Why Brendan Fraser was blacklisted from Hollywood before major comeback
Posted June 5, 2023 by: Admin
Brendan Fraser experienced a whirlwind of emotions as he made his highly anticipated comeback in the heartwarming film, “The Whale,” ultimately winning an Oscar for his exceptional performance. Tears welled up in his eyes during his acceptance speech earlier this year, reflecting not just his overwhelming joy of receiving the prestigious award, but also the immense journey that led him to this moment.
For Brendan, who is now 54 years old, it felt as though he had been cast aside by the powers that be in Hollywood for many years prior to his triumphant return. The reason behind this unfortunate situation is truly heartbreaking. After captivating audiences with his roles in popular films like “The Mummy” and “George of the Jungle” in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Brendan faced a sudden dearth of opportunities and discovered that he had been unintentionally pushed into the shadows of the industry.
This apparent exclusion came in the wake of Brendan’s courageous decision to open up about his experiences of past abuse. In a candid interview with GQ in 2018, he revealed that he had been a victim of sexual abuse within the industry. The incident had a devastating impact on his career, causing it to “wither on a vine,” as he aptly described. Brendan candidly shared how this distressing situation left him feeling despondent, melancholic, and reclusive.
Recalling the incident, he expressed, “His left hand reaches around, grabs my cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. And he starts moving it around. I felt ill. I felt like a little kid. I felt like there was a ball in my throat. I thought I was going to cry… In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.”
Following his revelation, Brendan received a written apology, but he sensed a subsequent estrangement from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) and the Golden Globes, leading him to believe that he had been sidelined.
In addition to these professional challenges, Brendan faced personal setbacks, including health issues, divorce, and the heartbreaking loss of his mother. However, “The Whale” served as a turning point in his life, affirming his return to the film industry.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Brendan expressed his profound gratitude for the recognition he received. Holding the golden statuette tightly, he exclaimed, “So this is what the multiverse looks like! I thank the academy for this honor… Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship ‘The Whale.'”
Reflecting on his journey, he continued, “I started in this business 30 years ago… There was a facility that I didn’t appreciate at the time until it stopped. I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement because it could not be done without my incredible cast.”
With his triumphant comeback and well-deserved accolades, Brendan Fraser has emerged as a beacon of resilience and talent in the film industry, inspiring others with his unwavering determination and passion for his craft. The stage is now set for a bright and promising chapter in his career, one where he can continue to captivate audiences with his exceptional performances and make a positive impact in the world of cinema.
