For a while, Brendan Fraser was everywhere.
In the late 1990s and early noughties, the actor became a major movie star, with roles in films like George of the Jungle, The Mummy franchise, Encino Man and Crash.
But in the mid-2000s, after reaching arguably the height of his career, Fraser disappeared from Hollywood completely.
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Recently fans have gotten behind the actor as he braces to make a long-awaited Hollywood comeback in DC’s upcoming Batgirl movie.
Coincidentally, filming began on December 3, Fraser’s 53rd birthday. And fans were delighted to see the actor after all this time in a new photo taken from the set.
“[December 3] was Brendan’s birthday AND first day on set for #batgirl,” wrote co-director Adil El Arbi, while sharing a pic and video featuring Fraser from the onset celebrations.
So where did the actor go for all those years? Let’s take a look…
Why did Brendan Fraser stop acting?
In 2018, Fraser claimed to be “blacklisted” by Hollywood. Fraser spoke out in an interview with GQ alleging he was sexually assaulted by a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
Fraser claimed HFPA’s Philip Berk assaulted him at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2003. This alleged incident caused Fraser to spiral into a depression.
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“His left-hand reaches around grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. And he starts moving it around,” the actor said. “I felt ill. I felt like a little kid. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. I thought I was going to cry.”
Berk denied the claim in an email to GQ, saying “Mr Fraser’s version is a total fabrication.”
After the ordeal, Fraser claimed he was rarely invited to the Golden Globes which the HFPA hosts.
“I don’t know if this curried disfavour with the group, with the HFPA. But the silence was deafening,” Fraser said. “The phone does stop ringing in your career, and you start asking yourself why. There are many reasons, but was this one of them? I think it was.”
Fraser believed the incident made him retreat from public life.
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In the GQ piece, Fraser also discussed being in and out of the hospital for seven years for multiple surgeries.
He recalled his role in the Mummy films took a huge physical toll on his body, saying, “I was put together with tape and ice… I was building an exoskeleton for myself daily.”
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In 2007, the star’s difficult split from his ex-wife Afton Smith dealt another blow. The former couple finalised their divorce in 2008, and he was ordered to pay child support and alimony for their three children.
By 2013, Fraser asked for his alimony to be reduced as he could no longer afford the US$900,000 (approx. $1.2 million) a year in payments.
He petitioned the court for a reduced payment due to a lack of work.
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How old is Brendan Fraser now?
Brendan was born on December 3, 1968. He is 53 years old.
What is Brendan Fraser doing now?
Fraser is landing more roles these days, and his career appears to be recovering!
In June 2021, he made a rare red carpet appearance at Tribeca Film Festival for his movie No Sudden Move.
Fraser is also about to start filming a Martin Scorsese directed film Killers of the Flower Moon alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro.
The actor is also slated to star in the upcoming Darren Aronofsky-directed film The Whale, playing a 272kg recluse named Charlie. The Whale tells the story of a gay man who tries to reconcile with his estranged daughter as his health begins to deteriorate.
His other big-screen role in Behind the Curtain of Night is in post-production.
Prior to his career resurgence, he starred in the anthology drama Trust (2018) and the political thriller Condor (2018).
He also had a short stint as John Gunther on the hit drama, The Affair (2016).
In October 2021, it was announced Fraser was cast in DC’s upcoming Batgirl movie. He will play the villainous Firefly, a sociopath with a passion for pyrotechnics, opposite star Leslie Grace.
How old was Brendan Fraser in George of the Jungle?
Fraser was 29 years old in George of the Jungle.
What is Brendan Fraser net worth?
According to celebritynetworth.com, Fraser is reportedly worth US$20 million (approx. $27 million).
Does Brendan Fraser have a partner?
Fraser is believed to be single following his split from Afton Smith.
In 1993, Fraser and Smith met at a barbeque at Winona Ryder’s house.
The couple married on September 27, 1998, after dating for many years. They welcomed three sons: Griffin in 2002, Holden in 2004, and Leland in 2006.
In 2007, Fraser’s publicist revealed the couple had called it quits.
“They continue to maintain a close and caring friendship,” Fraser’s rep said in a statement.
Is Brendan Fraser on social media?
No, Fraser is not on Instagram or Twitter.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit their website. In an emergency, call 000.
