaimed performance.
Fraser’s portrayal of Charlie earned widespread praise and culminated in his winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2023, marking a triumphant return to the industry after years of personal and professional struggles.
This role not only showcased Fraser’s acting talents but also highlighted his resilience and ability to overcome the adversities he faced throughout his career.
Brendan Fraser’s casting in The Whale came about in a rather serendipitous way. Director Darren Aronofsky, known for his intense and character-driven films, was not initially considering Fraser for the lead role of Charlie, a 600-pound man dealing with deep emotional and physical struggles.
However, Aronofsky happened to see Fraser in a trailer for a low-budget Brazilian movie, which sparked the idea to meet with him for the role.
When Fraser and Aronofsky met, their connection was immediate and powerful. Aronofsky quickly realized that Fraser possessed a unique ability to convey the depth and vulnerability needed for Charlie.
In an interview, Aronofsky described how, after their first meeting, he became convinced that Fraser was the right choice.
He believed Fraser had the rare quality to portray a character who might initially be dismissed by the audience, but would quickly draw them in emotionally.
Aronofsky explained that within just a few minutes of watching Fraser’s performance, viewers would begin to feel a deep empathy and connection to the character.
As the film progresses, Fraser’s portrayal would gradually break the audience’s hearts, showcasing his incredible range and emotional depth.
This instinct proved correct, as Fraser’s performance in The Whale received widespread critical acclaim, ultimately leading to his Oscar win for Best Actor.
Aronofsky’s faith in Fraser was well-placed, and the film became a significant moment of redemption and recognition for the actor, marking his successful return to the big screen.
He’s also very grateful for the support he’s received. In an interview, the actor said:
“There are many people that I have to thank for bringing me to the place that I find myself in now. It’s been a circuitous path that I followed – ups and downs and everything’s been on the ascendency,” Brendan said.
“But at the same time, you’re only as good as the people you work with and I would be remiss to not acknowledge who they are.”
