While the life of a Hollywood A-lister appears to be full of glamour & glitter from the outside, in reality, it comes with its own perks and pressures. One of the 90’s top actors, Brendan Fraser, has been making rounds in the media for the past few years, his absence from showbiz being the key subject. However, one of the many things fans don’t know about the 54-year-old is his friendship with WWE superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock‘ Johnson.
It would be unfair to refer to him as a “yesteryear” actor, as he recently made a triumphant return to the big screen. When premiered at the Venice Film Festival, his performance received a 6-minute standing ovation. He was brought down to tears and people cheered him for his role in a first major film since 2013.
However, not many people know that the American-Canadian actor is responsible for Dwayne Johnson having a career in Hollywood, let alone the most-talked-about one at this point. In October 2022, at the premiere of his movie ‘Black Adam‘, Johnson candidly spoke about the person responsible for jumpstarting his Hollywood career.
He goes on to say, “I just wanted to have some longevity in the [Hollywood] career, and I came from the world of wrestling, which was an obstacle to come here. I had to sense right away that people thought I was always gonna be in the Hollywood [for] a couple [of] years, make a few movies, and then he’s out.”
Speaking on Brendan giving him his first ever role, He added, “Brendan said, ‘Come into my franchise’, He [Fraser] welcomed me in when he didn’t have to, and he did, and I never forgot it. So I’m happy for his success now and everyone giving him his flowers.”
Man this makes me so happy to see this beautiful ovation for Brendan. He supported me coming into his Mummy Returns franchise for my first ever role, which kicked off my Hollywood career. Rooting for all your success brother and congrats to my bud Darren Aronofsky. #TheWhale 👏🏾 https://t.co/SNBLPHHmEZ
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 4, 2022
During the standing ovation for ‘The Whale’, Fraser tried to leave the theatre as he visibly appeared overwhelmed by the crowd and their positive reaction. He certainly didn’t expect the response he received for his comeback performance. The crowd eventually made him stay with their long-lasting applause. The WWE superstar used this opportunity to support the sole person that helped him with his Hollywood career.
Brendan Fraser wins best actor Oscar for ‘The Whale’
On March 12, 2023, The 95th Academy Awards were presented in a ceremony held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The venue this time around was the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. As always, the event was a star-studded extravaganza. Fans caught a glimpse of some of the biggest names on the grandest stage of them all.
‘The Mummy’ lead, Brendan, won the best actor’s award at the Oscars and the internet couldn’t be more happier about it. To many, he’s a nostalgic character from ‘George of the Jungle’ and ‘The Mummy’, while, to some, he’s an actor that “lost his way” out, never meant to rebound again. However, the 54-year-old actor proved a lot of people tonight.
😭😭😭
Brendan Fraser’s acceptance speech for Best Actor in a Leading Role for THE WHALE 🏆#Oscars pic.twitter.com/OSJPtpdrEZ
— Screen Off Script (@ScreenOffScript) March 13, 2023
In his acceptance speech, he goes “I’m grateful to Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship ‘The Whale’. That was written by Samuel D. Hunter who is our lighthouse. Gentleman, you laid your whale-sized hearts bare so that we could see into your souls like no one else could do.“
He continued his speech “I started in this business 30 years ago, things didn’t come easily to me but there was a facility that I didn’t appreciate at the time until it stopped. […].”
What did you think of Brendan’s performance in ‘The Whale’? Do you think he is here to stay? Let us know in the comments down below.
Discussion about this post