WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.819 Imagine this, a man just visibly overwhelmed, 00:00:04.080 --> 00:00:06.740 tears streaming down his face as this entire 00:00:06.740 --> 00:00:10.140 auditorium rises to its feet, erupting in a, 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:14.140 well, a six -minute standing ovation. It's this 00:00:14.140 --> 00:00:17.280 moment of profound, almost cathartic vindication, 00:00:17.559 --> 00:00:20.000 you know? It's the culmination of an incredible 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:22.780 journey, one that was often challenging, sometimes 00:00:22.780 --> 00:00:25.000 really heartbreaking, but ultimately triumphant. 00:00:25.559 --> 00:00:28.239 That powerful, raw image of an actor at the Venice 00:00:28.239 --> 00:00:31.339 Film Festival. Well, that's where we begin our 00:00:31.339 --> 00:00:33.579 deep dive today. Welcome everyone here on the 00:00:33.579 --> 00:00:35.320 deep dive. We're not just you know, tracing a 00:00:35.320 --> 00:00:37.420 filmography We're really peeling back the layers 00:00:37.420 --> 00:00:40.159 of an extraordinary career in life. That's right 00:00:40.159 --> 00:00:42.200 today We're diving deep into the world of Brendan 00:00:42.200 --> 00:00:45.020 Fraser using a pretty comprehensive stack of 00:00:45.020 --> 00:00:47.880 sources, mainly a detailed Wikipedia entry that's 00:00:47.880 --> 00:00:50.659 just packed with insights to uncover the crucial 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:53.320 moments, the surprising facts and the deeply 00:00:53.320 --> 00:00:56.000 human story behind one of Hollywood's most beloved 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:58.719 and certainly in recent years, most talked about 00:00:58.719 --> 00:01:00.880 figures. And our mission for you today is really 00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:03.820 to go beyond just a simple chronological understanding 00:01:03.820 --> 00:01:06.900 of his films and TV shows. We want you to walk 00:01:06.900 --> 00:01:10.219 away with a nuanced appreciation for his remarkable 00:01:10.219 --> 00:01:14.989 resilience to truly grasped the, well, the dramatic 00:01:14.989 --> 00:01:17.409 shifts that have defined his career, and to understand 00:01:17.409 --> 00:01:20.150 the very personal battles he fought along the 00:01:20.150 --> 00:01:22.969 way. We're looking for those aha moments, aren't 00:01:22.969 --> 00:01:24.909 we? Yeah. The ones that connect the dots between 00:01:24.909 --> 00:01:28.689 his early, almost meteoric successes, the significant 00:01:28.689 --> 00:01:32.170 struggles he endured, and this incredible triumphant 00:01:32.170 --> 00:01:34.849 return. A phenomenon affectionately, and I think 00:01:34.849 --> 00:01:37.150 quite accurately, dubbed... The Renaissance. 00:01:37.629 --> 00:01:39.790 Absolutely. The Renaissance. It fits perfectly. 00:01:40.049 --> 00:01:42.409 It really does. And as we set the stage, it's 00:01:42.409 --> 00:01:44.170 immediately fascinating to look at the inherent 00:01:44.170 --> 00:01:46.829 duality of his career almost from the very start. 00:01:47.030 --> 00:01:49.689 Here's his talent with dual American and Canadian 00:01:49.689 --> 00:01:52.569 citizenship, born back in 1968 in Indianapolis, 00:01:52.569 --> 00:01:55.989 Indiana, who just almost effortlessly transitioned 00:01:55.989 --> 00:01:58.950 from a beloved comedic and action hero to a critically 00:01:58.950 --> 00:02:01.090 acclaimed dramatic actor. He's quite the range. 00:02:01.269 --> 00:02:04.569 His life has been this rich tapestry of experiences 00:02:04.569 --> 00:02:07.849 and transformations. culminating, most recently, 00:02:08.330 --> 00:02:11.830 in that Academy Award win for Best Actor. So 00:02:11.830 --> 00:02:14.169 what exactly did it take to navigate such an 00:02:14.169 --> 00:02:16.930 extraordinary arc? Let's unpack this incredible 00:02:16.930 --> 00:02:19.250 story, starting right at the beginning. Sounds 00:02:19.250 --> 00:02:21.530 good. Where do we start? OK, let's start at the 00:02:21.530 --> 00:02:23.590 very beginning with Brendan Fraser's formative 00:02:23.590 --> 00:02:26.710 years and those crucial experiences that first 00:02:26.710 --> 00:02:29.250 sparked his interest in acting. He was born December 00:02:29.250 --> 00:02:33.050 3, 1968, the youngest of four boys, two Canadian 00:02:33.050 --> 00:02:35.490 parents, Carol Mary and Peter Fraser. Right. 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:37.939 Canadian parents born in the U .S.? Exactly. 00:02:38.659 --> 00:02:41.340 But what truly sets his early life apart, and 00:02:41.340 --> 00:02:44.060 you could argue lead a foundation for his adaptable 00:02:44.060 --> 00:02:47.500 nature, was his father's unique career. Ah, yes. 00:02:47.740 --> 00:02:50.180 This is fascinating. Peter Frazier wasn't in 00:02:50.180 --> 00:02:52.639 a typical job that roots a family in one place. 00:02:53.039 --> 00:02:55.139 He served as a Canadian Foreign Service Officer, 00:02:55.139 --> 00:02:56.939 and before that he was actually a journalist 00:02:56.939 --> 00:02:59.409 for the Government Office of Tourism. So not 00:02:59.409 --> 00:03:02.289 just a biographical detail. Not at all. It was 00:03:02.289 --> 00:03:04.810 like a defining characteristic of Brendan's early 00:03:04.810 --> 00:03:08.229 life. It meant his childhood was incredibly nomadic, 00:03:08.330 --> 00:03:10.990 just a constant journey across continents and 00:03:10.990 --> 00:03:14.449 cultures. Nomadic is genuinely an understatement, 00:03:14.550 --> 00:03:17.090 isn't it? Our sources paint this picture of a 00:03:17.090 --> 00:03:19.580 childhood spent just. crisscrossing the globe. 00:03:19.819 --> 00:03:22.800 He lived in numerous places, Eureka, California, 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:26.580 Seattle, Washington, then up to Ottawa, Ontario, 00:03:27.199 --> 00:03:29.000 and then much further afield to the Netherlands 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:31.770 and even Switzerland. Wow, that's a lot of moving. 00:03:32.169 --> 00:03:34.909 Just imagine the cultural immersion, the constant 00:03:34.909 --> 00:03:37.990 adaptation needed to navigate new schools, new 00:03:37.990 --> 00:03:39.990 languages, new social dynamics. And it's not 00:03:39.990 --> 00:03:42.009 just the dad's job either. There's another interesting 00:03:42.009 --> 00:03:44.689 family connection, isn't there? Yes. His maternal 00:03:44.689 --> 00:03:47.490 uncle, George Gennaro, was an Olympic gold medalist. 00:03:47.569 --> 00:03:51.310 Really? In what? Trap shooting back in the 1952 00:03:51.310 --> 00:03:54.389 Summer Olympics. Huh. That's a pretty unique 00:03:54.389 --> 00:03:56.449 familial connection. Hints at a lineage where 00:03:56.449 --> 00:03:59.789 maybe focus, precision, maybe a bit of competitive 00:03:59.789 --> 00:04:02.430 spirit were valued. Could be. And this constant 00:04:02.430 --> 00:04:06.710 movement, living in such diverse places, it undoubtedly 00:04:06.710 --> 00:04:09.830 shaped his perspective in profound ways. For 00:04:09.830 --> 00:04:12.050 an actor, I mean, this kind of upbringing is 00:04:12.050 --> 00:04:14.310 almost like pre -professional training. Yeah, 00:04:14.449 --> 00:04:16.730 I can see that. It likely gave him this deep 00:04:16.730 --> 00:04:19.550 sense of adaptability, a broadened worldview, 00:04:19.790 --> 00:04:23.360 and... probably an innate ability to just observe 00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:25.819 people in all their different forms, all essential 00:04:25.819 --> 00:04:27.759 traits for acting, right? Absolutely, stepping 00:04:27.759 --> 00:04:29.439 into different characters, different worlds. 00:04:29.720 --> 00:04:32.720 Exactly. This kind of early life fosters a certain 00:04:32.720 --> 00:04:35.379 resilience, maybe an open -mindedness that would 00:04:35.379 --> 00:04:38.319 serve him well later, both personally and professionally. 