Brendan Fraser’s recent return to the limelight with the premiere of his movie “The Whale” at the 79th Venice International Film Festival brought him to tears. A video clip captured his emotional reaction as he was overwhelmed by the audience’s response, weeping openly and attempting to leave before staying to take a bow. This outpouring of emotion is not surprising considering the numerous challenges Fraser has faced in his career and personal life.
Over the past two decades, Fraser experienced a string of lows, from career setbacks to personal trauma. In a candid interview with GQ in 2018, he courageously shared his struggles, which included physical assaults by industry professionals, public shaming, and heart-wrenching movie cancellations. These adversities have shaped his journey and endeared him to a supportive fanbase. The online meet-and-greet interactions have shown how much these fans mean to him, sparking heartfelt emotional reactions from a man who has endured more than his fair share of difficult times.
Early in his career, Fraser faced objectification in the film industry. While discussions around objectification often center on the experiences of women, it is crucial to recognize that men are also subjected to this dehumanizing treatment. Fraser’s early success often hinged on his shirtless appearances, notably in the movie “George of the Jungle,” where he spent most of his screen time dressed only in a loincloth. Reflecting on his portrayal in these roles, Fraser admitted that he saw himself as nothing more than a “walking steak.” Despite the commercial success it brought him, the toll of these physically demanding roles led him to decline a reprisal in “George of the Jungle 2.”
Fraser’s acting choices have frequently mirrored his inner struggles and self-worth. In 2002, he was a strong contender to portray Superman, a role that would have invigorated him with a sense of invincibility. However, the movie was ultimately canceled, leaving Fraser feeling like a failure. He took on the film “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” as an opportunity to satirize himself, publicly punching himself in the face. This act of self-deprecating humor was an attempt to cope with the humiliation he felt and marked a turning point in his career. Shortly afterward, Fraser withdrew from the public eye, further compounded by his divorce from his wife of a decade.
Fraser has also been the target of public body shaming throughout his career. Tabloids and gossip websites have subjected him to demeaning comments about his appearance, often focusing on his weight gain. Thankfully, society is becoming increasingly aware of the negative impact of body shaming, and Fraser’s fans have rallied around him, defending him against these attacks. They have highlighted that at the time of these criticisms, Fraser was battling health issues that made maintaining an athletic physique nearly impossible.
In 2016, during an interview on AOL’s BUILD channel, Fraser appeared soft-spoken and downcast, prompting concern from viewers who suspected he may be depressed. Unbeknownst to many, he was grieving the recent loss of his mother. Furthermore, his prolonged absence from the public eye made his return to the spotlight overwhelming. The realization that the world had moved on without him and his iconic “The Mummy” franchise had been rebooted with a different actor (Tom Cruise) added to his sense of being left behind.
Despite the obstacles, Brendan Fraser’s resilience shines through. His emotional response to the audience’s admiration during the premiere of “The Whale” encapsulates his heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from his fans. Fraser’s journey is a testament to the strength and determination needed to rise above adversities and find solace in the love and encouragement of others.
