Brendan Fraser captivated audiences at the Red Sea International Film Festival with a masterclass that was as much about his remarkable career as it was a window into his thoughtful, humorous, and deeply human approach to acting. Over the course of the session, Fraser shared anecdotes, insights, and reflections, inviting the audience into the highs and lows of his journey as an actor.
Fraser’s relationship with storytelling began in his childhood, when he spent time in Europe and found himself regularly whisked off to theaters in London while his parents went shopping. Plays like Oliver Twist and Jesus Christ Superstar opened his eyes to the power of performance, sowing the seeds of his eventual career. Yet, for a boy growing up in Canada, acting was hardly the obvious path. “I was going to be a hockey player,” Fraser joked, before adding with characteristic humility, “I just wanted to be a working actor.”
That humility has carried him through decades in the industry, though it was his breakout role in Encino Man that first brought Fraser into the spotlight. Reflecting on the film, he humorously polled the audience—“How many of you have seen it? It’s been a minute, right?”—before admitting it marked the moment he thought he might not have to go back to flipping burgers. From there, his career snowballed with roles that showcased his versatility, from the satirical humor of George of the Jungle to the action-packed adventures of The Mummy franchise. He recalled the joy of filming George of the Jungle despite the grueling workouts: “It’s funny when it’s a comedy—you’re swinging on vines, smashing into trees—and you’re like, does anyone even notice how much I had to work out for this?”
Fraser’s anecdotes weren’t limited to on-screen moments. He recounted a nerve-wracking experience during his early days when, while stringing Christmas lights 85 feet up in a cherry picker, he discovered his co-worker had recently been released from jail. “Good times,” he quipped, his dry humor shining through.
But Fraser’s career hasn’t always been lighthearted. He spoke passionately about his role in The Whale, which marked a profound comeback for him. Playing Charlie, a reclusive man grappling with grief and guilt, required both emotional and physical transformation. Fraser described the meticulous prosthetics work that allowed him to inhabit the character, often spending up to six hours in makeup. The role, shot during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, felt like a reflection of collective human fragility. When the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival, Fraser was deeply moved by the audience’s reaction, which he described as overwhelming and affirming.
The session wasn’t without moments of warmth and humor. Fraser shared a hilarious memory from a stage production in Los Angeles, where a prop joke about Steven Spielberg was made—with Spielberg himself sitting in the audience on opening night. “Everyone just froze,” Fraser recalled, laughing as he described the palpable tension in the theater.
As the conversation turned to his career’s ebbs and flows, Fraser spoke candidly about the importance of taking breaks. “It’s a rollercoaster,” he said, likening his trajectory to a thrilling ride full of twists and turns. During his hiatus from the spotlight, he found time for introspection and personal growth, emerging with a renewed perspective on his craft.
Now, Fraser is embracing new challenges with the same curiosity and dedication that defined his early days. He’s recently wrapped Pressure, a WWII drama, and Rental Family, a Japanese-American film, demonstrating his commitment to diverse storytelling. Despite his long career, Fraser remains as excited about acting as ever, likening it to an ancient art form that connects people across time and cultures.
When asked about his thoughts on the so-called “Brenaissance,” Fraser chuckled, admitting he first heard the term when The Whale began gaining traction. He described it as both amusing and heartwarming, a reminder of the enduring support from his fans. “It’s a funny word,” he said, looking genuinely touched, “but I’ll take it.”
The masterclass closed on a reflective note, with Fraser emphasizing the importance of authenticity in acting and life. “It’s not about who you want to become,” he said. “It’s about who you are.” For an actor who has swung through trees, faced off against mummies, and captivated audiences with raw emotion, it was a fitting conclusion to an afternoon filled with wisdom, wit, and warmth.
As the audience rose for a standing ovation, it was clear that Brendan Fraser’s legacy is not just in his roles but in his genuine connection to the craft and the people who love it.
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