00:04:38.579 --> 00:04:41.259 I can only imagine how that kind of global upbringing 00:04:41.259 --> 00:04:44.939 prepares you for the, well, the inherent uncertainties 00:04:44.939 --> 00:04:47.579 and rapid changes of a career in Hollywood. But 00:04:47.579 --> 00:04:50.110 amidst all that travel, How did he actually discover 00:04:50.110 --> 00:04:52.610 acting? What was that pivotal moment? Well, the 00:04:52.610 --> 00:04:54.649 sources point to this moment of revelation during 00:04:54.649 --> 00:04:56.829 a family vacation in London. This was back in 00:04:56.829 --> 00:04:59.829 the 1970s. Young Brendan attended his very first 00:04:59.829 --> 00:05:04.290 professional West End theater show, Oliver. And 00:05:04.290 --> 00:05:07.689 it was this experience, this immersion in the 00:05:07.689 --> 00:05:11.029 magic of live performance that apparently sparked 00:05:11.029 --> 00:05:13.589 his interest in acting. You can almost picture 00:05:13.589 --> 00:05:16.870 it, can't you? A young kid miles from home, just 00:05:16.870 --> 00:05:20.189 captivated. Exactly. And this early exposure 00:05:20.189 --> 00:05:22.589 clearly resonated deeply because it connects 00:05:22.589 --> 00:05:25.170 directly to him later joining the chorus in a 00:05:25.170 --> 00:05:27.410 high school production of Oklahoma. So it wasn't 00:05:27.410 --> 00:05:30.410 just a fleeting thing. No, it shows this consistent 00:05:30.410 --> 00:05:33.370 growing thread of theatrical interest, even if 00:05:33.370 --> 00:05:36.029 it started subtly from the audience. So from 00:05:36.029 --> 00:05:39.649 a London stage to high school musicals. Yeah. 00:05:40.149 --> 00:05:42.850 Seems he was steadily drawn to the craft. What 00:05:42.850 --> 00:05:45.689 was the next big step, formalizing this interest? 00:05:45.889 --> 00:05:48.709 He pursued formal training, graduating from Seattle's 00:05:48.709 --> 00:05:51.430 Cornish College of the Arts in 1990, got his 00:05:51.430 --> 00:05:53.769 BFA there. Okay, a Bachelor of Fine Arts. And 00:05:53.769 --> 00:05:55.949 his initial player, which is kind of telling, 00:05:56.269 --> 00:05:58.850 was quite academic. He intended to go on and 00:05:58.850 --> 00:06:01.050 get a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Southern 00:06:01.050 --> 00:06:03.350 Methodist University. So a very committed approach. 00:06:03.529 --> 00:06:05.610 Very. Suggests he was serious about mastering 00:06:05.610 --> 00:06:07.769 the craft, but here's where the narrative takes 00:06:07.769 --> 00:06:10.089 a really interesting turn. A single decision 00:06:10.089 --> 00:06:12.959 just changed everything. Ah, the fork in the 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:14.920 road moment happens all the time in these stories. 00:06:15.800 --> 00:06:18.459 What was it? Exactly. Instead of going for his 00:06:18.459 --> 00:06:21.879 MFA, a visit to Hollywood proved decisive. Really? 00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:25.160 Just one visit? Apparently. The allure of the 00:06:25.160 --> 00:06:27.680 film industry just redirected his path entirely. 00:06:27.819 --> 00:06:29.220 He moved there instead of going back to school 00:06:29.220 --> 00:06:33.779 for the Masters. Wow. It just shows how one trip, 00:06:34.000 --> 00:06:37.699 one experience, can completely alter your life's 00:06:37.699 --> 00:06:40.000 course, pulled towards an unexpected destiny. 00:06:40.220 --> 00:06:42.720 The immediate opportunities, the sheer magnetic 00:06:42.720 --> 00:06:46.060 pull of Hollywood, it proved stronger than the 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:48.579 academic path he'd mapped out. And from that 00:06:48.579 --> 00:06:50.800 point, well, the rest became history. And what 00:06:50.800 --> 00:06:53.319 a history it's been. As we move into the second 00:06:53.319 --> 00:06:56.459 phase, the ascent, this is where Brendan Fraser 00:06:56.459 --> 00:06:59.379 really starts making his mark, carving out this 00:06:59.379 --> 00:07:01.569 unique space in Hollywood. going from playing 00:07:01.569 --> 00:07:04.769 a memorable caveman to an iconic action hero, 00:07:04.930 --> 00:07:07.310 and along the way, getting significant critical 00:07:07.310 --> 00:07:09.709 acclaim that hinted at the dramatic depth he'd 00:07:09.709 --> 00:07:12.329 later fully explore. His career beginning, say, 00:07:12.410 --> 00:07:15.870 91 to 96, saw him finding his niche surprisingly 00:07:15.870 --> 00:07:19.290 quickly, showcasing both comedy and drama potential. 00:07:19.449 --> 00:07:21.649 His debut is uncredited, right? Dogfight. Yeah. 00:07:21.790 --> 00:07:25.329 Dogfight in 91. Small step. But the real breakthrough, 00:07:25.449 --> 00:07:27.519 the one that put him on the map for many. was 00:07:27.519 --> 00:07:32.019 just a year later, 92, with Incino Man. Oh, Incino 00:07:32.019 --> 00:07:34.959 Man, Link. Exactly. Playing Link, the frozen 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:37.699 prehistoric caveman thought out in modern LA. 00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:40.860 That film is such a cult classic now. His performance 00:07:40.860 --> 00:07:44.800 was just iconic. He committed entirely to the 00:07:44.800 --> 00:07:47.459 absurdity, blending that physical comedy with 00:07:47.459 --> 00:07:49.879 a sort of surprising innocence that made Link 00:07:49.879 --> 00:07:52.560 so endearing. He really did. Critics at the time, 00:07:52.600 --> 00:07:54.860 even if they didn't love the film itself, often 00:07:54.860 --> 00:07:57.399 pointed out his charm and screen presence. It 00:07:57.399 --> 00:08:00.100 was a role that, while lighthearted, showed off 00:08:00.100 --> 00:08:02.439 his incredible physicality and this ability to 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:04.639 connect with audiences. Definitely laid groundwork 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:06.959 for the action hero stuff later. It absolutely 00:08:06.959 --> 00:08:09.379 did. But what's truly remarkable and really speaks 00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:11.319 volumes about his range right from the start 00:08:11.319 --> 00:08:14.920 is that in the very same year, 1992. He did something 00:08:14.920 --> 00:08:17.920 completely different. Exactly. He pivoted immediately 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:20.300 to serious drama in School Ties. Right. With 00:08:20.300 --> 00:08:22.779 that amazing young cast, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:25.600 Chris O'Donnell. An incredible lineup. And Fraser 00:08:25.600 --> 00:08:29.079 tackled serious themes of anti -Semitism in this 00:08:29.079 --> 00:08:31.980 elite prep school setting. His character's journey 00:08:31.980 --> 00:08:34.980 dealing with prejudice, standing up. It was such 00:08:34.980 --> 00:08:38.240 a powerful contrast to link the caveman. It really 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:40.399 showcased his dramatic chops right out of the 00:08:40.399 --> 00:08:42.600 gate. Showed everyone he was more than just the 00:08:42.600 --> 00:08:44.759 funny guy. He could handle serious, profound 00:08:44.759 --> 00:08:47.679 roles. Definitely. Quite a pivot. From caveman 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:50.299 grunts to tackling deep -seated prejudice in 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:53.870 the same year speaks to that innate talent. But, 00:08:53.870 --> 00:08:55.990 you know, Hollywood isn't always smooth sailing, 00:08:56.289 --> 00:08:58.710 even for talented newcomers, showing that kind 00:08:58.710 --> 00:09:01.470 of versatility. Far from it. The sources highlight 00:09:01.470 --> 00:09:05.350 this period, maybe 94 to 97, of what they call 00:09:05.350 --> 00:09:08.090 box office failures. Ah, yeah, films like With 00:09:08.090 --> 00:09:10.409 Honors, Airheads. The Passion of Darkly Noon, 00:09:10.490 --> 00:09:12.889 Mrs. Winterborn, The Twilight of the Golds. Mm 00:09:12.889 --> 00:09:15.330 -hmm. Yeah, they didn't perform well commercially. 