Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Brendan Fraser
#10: Giving a Robot a Voice & Soul “Doom Patrol” (2019-)
Fraser’s current career renaissance arguably started with Robotman, aka Cliff Steele. He first provided the character’s voice in Season One of “Titans” before being upgraded to a main player in “Doom Patrol,” which delves deeper into how he got that rusty body. We even get to see Cliff before his race car accident with Fraser making a live-action appearance. Although Cliff’s story is tragic, we’d be lying if we said his circumstances weren’t also pretty wacky. Given Fraser’s background in drama and comedy, it’s not surprising that he hits just the right note here. He injects plenty of humor into the role, but he also brings a Frankenstein’s monster-like quality to his performance, making us feel for the man in the tin can.
#9: Demonstrating His Quiet Nuance “The Quiet American” (2002)
Michael Caine received an Oscar nomination for this political thriller, but the film owes just as much of its success to Fraser. As Fraser’s Alden Pyle and Caine’s Thomas Fowler become entangled in a love triangle with a Vietnamese woman, an even more explosive conflict rages in the background. The Vietnam War is on the horizon with Pyle pushing humanity in the wrong direction. Although Pyle’s actions are despicable, Fraser’s subtle performance brings dimensions to his motivations. Pyle views himself as the hero, convinced that the ends justify the means. It’s a quality that makes a great antagonist, if you can even call Pyle that. Fraser lays down the sophisticated charm, leaving the audience conflicted about one of his most layered characters.
#8: His Comedy Chops Various
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Fraser broke out as a leading man in 1992’s “Encino Man,” playing an unfrozen caveman who’s named Link. As you might expect, this silly premise wasn’t tailored for critics, but the film and Fraser emerged as audience favorites. Showcasing his knack for playing the lovable doofus, Fraser landed similar roles in comedies like “Airheads,” in which he starred opposite Steve Buscemi and Adam Sandler. He’d continue to shine as the fish out of water in films like “Blast from the Past,” but we’d argue that the underrated “Bedazzled” is the best example of his comedy range. Making a deal with the Devil, nerdy social outcast Elliot goes from a powerful drug lord, to a sensitive guy, to an ultra-macho athlete. Fraser shines with every persona.
#7: Making Us Cry With That Tragic Twist “Scrubs”
If you ask any “Scrubs” fan what the saddest episode is, they’ll say “My Screw Up” in a heartbeat. This is partially thanks to the Emmy-nominated script and Fraser’s guest appearance as Ben. Introduced two seasons earlier, Ben is in remission from his leukemia and appears to be in good spirits. Throughout the episode, Ben helps Dr. Cox to forgive J.D. and himself after a patient unexpectedly dies. Although there are clever clues spread throughout the episode, it comes as a genuine surprise and emotional blow when we learn that Ben was the late patient this entire time. Fraser and John C. McGinley as Cox have such a natural rapport that the audience is distracted from the tragedy right in front of them.
#6: Holding His Own Against Ian McKellen “Gods and Monsters” (1998)
A year before battling another Universal monster, Fraser acted opposite the “Father of Frankenstein.” More specifically, Ian McKellen’s James Whale directed “Frankenstein” and “Bride of Frankenstein.” Fraser plays Clayton, a gardener in whom Whale takes a special interest. Despite his prejudice, Clayton is also drawn to Whale. The dynamic they develop is fascinating with the audience often wondering if it’s grounded in friendship, sex, or something else. Writer/director Bill Condon takes an unconventional approach to monster movies with Whale casting himself as the mad doctor molding Clayton into his creature. The relationship goes to unexpected depths with McKellen and Fraser delivering some of their finest performances. Clayton may possess the physical build of Frankenstein’s monster, but he’s the most human character on screen.
#5: Making Our Childhoods Awesome Various
Doing a signing at Calgary Expo in 2022, Fraser crossed paths with two fans who thanked him for making their childhoods awesome. They’re not the only ones who shared this sentiment, as evidenced through a TikTok video of the exchange that gained over 4.7 million views. A generation grew up with Fraser, 1997’s “George of the Jungle” being his first movie to become a certified box office hit. Although “Looney Tunes: Back in Action” wasn’t as financially successful, it’s gained a cult following thanks in part to Fraser’s meta role as a stunt double for… well, Brendan Fraser. Even over a decade after swinging into trees, Fraser continued to entertain audiences of all ages with adventures like “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”
#4: Proving His Dramatic Range “School Ties” (1992)
The same year he established his comedic talents in “Encino Man,” Fraser revealed his range as a dramatic actor in “School Ties.” Although the cast includes other then-up-and-comers like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Chris O’Donnell, Fraser is the center of attention as David Greene. Transferring to a prep school during his senior year, David is forced to hide his Jewish roots from the Catholic and privileged student body. Although Davis is initially accepted among his peers, antisemitism eventually rears its ugly head. While Frasers’ powerful scene in the rain would become iconic, the performance as a whole doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Fraser is just as effective during David’s understated moments as he attempts to survive while still holding onto his heritage.
#3: Landing a Role in “Killers of the Flower Moon”
Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro are two of the usual suspects set to appear in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” This adaptation of David Grann’s Western crime novel also marks Scorsese’s first collaboration with Fraser, who joined the cast in August 2021. Although Fraser has worked with big-name directors before, starring in a Scorsese picture is an opportunity that most actors only dream of. In an interview with TikToker Lindley Key, Fraser shared his excitement and nervousness about the upcoming project. Speaking on behalf of every Fraser fan, Key gave him an enthusiastic confidence boost. Fraser was visibly touched, responding with a pure-hearted tip of the hat. With over 2.5 million views, this video is a testament to Fraser’s online support.
#2: Playing Rick O’Connell “The Mummy” (1999)
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Some cinephiles associate “The Mummy” with Boris Karloff. For viewers who grew up in the 90s and 2000s, though, this monster will always be synonymous with Fraser’s Rick O’Connell. Where a lot of actors might’ve played this rugged adventurer with a straight face, Fraser brings a welcome sense of humor to the role. Take the film’s most meme-able moment for example. If we saw a mummy for the first time, we’d probably scream. Rick does too, but not in a cowardly way. He basically mocks the Mummy by imitating his roar before firing a shot. Fraser understood that this is a character who “doesn’t take himself too seriously,” but he still makes room for growth as romance blossoms between Rick and Evelyn. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Taking Part in a SAG-Winning Cast, “Crash” (2004) In His Limited Screen Time, Fraser Turns In Some of His Strongest Work Getting a Surprise Birthday Party on the “Batgirl” Set Justice for Fraser’s Firefly! Rocking that Cowboy Hat, “Trust” Trust Us, It’s a Good Look For Him Playing Fletcher McBraken, “Still Breathing” (1997) With Fraser, It’s a Dream Come True Playing Doug Jones, “No Sudden Move” (2021) The Comeback Continues
#1: Receiving a Six-Minute Standing Ovation “The Whale” (2022)
Fraser has received what might be the best reviews of his career for his transformative performance in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale.” Fraser plays Charlie, a 600-pound man attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter before his bad health takes its toll. Premiering at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2022, “The Whale” was met with a six-minute standing ovation. The round of applause was just as much for Fraser, who became teary-eyed as the audience expressed their support and admiration. It was also announced that Fraser would be honored with the Tribute Award at TIFF. We’d be shocked if he didn’t pick up a few more accolades for this performance. After years of unfortunate setbacks and struggles, the Brendanaissance is in full swing.
