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To many pop culture fans who came of age in the ’90s, Brendan Fraser was one of the brightest stars in the entertainment industry. A handsome actor who rose to fame in the early ’90s with a series of roles in teen comedy films, he achieved prominence in Hollywood by the end of the decade, appearing in high-profile action-adventure movies.

Unfortunately, Fraser’s success was tinged with sadness, as trouble in his personal life led to a lengthy hiatus from film acting. These days, Fraser is back in action, and in light of an exciting new film role, the actor is making the rounds doing interviews and press. In one incredibly heartfelt interview, Fraser appeared to get genuinely choked up when he learned how much his fans believe in him. Keep reading to learn more about what happened to Brendan Fraser.

What happened to Brendan Fraser?

Surprise guest Brendan Fraser on the set of Busy Tonight.
Surprise guest Brendan Fraser on the set of Busy Tonight. | Jordin Althaus/E! Entertainment/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

After early roles in movies like Encino Man and School Ties, Brendan Fraser got his first big breakout role in the 1997 comedy George of the Jungle. As the dimwitted, muscular George, Fraser became a box-office hero. He went on to star in the 1999 action-adventure film The Mummy, which to this day remains his most popular movie. He reprised the role of Rick O’Connell in the film’s two follow-ups, The Mummy Returns and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. 

In the early 2000s, after a string of roles in forgettable films that didn’t do well at the box office, Fraser stepped away from film acting. However, in light of a recently-announced role in a high-profile Martin Scorsese film, many people are re-discovering (or discovering for the first time) Fraser’s work — and they are seriously rooting for the actor to succeed. 

Why did Fraser recently get emotional in an interview?

Fraser has been making the rounds, promoting his new film roles, and recently, he sat down for a video interview with a TikTok star who also happens to be a big Fraser fan. “You’ve got this. Just know that the internet is so behind you!” the fan told Fraser. “We’re so supportive. There are so many people out there who love you, and we’re rooting for you, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.”

At this point, Fraser appeared to get teary-eyed, tipping his cowboy hat back and telling the excited fan “Shucks, ma’am.” The sweet video has since gone viral, with even more fans speaking out about their love for Fraser, and their desire to see him do well after a few years of traumatic personal experiences. 

Brendan Fraser left acting for a while after some traumatic incidents

Brendan’s Fraser’s string of bad luck started in the early 2000s when he was forced to get some surgeries, including a partial knee replacement and vocal cord surgery, to try to repair his body from the damage that hardcore action films had done. Around the same time, Fraser alleges that he was sexually assaulted by HFPA President Philip Berk, accusations that Berk still denies. Between speaking out about the assault, and a divorce that crippled him financially, Fraser entered a period of deep depression and stepped away from film acting.

However, Fraser eventually found the strength to go on, and has gone to work on rebuilding his career. The actor has given credit to the Time’s Up and #MeToo movement for helping him garner the courage to get back in the game. With the stage set for a “Bren-aissance,” it seems as though the world is ready to experience Fraser’s talent all over again. Stay tuned to Showbiz Cheat Sheet for all the latest entertainment news!

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.

How to get help: If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for free and confidential support.

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