00:09:15.470 --> 00:09:17.970 And that's crucial, right? It shows how unpredictable 00:09:17.970 --> 00:09:20.830 Hollywood is, even after a breakthrough. Proving 00:09:20.830 --> 00:09:23.830 you're versatile, success isn't guaranteed. Absolutely. 00:09:23.970 --> 00:09:27.250 For a young actor, navigating a string of disappointments 00:09:27.250 --> 00:09:30.590 like that, it can be incredibly tough. It affects 00:09:30.590 --> 00:09:33.429 confidence, maybe makes you rethink things. It 00:09:33.429 --> 00:09:35.929 tells us talent needs the right project at the 00:09:35.929 --> 00:09:39.470 right time. It's a stark reminder that even the 00:09:39.470 --> 00:09:42.690 most promising careers hit bumps. Sometimes big 00:09:42.690 --> 00:09:44.950 ones. And during this time, he also went back 00:09:44.950 --> 00:09:48.309 to theater, didn't he? Yes. In 1995, he did his 00:09:48.309 --> 00:09:51.250 first theater production at the Geffen Playhouse, 00:09:51.629 --> 00:09:54.529 Four Dogs and a Bone. It was actually a satirical 00:09:54.529 --> 00:09:56.250 play about Hollywood. Well, that's fitting. Kind 00:09:56.250 --> 00:09:58.289 of ironic, yeah. But returning to the stage during 00:09:58.289 --> 00:10:00.350 that period of film uncertainty is significant. 00:10:00.889 --> 00:10:03.470 It reinforces that his interest wasn't just about 00:10:03.470 --> 00:10:06.269 film fame or money. It was about the craft, which 00:10:06.269 --> 00:10:08.309 live theater really demands. Almost like seeking 00:10:08.309 --> 00:10:10.250 artistic nourishment when the movies weren't 00:10:10.250 --> 00:10:12.779 quite clicking. Something like that. Then, around 00:10:12.779 --> 00:10:16.860 97, the tides genuinely began to turn. This ushers 00:10:16.860 --> 00:10:19.679 in a period of global success, showcasing his 00:10:19.679 --> 00:10:22.779 versatility across genres. This is where he really 00:10:22.779 --> 00:10:24.659 becomes a household name. Okay, the big time. 00:10:24.820 --> 00:10:27.340 That's right. His first major box office success 00:10:27.340 --> 00:10:30.620 came with the 97 comedy hit George of the Jungle. 00:10:30.919 --> 00:10:33.259 George! George! George of the Jungle! Watch out 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:35.559 for that tree! Exactly. Based on the cartoon. 00:10:35.870 --> 00:10:38.870 He took on the title role, again, embracing physical 00:10:38.870 --> 00:10:41.830 comedy, that charming, innocent persona, and 00:10:41.830 --> 00:10:45.669 it was a huge hit. Made over $174 million worldwide. 00:10:46.090 --> 00:10:48.549 A massive win. Okay, so comedy pays off big. 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:50.840 But then he pivots again, right? Missed immediately. 00:10:51.179 --> 00:10:53.879 An unexpected critical triumph with a profoundly 00:10:53.879 --> 00:10:57.000 dramatic role in 1998's Gods and Monsters. Oh, 00:10:57.019 --> 00:10:58.460 you know, Gods and Monsters. I remember that 00:10:58.460 --> 00:11:00.820 so well. He played Clay Boone, the gardener, 00:11:01.019 --> 00:11:03.259 forming this unique bond with Ian McKellen's 00:11:03.259 --> 00:11:05.960 character, James Whale. A brilliant film. And 00:11:05.960 --> 00:11:07.980 the critical acclaim for Frazier's performance 00:11:07.980 --> 00:11:10.179 was undeniable. It wasn't just about range. It 00:11:10.179 --> 00:11:13.059 was his ability to convey vulnerability, genuine 00:11:13.059 --> 00:11:16.039 connection, understated strength. It really solidified 00:11:16.039 --> 00:11:18.509 his dramatic depth. proved he could deliver these 00:11:18.509 --> 00:11:21.289 quiet, powerful performances alongside screen 00:11:21.289 --> 00:11:24.269 legends. No more pigeonholing. Precisely. And 00:11:24.269 --> 00:11:26.990 then came his biggest commercial success, the 00:11:26.990 --> 00:11:29.289 role that cemented him as a global star, Rick 00:11:29.289 --> 00:11:32.570 O 'Connell in The Mummy. Yes, 1999. And the sequel 00:11:32.570 --> 00:11:35.429 to The Mummy returns in 2001. These weren't just 00:11:35.429 --> 00:11:38.690 blockbusters, they were cultural phenomena. The 00:11:38.690 --> 00:11:42.950 Mummy made over $416 million worldwide, made 00:11:42.950 --> 00:11:46.169 him one of the biggest film stars of the 1990s, 00:11:46.450 --> 00:11:48.950 created this iconic action -adventure franchise. 00:11:49.169 --> 00:11:51.409 He was perfect as Rick O 'Connell. That blend 00:11:51.409 --> 00:11:53.870 of rugged heroism, quick wit, a little bit of 00:11:53.870 --> 00:11:56.590 self -deprecating charm, just utterly captivating. 00:11:56.769 --> 00:11:59.690 Nailed it. launched him into a different stratosphere 00:11:59.690 --> 00:12:03.149 of fame, a bona fide action star. But even then, 00:12:03.370 --> 00:12:05.549 amidst these massive hits, the industry kept 00:12:05.549 --> 00:12:07.570 being unpredictable, right? Never a straight 00:12:07.570 --> 00:12:10.159 line, even at the top. It truly isn't. In between 00:12:10.159 --> 00:12:12.639 those huge successes, he did films like Blast 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:15.220 from the Past in 99, a charming rom -com. Oh, 00:12:15.279 --> 00:12:18.039 I like that one. And bedazzled in 2000, the fantasy 00:12:18.039 --> 00:12:20.399 comedy with Elizabeth Hurley as the devil. Right, 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:22.460 he played the hapless tech guy. Showcasing his 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:25.100 blend of romantic comedy and fantasy. But even 00:12:25.100 --> 00:12:27.480 then, at his peak commercial appeal, there were, 00:12:27.559 --> 00:12:30.159 as the sources call them, box -aucus bombs. Like 00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:32.899 Dudley Duray. Dudley Duray in 99 and Monkey Bone 00:12:32.899 --> 00:12:35.639 in 2001. Despite his star power, they just didn't 00:12:35.639 --> 00:12:38.169 connect. Which perfectly illustrates that volatile 00:12:38.169 --> 00:12:41.250 nature of the industry. Even a huge star can't 00:12:41.250 --> 00:12:43.909 guarantee every project's ahead. So many factors 00:12:43.909 --> 00:12:46.950 involved. It's a constant tightrope walk. So 00:12:46.950 --> 00:12:49.990 moving into the period from 2001 to 2008, he 00:12:49.990 --> 00:12:53.029 really continued to expand his range, keep doing 00:12:53.029 --> 00:12:55.549 critically acclaimed drama alongside the crowd 00:12:55.549 --> 00:12:58.679 -pleasing comedy and action. He was seemingly 00:12:58.679 --> 00:13:01.059 everywhere. He really was. Made a significant 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:03.940 return to the stage in late 2001. Played brick 00:13:03.940 --> 00:13:06.820 in Tennessee Williams's cat on a hot tin roof. 00:13:07.039 --> 00:13:09.320 Wow, that's a challenging role. Huge. One of 00:13:09.320 --> 00:13:11.899 the most challenging male roles in American theater. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:15.200 Demands immense emotional vulnerability, physical 00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:18.350 presence, and his performance got. Many excellent 00:13:18.350 --> 00:13:21.230 reviews. Critics noted his ability to convey 00:13:21.230 --> 00:13:24.149 Brick's tortured inner world, his stage presence. 00:13:24.269 --> 00:13:25.950 Again, showing that commitment to challenging 00:13:25.950 --> 00:13:28.450 work beyond the movies, dedication to the craft. 00:13:28.590 --> 00:13:30.450 And he didn't shy away from serious film roles 00:13:30.450 --> 00:13:32.629 either, continued proving his dramatic tropes. 