In a rare and revealing interview, once-loved heartthrob Brendan Fraser has opened up about
the hidden steps he took to ascend the fame ladder, shedding light on a Hollywood journey that was far from easy.
Fraser, who started his journey in the entertainment industry three decades ago, reminisced about his early days, where success didn’t come easily. Known for effortlessly flaunting his physique on screen in roles that delighted his fans, the actor humorously remarked, “I look at myself then and I just see a walking steak.”
However, beneath the surface, Fraser’s health was rapidly deteriorating, owing to the perilous stunts he undertook during his tenure as a comedy and action hero. From being hoisted 60 feet in the air during the filming of “George of the Jungle” to enduring a series of harrowing on-set incidents, Fraser found himself at the center of life-threatening situations, all in the pursuit of cinematic excellence.
The toll of these stunts manifested in broken bones, spinal surgery, a partial knee replacement, and a vocal cord repair. Despite the physical and emotional strain, Fraser never complained, turning his on-set traumas into jokes and showcasing an unwavering dedication to his craft.
During a period known as his Golden Era, Fraser faced intense self-doubt despite achieving considerable success. He struggled with feelings of inadequacy related to his body image, despite being perceived as a Hollywood heartthrob. Emphasizing the need for a break, Fraser likened himself to someone wanting the loud music to stop at a party, seeking clarity amid constant pressures and doubts in the entertainment industry.
In 2003, Fraser faced a distressing incident when he revealed that he had been groped by the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Philip Burke. This traumatic experience led to Fraser stepping away from acting, contributing to the #MeToo movement by breaking the silence and shedding light on the prevalence of such incidents in the industry.
Dealing with the aftermath of the incident and lacking closure or support, Fraser sank into deep depression, blaming himself for the ordeal and feeling disconnected from Hollywood. Financial struggles, a deteriorating body, a failed marriage, and a reclusive lifestyle followed, leaving fans questioning the fate of their beloved actor.
In 2016, Fraser’s first interview in years revealed the impact of his mother’s recent passing from cancer, adding another layer to his struggles. Emerging from a prolonged hiatus, Fraser is making a triumphant comeback with two significant projects on the horizon—Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale.”
These projects mark a shift in Fraser’s preferences for future roles, as he expresses a desire to be part of meaningful and impactful stories that resonate with a broader common humanity. Reflecting on his transformative experiences, Fraser’s journey has shaped him into a stronger individual, and with unwavering support from fans, he’s ready for a triumphant return to the spotlight.
As Brendan Fraser defies the odds, the internet community continues to stand firmly behind him, eagerly awaiting his upcoming projects. What’s your take on Fraser’s Hollywood roller coaster? Share your thoughts in the comments below.