Brendan Fraser in The Whale had to look like the part he played, so he wore a fat suit. But getting into character left an impact on the actor who confessed it on The Graham Norton Show. During his prime, Brendan Fraser was a beloved star who tugged at hearts with his ability to interpret roles and bring them to life.
However, in the early 2000s, the “Bedazzled” actor experienced something that changed his life forever. In a past interview, the movie star confessed to being “sexually assaulted.” Fraser claimed the perpetrator was the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Philip Berk.
Eventually, he was blacklisted by the HFPA, and the committee failed to act according to what he hoped, leaving him saddened and depressed. The Mommy star also witnessed another difficulty following his divorce from his ex-wife with whom he shared three kids.
All these experiences trapped him in a dark place, leaving him to give up on his lifelong dream. But in 2018, after sharing his, there was a “‘Brenaissance.” This was the term fans used in referencing his comeback after a long hiatus. Soon, Brendan Fraser bagged the leading role in The Whale and has gone on to win accolades and recognition.
No Sudden Move was the real start of Brendan Fraser’s comeback before The Whale. My thoughts on Steven Soderbergh’s excellent crime thriller for @Collider. https://t.co/mvQTNtXHUb
— Liam Gaughan (@TheLiamGaughan) January 18, 2023
Brendan Fraser In ‘The Whale’ Impacted the actor
On Friday, the actor sat down to discuss his recent film. Brendan Fraser, in The Whale, played an obese English teacher who struggled with appreciating himself. Not new to the experience, as he was once clamped down in depression, Fraser confessed on The Graham Norton Show that he connected deeply with the character.
Though it was his first time playing an overweight man, he felt an overwhelming weight because he had to wear a prosthetic costume. But that left an indelible thought in his heart. Fraser stated:
“When the costume came off, I could still feel the undulation, and I grew to appreciate how strong physically and emotionally a person of that size has to be.”
He went on to address the “Brenaissance” title he appears to be commanding following his comeback. Fraser happily explained that as long as people call him, the title does not matter. Seemingly ready to serve and show appreciation when due, the actor has been quick to display emotions on stage in recent times.
Brenda Fraser in The Whale has earned him a few wins. Last week, he received the Best actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards, and with tears in his eyes, he delivered a sweet speech. During the movie premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and the London Film Festival screening, he got roaring applause and a standing ovation from fans which brought tears to his eyes.