00:13:32.690 --> 00:13:35.769 Like The Quiet American. Exactly 2002 with Michael 00:13:35.769 --> 00:13:38.190 Caine. Critically acclaimed political drama set 00:13:38.190 --> 00:13:40.809 during the Vietnam War, delivered a nuanced performance, 00:13:41.090 --> 00:13:43.049 really held his own against a legend. Showed 00:13:43.049 --> 00:13:46.409 he could shine alongside seasoned veterans. Then, 00:13:46.669 --> 00:13:49.070 for something completely different, Family Fun, 00:13:49.549 --> 00:13:53.669 Looney Tunes, Back in Action in 2003, Human Lead, 00:13:54.009 --> 00:13:56.669 and Voice Taz. Right, bringing his comedic energy 00:13:56.669 --> 00:13:59.250 to a new generation. And he was part of an Academy 00:13:59.250 --> 00:14:02.870 Award -winning ensemble too. Ah, Crash, 2004. 00:14:03.490 --> 00:14:06.019 That film won Best Picture. Controversially, 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:08.620 Brad. Controversially, yes. He played the LA 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:11.059 district attorney's husband. Not a central role, 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:13.960 but part of that intricate web exploring racial 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:16.139 tensions. Which raises that interesting question, 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:18.600 right? How does an actor balance blockbuster 00:14:18.600 --> 00:14:21.399 fame with critically praised ensemble work where 00:14:21.399 --> 00:14:23.700 you're not necessarily the lead? It shows a deliberate 00:14:23.700 --> 00:14:25.980 choice, I think. Participating in projects for 00:14:25.980 --> 00:14:28.279 artistic merit, the script's strength, not just 00:14:28.279 --> 00:14:31.080 star power. He also did guest spots on TV Scrubs, 00:14:31.200 --> 00:14:33.559 King of the Hill, The Simpsons, diversifying 00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:35.799 his platform. And he got some pretty significant 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:38.120 national recognition too, which speaks to his 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:40.539 cultural impact beyond just Hollywood. Indeed, 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:43.019 inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in March 00:14:43.019 --> 00:14:46.299 2006. Notably, the first American -born actor 00:14:46.299 --> 00:14:49.240 to receive the honor. That's fascinating. Highlights 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:51.700 his connection to his Canadian heritage, his 00:14:51.700 --> 00:14:54.509 appeal across North America. And it's interesting, 00:14:54.610 --> 00:14:58.730 as of 2022, he doesn't have a star on the Hollywood 00:14:58.730 --> 00:15:01.929 Walk of Fame, yet he has this prestigious Canadian 00:15:01.929 --> 00:15:05.029 honor, kind of a unique recognition. A truly 00:15:05.029 --> 00:15:07.870 fascinating distinction underscores his unique 00:15:07.870 --> 00:15:11.070 place. And he did return to his biggest franchise 00:15:11.070 --> 00:15:13.330 during this period too. Yes, after a six -year 00:15:13.330 --> 00:15:16.769 gap, The Mummy, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, in 00:15:16.769 --> 00:15:19.490 2008. Reception was more mixed on that one, wasn't 00:15:19.490 --> 00:15:22.210 it? Critically, yes. But it still did well at 00:15:22.210 --> 00:15:24.389 the box office, showed the enduring appeal of 00:15:24.389 --> 00:15:26.789 the franchise and his role. Same year, he starred 00:15:26.789 --> 00:15:28.789 in Journey to the Center of the Earth. which 00:15:28.789 --> 00:15:31.149 he also executive produced, right? He did, showing 00:15:31.149 --> 00:15:33.610 his growing influence behind the scenes. And 00:15:33.610 --> 00:15:35.850 another testament to his appeal for specific 00:15:35.850 --> 00:15:38.830 visions, Inghart in 2008. The author who picked 00:15:38.830 --> 00:15:41.149 him personally. Yeah, Cornelia Funke, the author 00:15:41.149 --> 00:15:42.970 of the novel, felt he embodied the character 00:15:42.970 --> 00:15:45.590 perfectly. So this period really shows an actor 00:15:45.590 --> 00:15:47.809 at the height of his powers, diverse genres, 00:15:48.110 --> 00:15:50.669 production roles, attracting attention from studios 00:15:50.669 --> 00:15:53.250 and authors. So we've charted this impressive 00:15:53.250 --> 00:15:56.769 ascent, early versatility, global fame, critical 00:15:56.769 --> 00:15:59.759 acclaim. But now, as we shift into segment three, 00:15:59.879 --> 00:16:02.779 The Crossroads, this is where the narrative takes 00:16:02.779 --> 00:16:05.639 a much more challenging, deeply personal turn. 00:16:06.740 --> 00:16:10.139 This period, roughly 2009 to 2020, was marked 00:16:10.139 --> 00:16:13.120 by significant setbacks, profound personal battles, 00:16:13.539 --> 00:16:16.659 and a gradual, almost quiet shift towards television, 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:20.159 all leading up to what would become that incredible... 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:22.399 celebrated comeback. This period was definitely 00:16:22.399 --> 00:16:25.019 marked by significant career challenges, a stark 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:27.620 contrast to the previous decade. His return to 00:16:27.620 --> 00:16:30.159 Broadway in 2010 with Elling. Write that comedy 00:16:30.159 --> 00:16:32.659 about the guys leaving the institution. It closed 00:16:32.659 --> 00:16:36.340 after just one week. Lackluster Reviews really 00:16:36.340 --> 00:16:38.580 highlights the risks, the brutal honesty of live 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:41.080 theater. Even a seasoned film actor can face 00:16:41.080 --> 00:16:43.320 a tough reception. Must have been deeply disappointing, 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:45.580 especially after his success with Cat on a hot 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:47.419 tin roof. And it sounds like his film career 00:16:47.419 --> 00:16:49.820 wasn't exactly booming either. It wasn't, after 00:16:49.820 --> 00:16:51.779 the critically panned furry Vengeance in 2010. 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:54.809 Oh dear. Furry Vengeance. Yeah, widely ridiculed. 00:16:55.389 --> 00:16:57.809 Our sources note a significant professional shift 00:16:57.809 --> 00:17:00.929 then. He changed representation, moved from WME 00:17:00.929 --> 00:17:03.889 to CAA. Which can often signal an attempt to 00:17:03.889 --> 00:17:06.430 reset, right? Find new opportunities after some 00:17:06.430 --> 00:17:08.809 projects haven't landed. Exactly. And adding 00:17:08.809 --> 00:17:10.690 to the turbulence, there was a legal dispute 00:17:10.690 --> 00:17:13.750 in 2011 over wages for a film called The Legend 00:17:13.750 --> 00:17:17.190 of William Tell. 3D Frazier sued for non -payment. 00:17:17.450 --> 00:17:19.990 The producer countersued for assault. Oh, wow. 00:17:20.200 --> 00:17:22.579 Public legal action like that can cast a real 00:17:22.579 --> 00:17:25.019 shadow, create more instability. Definitely. 00:17:25.500 --> 00:17:28.420 So legal battles, critical flops, changing agents. 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:31.380 Sounds like a perfect storm of professional difficulties 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:33.339 was brewing. What kind of roles was he taking 00:17:33.339 --> 00:17:35.099 then? Different from the blockbusters. He was 00:17:35.099 --> 00:17:37.299 appearing in independent films more. Smaller 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:40.000 budgets, limited releases, whole lot of soul 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:44.000 in 2010, pawn shop chronicles in 2013, and ensemble 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:46.660 black comedy. A definite shift. Suggest maybe 00:17:46.660 --> 00:17:49.380 taking projects for the craft, exploring characters. 00:17:49.579 --> 00:17:52.420 or just staying active rather than chasing mainstream 00:17:52.420 --> 00:17:54.740 hits. It's a common path when navigating a tough 00:17:54.740 --> 00:17:57.099 landscape. Often allows more creative freedom, 00:17:57.619 --> 00:18:00.109 but less public visibility. And beyond these 00:18:00.109 --> 00:18:03.289 professional hurdles, the sources reveal this 00:18:03.289 --> 00:18:05.950 truly significant physical and emotional toll 00:18:05.950 --> 00:18:08.970 during this period, impacting his health, his 00:18:08.970 --> 00:18:11.789 personal life profoundly, stuff audiences just 00:18:11.789 --> 00:18:14.670 don't see. This is so crucial and often overlooked, 00:18:14.869 --> 00:18:17.990 especially for actors known for stunts. Frazier 00:18:17.990 --> 00:18:20.549 revealed in 2018 that the demanding physical 00:18:20.549 --> 00:18:23.849 stuff he did tirelessly, mummy films, George 00:18:23.849 --> 00:18:27.700 of the Jungle Falls, led to Several surgeries 00:18:27.700 --> 00:18:31.000 over a period of seven years. Seven years of 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:33.339 surgeries. Partial knee replacement, a laminectomy 00:18:33.339 --> 00:18:35.640 that's spinal surgery, even vocal cord surgery. 00:18:35.839 --> 00:18:38.680 Vocal cords. From stunts. It's unclear if it 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:40.720 was directly stunt related, but it was part of 00:18:40.720 --> 00:18:43.079 that period of health struggles. It just underscores 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:45.799 the hidden costs. The toll on the body, chronic 00:18:45.799 --> 00:18:48.880 pain, recovery. Stuff we don't see. He literally 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:50.900 put his body on the line and it caught up with 00:18:50.900 --> 00:18:53.480 him. That's a heavy price. Paints a vivid picture 00:18:53.480 --> 00:18:55.619 of the dedication, but also the vulnerability. 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:58.079 And alongside these health issues, he was navigating 00:18:58.079 --> 00:19:00.880 major personal challenges, too. Yes. He met his 00:19:00.880 --> 00:19:03.240 future wife, actress Afton Smith, back in 93. 00:19:03.700 --> 00:19:05.839 She was even in George of the Jungle. They married 00:19:05.839 --> 00:19:09.700 in 98, had three sons. Griffin, born 2002, who 00:19:09.700 --> 00:19:12.480 Frazier shared, is on the autism spectrum. Holden, 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:16.400 born 2004, and Leland, born 2006. Holden and 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:19.200 Leland are fashion models now. OK. But the marriage 00:19:19.200 --> 00:19:22.380 didn't last. Their divorce in 2007 brought its 00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:24.859 own set of very public, challenging financial 00:19:24.859 --> 00:19:28.480 implications. Monthly alimony of $50 ,000 for 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:32.480 10 years or until she remarried, plus $25 ,000 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:35.359 in child support. That's a huge amount. $900 00:19:35.359 --> 00:19:38.539 ,000 a year just in support payments. Significant 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:41.259 high -profile obligations. And in early 2011, 00:19:41.660 --> 00:19:43.640 Fraser requested the court reduce his alimony, 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:45.759 saying he just couldn't meet the annual $600 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:47.980 ,000 obligation for that alone, let alone child 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:50.809 support. And how did that go? Smith then countersued 00:19:50.809 --> 00:19:53.410 later in 2011, accusing him of hiding financial 00:19:53.410 --> 00:19:55.710 assets. Both claims were ultimately ruled against 00:19:55.710 --> 00:19:58.329 in 2014, leaving the original agreements in place. 00:19:58.490 --> 00:20:01.269 So a tough situation financially. Very. But what's 00:20:01.269 --> 00:20:03.890 truly inspiring and speaks volumes is that despite 00:20:03.890 --> 00:20:05.890 all these difficulties, both parents receive 00:20:05.890 --> 00:20:08.230 public praise for being actively engaged in their 00:20:08.230 --> 00:20:10.829 sons' lives. That really is commendable. Shows 00:20:10.829 --> 00:20:13.670 maturity, prioritizing the kids above the personal 00:20:13.670 --> 00:20:16.420 strifes, especially under public scrutiny. A 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:18.880 powerful testament to their commitment, but perhaps 00:20:18.880 --> 00:20:21.980 the most profound personal battle with huge public 00:20:21.980 --> 00:20:24.519 and professional fallout was the sexual assault 00:20:24.519 --> 00:20:27.539 allegation he made. That seemed to cast a long 00:20:27.539 --> 00:20:30.400 shadow. Absolutely. This is critical to understanding 00:20:30.400 --> 00:20:34.059 the depth of his struggles. In 2018, Frazier 00:20:34.059 --> 00:20:36.460 publicly alleged he was sexually assaulted by 00:20:36.460 --> 00:20:38.740 Philip Burke, then president of the Hollywood 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:41.799 Foreign Press Association, the HFPA, at a luncheon 00:20:41.799 --> 00:20:44.930 back in 2003. He described it in stark detail. 00:20:45.210 --> 00:20:47.309 And Burke's response. Burke called for Frazier's 00:20:47.309 --> 00:20:50.390 account a total fabrication. But in a deeply 00:20:50.390 --> 00:20:53.730 contradictory move in his own 2014 memoir, Burke 00:20:53.730 --> 00:20:56.410 acknowledged having groped Frazier in jest. Wow. 00:20:56.569 --> 00:20:59.109 In jest. That discrepancy, especially Burke's 00:20:59.109 --> 00:21:01.529 own written admission, is stark. It raises huge 00:21:01.529 --> 00:21:03.450 questions about accountability, power dynamics, 00:21:03.710 --> 00:21:06.109 differing narratives. Deeply unsettling. And 00:21:06.109 --> 00:21:08.329 the reported impact on Frazier seems devastating. 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:12.319 profoundly impactful, a true confluence of crises. 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:15.279 The sources state the stress he experienced from 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:17.420 a succession of events, the alleged assault, 00:21:17.579 --> 00:21:19.640 the divorce strain, the ongoing health problems 00:21:19.640 --> 00:21:22.240 and surgeries. And tragically, his mother's death 00:21:22.240 --> 00:21:24.420 plunged Frazier into a major depression that 00:21:24.420 --> 00:21:26.740 led to a break in his career. Just an immense 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:29.200 cumulative burden, not one thing, but a perfect 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:31.960 storm that would test anyone, leading to withdrawal, 00:21:32.500 --> 00:21:34.839 artistic dormancy. And what was the public perception 00:21:34.839 --> 00:21:36.859 of his career decline then, especially after 00:21:36.859 --> 00:21:39.059 the allegations came out? Was there a dominant 00:21:39.059 --> 00:21:41.519 narrative? Yes, there was. Many publications, 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:44.339 lots of social media buzz. The assumption was 00:21:44.339 --> 00:21:46.400 Frazier had basically been blacklisted by the 00:21:46.400 --> 00:21:48.799 HFPA because of his accusation against Burke. 00:21:49.420 --> 00:21:51.539 That narrative really took hold. And what did 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:53.599 Frazier himself say about that? He offered a 00:21:53.599 --> 00:21:56.359 nuanced perspective. In that 2018 GQ article 00:21:56.359 --> 00:21:58.339 where he first went public, he said, the phone 00:21:58.339 --> 00:22:01.460 does stop ringing in your career. was my allegation, 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:04.059 one of them I think it was, suggesting he felt 00:22:04.059 --> 00:22:06.400 a direct link. So initially he felt that connection, 00:22:06.539 --> 00:22:09.460 but his view evolved. That seems complex. It 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:13.160 did. In a 2019 radio interview, Sway in the Morning, 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:16.359 he expressed a different view, stated, I don't 00:22:16.359 --> 00:22:18.680 think the HFPA really wield that much power. 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:21.519 It highlights the complexity, how perspective 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:23.920 can shift with time and distance, even while 00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:26.200 acknowledging the initial trauma's impact. Interesting 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:29.039 shift. But by 2022, his stance became firm again. 00:22:29.420 --> 00:22:32.980 showed unwavering principle. He publicly refused 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:35.440 to participate in the Golden Globes, even if 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:37.839 nominated for the whale, citing his history with 00:22:37.839 --> 00:22:41.480 the organization. Wile, a powerful stand, principled, 00:22:42.200 --> 00:22:44.119 refusing to engage with the institution he felt 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:46.579 wronged him. A truly powerful statement of integrity. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:48.799 Some lines just can't be crossed, yet amidst 00:22:48.799 --> 00:22:51.160 these intense storms, a new chapter began quietly 00:22:51.160 --> 00:22:53.839 emerging. particularly with a shift towards television. 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:57.460 Maybe 2016 to 2020. Not blockbusters, but a gradual, 00:22:57.680 --> 00:23:00.279 subtle reemergence. It was indeed a period of 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:03.180 slow, steady reemergence, cautiously dipping 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:06.500 his toes back in. In 2016, he replaced Ray Liatta 00:23:06.500 --> 00:23:08.920 in a Bollywood thriller, Line of Descent, a chance 00:23:08.920 --> 00:23:12.039 to work differently. OK. Then 2016 -17, he joined 00:23:12.039 --> 00:23:14.299 the recurring cast of Showtime's The Affair, 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:16.819 played the misery -minded prison guard Gunther. 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:20.200 A very different role for him. Darker. Significant 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:22.960 departure. Showcased a willingness to take on 00:23:22.960 --> 00:23:26.400 complex, morally ambiguous characters. Showed 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:28.700 audiences a new side. And he started doing more 00:23:28.700 --> 00:23:30.900 high profile, limited series, too. Those are 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:33.259 becoming a real space for quality storytelling. 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:35.740 Absolutely. He played James Fletcher Chase, the 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:38.859 sort of enigmatic Getty family fixer in the FX 00:23:38.859 --> 00:23:42.839 series Trust in 2018. Another layered role, far 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:46.039 from the swashbuckling hero. But maybe his most 00:23:46.039 --> 00:23:50.099 notable return to a truly If unconventional role 00:23:50.099 --> 00:23:53.359 was voicing Cliff steel robot man and appearing 00:23:53.359 --> 00:23:56.039 in flashbacks for Titans and its spin -off Doom 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:59.579 Patrol. Ah, Doom Patrol. Great show. From 2019 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:02.619 to 2023, this character, a bionid and a robot 00:24:02.619 --> 00:24:04.980 body, let him really lean into his voice work, 00:24:05.119 --> 00:24:07.839 his comedic timing, while also exploring deeper 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:10.119 emotional arcs through the flashbacks, played 00:24:10.119 --> 00:24:11.880 to his strengths while letting him creatively 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:14.500 rebuild his presence. This period of re -emergence, 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:17.140 even before the big film comeback, was already 00:24:17.140 --> 00:24:19.140 getting noticed by fans, wasn't it? This is where 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:22.460 that term started bubbling up. It was. Fans, 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:25.059 seeing his talent shine through these TV roles, 00:24:25.319 --> 00:24:28.220 appreciating his resilience, they coined the 00:24:28.220 --> 00:24:30.839 moniker The Brennaissance. It's a great name. 00:24:31.339 --> 00:24:33.740 Fantastic portmanteau Brendan in Renaissance, 00:24:34.380 --> 00:24:36.960 aptly acknowledging his comeback. He even acknowledged 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:39.400 it on The Graham Norton Show. Seemed genuinely 00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:42.220 touched by the fan support and the cleverness. 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:44.759 That's lovely. Shows the public was already noticing, 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.900 recognizing the talent, the charisma. Setting 00:24:47.900 --> 00:24:49.940 the stage for the incredible resurgence about 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:53.079 to unfold, a grassroots recognition. Exactly, 00:24:53.319 --> 00:24:55.559 a true artist finding his way back. And that 00:24:55.559 --> 00:24:58.359 takes us perfectly into segment four, The Renaissance, 00:24:59.160 --> 00:25:01.420 a truly triumphant return that has captivated 00:25:01.420 --> 00:25:03.980 audiences and critics alike. One of the most 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:06.380 heartwarming, inspiring comeback stories in recent 00:25:06.380 --> 00:25:09.240 memory. Not just a career revival, it's a testament 00:25:09.240 --> 00:25:12.319 to perseverance, artistic reinvention. The first 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:14.599 real hint of this shift, as the sources show, 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:17.640 was his casting as gangster Doug Jones in Soderbergh's 00:25:17.640 --> 00:25:21.980 crime thriller No Sudden Move in 2021. A notable 00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:24.200 role in a well -regarded film suggested he was 00:25:24.200 --> 00:25:26.279 being sought out again by prestigious directors. 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:29.119 But the true game changer, the role that would 00:25:29.119 --> 00:25:32.559 redefine his career, was announced January 2021. 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:35.740 Which was, of course, his casting as the lead 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:38.400 in Darren Aronofsky's intense drama, The Whale. 00:25:39.180 --> 00:25:41.940 And the story behind that casting after such 00:25:41.940 --> 00:25:45.079 a quiet period, it's almost cinematic itself, 00:25:45.220 --> 00:25:48.069 isn't it? Serendipitous. It truly is a fantastic 00:25:48.069 --> 00:25:50.849 anecdote, speaks to filmmaker intuition. Aronofsky 00:25:50.849 --> 00:25:53.009 had apparently been searching for the right actor 00:25:53.009 --> 00:25:56.109 for that incredibly complex lead role for a decade. 00:25:56.269 --> 00:25:58.690 A decade, wow. And he famously described having 00:25:58.690 --> 00:26:01.009 this light bulb moment, a sudden realization 00:26:01.009 --> 00:26:03.789 after seeing Frasier in a trailer for a low budget 00:26:03.789 --> 00:26:05.950 Brazilian film, Journey to the End of the Night. 00:26:06.190 --> 00:26:08.029 Just from a trailer. Aronofsky said he thought, 00:26:08.089 --> 00:26:10.650 oh, that guy can do it. A moment of serendipity. 00:26:10.880 --> 00:26:13.480 proving pivotal opportunities can come from unexpected 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:15.960 places, catching the eye of a visionary director 00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:18.160 who saw something profound, even in a fleeting 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:21.079 moment. And his preparation for the role of Charlie, 00:26:21.619 --> 00:26:24.400 the morbidly obese English teacher battling grief, 00:26:25.200 --> 00:26:27.700 isolation was incredibly profound, immersive, 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:30.680 not just physical transformation, a deep dive 00:26:30.680 --> 00:26:33.480 into the human condition. An absolute testament 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:36.539 to his commitment to authenticity, to his craft. 00:26:36.900 --> 00:26:39.579 He went far beyond just prosthetics. He gained 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:41.960 access to many people through the Obesity Action 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:44.500 Coalition, connected with individuals living 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:47.920 with severe obesity. Real conversations. Numerous 00:26:47.920 --> 00:26:50.779 Zoom calls, talking to eight or ten people, some 00:26:50.779 --> 00:26:53.960 bedridden, some perfectly mobile, gained invaluable 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:56.259 intimate insights into their lived experiences, 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:59.000 emotional struggles, physical challenges, their 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:01.440 humanity. That's incredible dedication. This 00:27:01.440 --> 00:27:04.119 deep dive into understanding Charlie's internal 00:27:04.119 --> 00:27:06.960 world, the shame, self -sabotage, yearning for 00:27:06.960 --> 00:27:09.680 connection, demonstrates extraordinary dedication. 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:12.539 He wasn't just playing a character, he was embodying 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:15.220 a complex, vulnerable human being with empathy, 00:27:15.500 --> 00:27:17.599 respect, letting the physical transformation 00:27:17.599 --> 00:27:20.099 serve the emotional truth. And that immense dedication, 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:23.819 that immersion, paid off spectacularly. Overwhelming 00:27:23.819 --> 00:27:26.480 critical acclaim, and ultimately, the Oscar win 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:28.980 that resonated so deeply worldwide. The film's 00:27:28.980 --> 00:27:32.380 premiere at Venice in September 2022. That's 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:34.460 where the public really saw the results, the 00:27:34.460 --> 00:27:37.299 start of this incredible crescendo. Frazier's 00:27:37.299 --> 00:27:39.559 performance was highly praised and he got that 00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:42.779 phenomenal, emotionally charged, huge six -minute 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:45.000 standing ovation. The moment we started with. 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:48.420 Exactly. Imagine how that felt after years of 00:27:48.420 --> 00:27:51.319 struggle, setbacks, battling the odds, met with 00:27:51.319 --> 00:27:54.859 such a wave of appreciation, respect, profound 00:27:54.859 --> 00:27:57.640 emotional resonance, not just for him, but for 00:27:57.640 --> 00:27:59.859 everyone who followed his journey, rooted for 00:27:59.859 --> 00:28:03.579 him. The images of him moved, tearful. iconic 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:06.180 that image truly became a symbol of resilience 00:28:06.180 --> 00:28:09.539 triumph yeah and then came the ultimate recognition 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:12.690 many felt it was long overdue The ultimate recognition, 00:28:12.730 --> 00:28:15.589 indeed. Academy Award for Best Actor for The 00:28:15.589 --> 00:28:17.549 Whale, not just personal triumph, historical, 00:28:17.849 --> 00:28:20.049 too, became the first Canadian to win the Best 00:28:20.049 --> 00:28:21.910 Actor Award. Right, that Canadian connection 00:28:21.910 --> 00:28:24.470 again. His heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking 00:28:24.470 --> 00:28:26.769 his girlfriend, makeup artist Jean Moore, who 00:28:26.769 --> 00:28:28.950 he debuted with on the Venice Red Carpet, talking 00:28:28.950 --> 00:28:31.789 about the whale of a journey, it resonated deeply. 00:28:32.289 --> 00:28:34.549 Felt less like a speech, more like a sincere 00:28:34.549 --> 00:28:37.049 expression from a man overcome after an incredible 00:28:37.049 --> 00:28:40.599 odyssey. So. The whale was clearly the catalyst 00:28:40.599 --> 00:28:42.839 for the Renaissance, but the momentum didn't 00:28:42.839 --> 00:28:46.059 stop there. He's clearly back in demand, taking 00:28:46.059 --> 00:28:49.140 on diverse new projects. What else has he been 00:28:49.140 --> 00:28:51.500 up to since then? He quickly joined the cast 00:28:51.500 --> 00:28:54.160 of Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023. 00:28:54.420 --> 00:28:57.039 Big one. And Max Barbecao's Comedy Brothers, 00:28:57.539 --> 00:29:00.339 significant roles cementing his return to prestigious 00:29:00.339 --> 00:29:03.380 projects. However, that industry unpredictability 00:29:03.380 --> 00:29:07.039 continued. He was cast as the villain firefly 00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:09.539 in Batgirl. which was unfortunately canceled 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:12.039 during post -production, a change in Warnaber's 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:13.839 studio priorities. Right, that whole situation 00:29:13.839 --> 00:29:16.220 must have been disappointing. Frasier expressed 00:29:16.220 --> 00:29:18.759 disappointment, highlights that even during triumph, 00:29:18.920 --> 00:29:21.240 the business side can still deliver unexpected 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:23.980 blows. A constant reminder of the shifting landscape. 00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:26.400 But he's continued diversifying beyond major 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:29.019 studios too, it seems. Yes, absolutely. Lent 00:29:29.019 --> 00:29:31.720 his voice to an audible audio drama, The Downloaded. 00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:35.960 in 2023, showcasing versatility. December 2023, 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:38.420 guest narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional 00:29:38.420 --> 00:29:41.359 at Disney World. Ah, nice. A holiday tradition. 00:29:41.720 --> 00:29:45.140 And looking ahead, announced July 2024, he'll 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:48.339 star as Dwight D. Eisenhower in the D -Day movie 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:50.519 Pressure. Eisenhower. That sounds like another 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:53.400 powerful dramatic role. Promises to be. This 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:57.180 diverse range, Scorsese epics, comedies, voice 00:29:57.180 --> 00:30:00.039 work, historical dramas, paints a clear picture. 00:30:00.410 --> 00:30:03.569 An actor fully back into man tackling a broad 00:30:03.569 --> 00:30:06.109 spectrum showing his Renaissance is far from 00:30:06.109 --> 00:30:08.490 over. It's an ongoing vibrant chapter. It's truly 00:30:08.490 --> 00:30:10.950 inspiring to witness this incredible resurgence, 00:30:11.130 --> 00:30:13.630 the artistic depth he's brought. Now as we move 00:30:13.630 --> 00:30:15.849 into our final segment, let's explore the man 00:30:15.849 --> 00:30:18.769 behind the roles. Dive into his personal life, 00:30:18.890 --> 00:30:21.630 hobbies, philanthropic heart, those unique personal 00:30:21.630 --> 00:30:23.630 touches that round out his story, connect him 00:30:23.630 --> 00:30:25.730 beyond the screen. So important to remember the 00:30:25.730 --> 00:30:27.730 person behind the persona, the highs, the lows. 00:30:27.769 --> 00:30:30.750 He's clearly a committed family man. As of 2018, 00:30:30.990 --> 00:30:32.950 residing in Bedford, New York, Moore settled 00:30:32.950 --> 00:30:35.710 now. Right. And since September 2022, in that 00:30:35.710 --> 00:30:38.589 relationship with makeup artist Jean Moore, sharing 00:30:38.589 --> 00:30:41.130 that triumphant Venice moment with her. And we 00:30:41.130 --> 00:30:43.109 touched on this, but it really bears repeating, 00:30:43.490 --> 00:30:45.130 maybe emphasizing, because it's so inspiring, 00:30:45.950 --> 00:30:48.819 his dedication to his children. especially given 00:30:48.819 --> 00:30:51.740 the public divorce financial complexities. Absolutely. 00:30:52.440 --> 00:30:54.579 Despite the public challenges, both he and his 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:57.640 ex -wife, Afton Smith, received public praise 00:30:57.640 --> 00:31:01.099 for being actively engaged in their son's lives. 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:04.859 Not a small detail. Speaks volumes about maturity, 00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:07.200 setting aside differences, shared commitment 00:31:07.200 --> 00:31:09.680 to the kid's well -being, even under intense 00:31:09.680 --> 00:31:13.039 scrutiny. truly inspiring co -parenting. Beyond 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:15.759 family and acting, the sources reveal some fascinating 00:31:15.759 --> 00:31:18.859 hidden talents, interests, offer a wonderful 00:31:18.859 --> 00:31:20.740 glimpse into the person beyond the celebrity, 00:31:21.099 --> 00:31:23.680 make him feel more relatable, human. For instance, 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:26.240 he speaks French fluently. Ah, reflecting that 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:28.160 Canadian heritage, international upbringing. 00:31:28.740 --> 00:31:31.019 Emphasizes his adaptability. He also serves on 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:33.500 the board for FilmAid International. Using film 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:36.559 and media for humanitarian aid to displaced communities 00:31:36.559 --> 00:31:38.940 shows commitment beyond himself. That's wonderful. 00:31:39.130 --> 00:31:42.309 But here's a particularly quirky, memorable detail. 00:31:42.849 --> 00:31:45.250 He's an accomplished amateur photographer with 00:31:45.250 --> 00:31:47.650 a penchant for instant cameras. Instant cameras, 00:31:47.829 --> 00:31:50.650 like Polaroids. Yeah, even use them in scrubs. 00:31:50.970 --> 00:31:52.710 And the fact that a collector's guide to instant 00:31:52.710 --> 00:31:55.589 cameras includes a dedication to him. It's such 00:31:55.589 --> 00:31:59.049 a specific, charming touch. Hints at a quiet, 00:31:59.509 --> 00:32:01.990 personal passion. That is such a great detail. 00:32:02.190 --> 00:32:04.549 Those specifics make someone feel authentic. 00:32:05.049 --> 00:32:07.700 Anything else? lesser -known skills. Also described 00:32:07.700 --> 00:32:11.279 as an accomplished amateur archer, these hobbies, 00:32:11.519 --> 00:32:14.000 photography, archery, offer a quiet glimpse, 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:17.680 reveal a multifaceted individual, likely provide 00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:20.680 calm focus, grounding him amidst the intensity 00:32:20.680 --> 00:32:24.339 of his career, a reminder stars have lives outside 00:32:24.339 --> 00:32:27.240 work. And finally, his philanthropic art seems 00:32:27.240 --> 00:32:29.799 clear through his long -standing commitment to 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:32.700 charity, showcasing his character. desire to 00:32:32.700 --> 00:32:35.920 give back. It truly is. Since 2018, consistently 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:38.180 served as a celebrity judge on the Dancing Stars 00:32:38.180 --> 00:32:40.440 of Greenwich Annual Charity Gala. Okay, what 00:32:40.440 --> 00:32:42.799 does that support? Raises money for Obulus, a 00:32:42.799 --> 00:32:44.680 local charity supporting individuals and families 00:32:44.680 --> 00:32:47.220 with disabilities in Fairfield County, Connecticut. 00:32:47.680 --> 00:32:49.720 A cause that clearly resonates, likely given 00:32:49.720 --> 00:32:51.859 his son Griffin being on the autism spectrum. 00:32:51.900 --> 00:32:53.920 That makes sense. And what's even more remarkable, 00:32:54.259 --> 00:32:56.759 testament to their positive relationship. His 00:32:56.759 --> 00:32:59.680 former wife, Afton Smith, also participates in 00:32:59.680 --> 00:33:02.440 the dance competition, demonstrating continued 00:33:02.440 --> 00:33:05.039 unity for a noble cause. That's quite something. 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:07.559 Coming together like that after a public challenging 00:33:07.559 --> 00:33:10.519 divorce speaks volumes about mutual respect, 00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:14.480 shared values. It absolutely does. In 2022, Smith 00:33:14.480 --> 00:33:17.200 and Frazier jointly received the Heart of a Belis 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:20.259 Award for their fundraising and support. Powerful 00:33:20.259 --> 00:33:23.099 testament to shared commitment, uniting for something 00:33:23.099 --> 00:33:25.440 bigger. contributing positively to their community. 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:28.059 What an incredible, often breathtaking journey 00:33:28.059 --> 00:33:30.519 we've just explored, bringing it all together 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:34.099 from that nomadic childhood, meteoric rise through 00:33:34.099 --> 00:33:36.259 the challenging setbacks that tested his core 00:33:36.259 --> 00:33:39.500 to his triumphant Oscar -winning return. Brendan 00:33:39.500 --> 00:33:43.220 Fraser's story is just... Extraordinary. So what 00:33:43.220 --> 00:33:45.799 does his story ultimately mean for you, listening? 00:33:46.059 --> 00:33:47.900 It's far more than just a Hollywood comeback. 00:33:48.259 --> 00:33:50.539 It's this powerful narrative of profound resilience, 00:33:50.859 --> 00:33:53.559 painful self -discovery, the undeniable impact 00:33:53.559 --> 00:33:56.119 of facing adversity with courage, integrity. 00:33:56.740 --> 00:33:59.400 It reminds us that careers, like our own lives, 00:33:59.519 --> 00:34:02.539 are rarely linear. There are detours, deep valleys, 00:34:02.819 --> 00:34:05.660 unexpected climbs, moments of quiet, desperate 00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:08.199 struggle. His journey is a living testament that 00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:11.010 sometimes, maybe often, the deepest value really 00:34:11.010 --> 00:34:14.369 do precede the highest peaks. Exactly. His story 00:34:14.369 --> 00:34:16.750 is this vibrant, compelling testament to the 00:34:16.750 --> 00:34:19.429 enduring power of perseverance, the human spirit's 00:34:19.429 --> 00:34:22.809 capacity for reinvention. So consider this. In 00:34:22.809 --> 00:34:25.510 a world constantly chasing new stars, fleeting 00:34:25.510 --> 00:34:28.510 fame, where the spotlight is so fickle, so brutal, 00:34:28.869 --> 00:34:31.030 what does it truly take to not only survive, 00:34:31.329 --> 00:34:34.130 but to genuinely thrive after significant challenge, 00:34:34.809 --> 00:34:36.849 transforming your craft, captivating audiences 00:34:36.849 --> 00:34:39.369 anew? Brendan Fraser's journey isn't just a comeback 00:34:39.369 --> 00:34:41.760 story. It's a living, breathing testament to 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:44.500 the enduring power of raw talent, unwavering 00:34:44.500 --> 00:34:46.940 perseverance, and profound authenticity. What 00:34:46.940 --> 00:34:48.900 does this remarkable story inspire you to reconsider 00:34:48.900 --> 00:34:50.800 about your own journey of growth and reinvention? 00:34:51.519 --> 00:34:53.880 Perhaps in a quiet corner of your own life or 00:34:53.880 --> 00:34:54.940 navigating your own challenges.