Brendan Fraser Career Retrospective | SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations

Brendan Fraser shares stories from his performances in ‘The Mummy’, ‘George of the Jungle’ and ‘The Whale’ in this career spanning discussion moderated by Perri Nemiroff, Collider. This interview is part of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations series, an essential resource for actors, filmmakers and students of discussions with performers, exploring the process and profession of acting.
The views expressed in the presentation materials and films, and by the guests and moderators are solely those of the organization and/or individual providing them and do not reflect the opinions of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, its staff or Board of Directors.
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[@MichaelHolmgaard]

He looks better every day right now. Feels like he is getting ready for The Mummy 4 :o

[@tomato7812]

You can really feel that he is so genuinely humble like he’s talking to your soul

[@johnnylauve6369]

Omg. He seems more and more alive with every interview. I'm incredibly inspired and emboldened by him lately. he looked so fragile in interviews a few weeks ago and now it feels like he's ... Back. like he lost himself and now he's found.

[@dinkie24b]

Totally thought the same!!! He was in shock at the admiration for a little while! He’s settled into himself again! He has always been one of my favorites since school ties, he’s so talented. So thrilled he’s back! ❤

[@majesticmiu9564]

Compared to interviews 2-3 years ago when he was just a trembling voice (the vocal cord injury) and now he finally realizes how much we all have missed him and love him ❤ I adore him. I've been binge watching his movies, he is incredible.

[@keren9322]

I just want to raise everyone's awareness of Brendan Fraser's awesome and chilling performance in "The Affair" and "Line of Descent". I am so convinced that he can play any role with perfection.

[@hamekasia]

Awww when he said hi to Rachel Weisz that made me so happy 😁. I wish we could see those two together again, they had such magical chemistry

[@deppienouli8389]

What a nice interview,what inspiring words, what a beautiful aura this man has.I was touched by the part where he said "no director has ever spoken to me like that".How grateful he feels (and we) that a director guided him properly and was able to showcase his wonderful talent to the rest of the world (because we who loved him had already seen it)

[@Golden_glow]

I am sooo rooting for you Brendan!!! I hope you win an Oscar! You so deserve it 💕

[@tovangar]

Fraser's warmth and kindness are such gifts. I've seen almost all of his work (I STILL can't find S2E2 of 'Fallen Angels'). Even the 'non box office' projects are full of gems. He's just so good. Listen and watch Fraser in 'Hair Brained' when he replies to the question, "You want to know the most awful, humiliating part of the whole entire story?" (@ about 12 minutes in). I was on the floor. The warmth of that film just flows off the screen and stays with you. Fraser is wonderful. It was designed to be a light, throwaway film, but Fraser treats every job with total respect. I cannot remember how many times I've rewatched it. Or in 'The Scout' when he leaves a phone message for his psychiatrist or when he becomes enraged at the scout, and more. The ending sequence of 'Gods and Monsters' leaves me in tears. And Fraser conveys so much (in less than a minute ffs) in the opening sequence. One cannot look away. Don't miss his astounding James Fletcher Chace in 'Trust'. All the Fourth Wall scenes and the ones between him and Hilary Swank are particularly excellent. I'm convinced Chace is a real person and is out there somewhere. Fraser's bashful embarrassment with the stripper in 'Twenty Bucks' is unforgettable and so believable. So many things in 'Guilty Until Proven Innocent', when he was so young. Fraser's Vietnam vet in 'Now and Then'. On and on, so much goodness. Too many to list He has the rare ability is embody genuine joy and shared humanity. He's exhilarating to watch. Fraser's given us so much (both in performances and interviews) and I am so grateful. He's had a deep and lasting effect on so many of us

[@quirkyquips9915]

If I may say without insulting James Lipton & The Actor's Studio, this was so far more informative from learning about the making of such a piece of film art to getting to know the man behind the actor, Brendan Fraser. For so many years I'd see those hit pieces,the clickbait of "why Hollywood doesn't want to work with BF anymore" avoiding them for the trash they are, no matter the name entered in the title. As stated, clickbait. I'm so very grateful for his Oscar win as this eloquent, in-depth interview would never have been seen, allowing me to see the sensitive & charming man that was rumored to be vilified in those random rags. I'm so glad I never fell for them. Brendan Fraser is one class act & remarkable human being.

[@FriteVerte]

I love his that he shares his raw perspectives on life. Like that moment he got his union card feeling like a portal to his destiny. He is a truly spectacular man.

[@monkeybusiness8837]

Through his wisdom and experience Brendan Fraser has collected over the years, he actually is teaching everybody who's listening, how to do life, how to make wise decisions, how to take on challenges and deal with dissapointments and how to notice that everyone around you have something important to add to your life, if you only pay attention to notice it. Great interview!

[@tovangar]

Yes. I've gotten through a few very difficult situations by relying on Brendan's advice. I swear he's my life coach. Watching him closely over the last 30 years (I'm 75) has not gone to waste.

[@carlomagno1196]

Both intelligent and intellectual. Intelligent in his thought process, his views in life, and the real concerns that beset every individual regardless of what kind of passion you are seeking and ultimately bringing your idea of purpose into life. He taught as that in this honest te-a-te. He is such an intellectual by virtue of his pursuit to study, learn, and try to perfect his craft and share with the world what it means to be vulnerable, and embrace the moorings of a true thespian.

[@carlomagno1196]

I had seen School Ties, and that movie was full of good-looking, passionate men who go on to become successful in their chosen careers. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Brendan Fraser led the crop of these talented actors.

[@sofiakatelyn]

I love actors. I love acting even tho I don't make a living out of it. It's storytelling in its most honest form. There's a magic to moviemaking, of creating a fantasy that is believable. A childlike essence to it and that's what makes it so special ❤

[@CannibalWHORE22]

I can’t look at him these days without feeling the need to cry or feel happy. I really respect him

[@thatgaldallas8459]

Love this man. I hope he gets all his flowers. The Whale was heartbreaking

[@organicskating]

The interviewer is excellent! Asked really good questions from the audience. So fun to watch! Never realized I first saw him in DOGFIGHT (1992)

[@SM-nu1xl]

I am watching this post Oscar's and OMG, he won the Oscar for his brilliant performance in "The Whale". I just watched The Whale a few days ago and I watched the Elvis movie with Austin Butler a few weeks ago. Now I'm by no way bashing Butler or his performance in the movie, but I never gave the movie any after thought once it was over. I never thought oh man what a performance or man what a great movie. Yes it did give me or the viewer some insight into the life of Elvis that maybe some of us weren't aware when it came to his relationship with Col. Parker. On the other hand Brendan's performance in The whale left me thinking and I'm still thinking. He was just so vulnerable and believable in his performance and I just didn't think anyone deserved the Oscar more than Brendan. I might add I had also watched the Colin Ferrell movie as well and this guy right here was the clear and obvious winner.

[@saltress1126]

I’ve loved Brendon Fraser science School Ties. I’m afraid of seeing The Whale simply because I wanted to cry just from seeing the clips...my fear is I may never stop crying. 🤭 I fear I’m not emotionally up to it. 😔😪

[@zetsu-iw6tw]

congratulations for wimmig the SAG!!

[@johndeignan2668]

Even though Oscars and other award shows don’t love The Whale, I still think Fraser is going to win SAG and the race between Butler and Fraser for that oscar will be close. Just cause Butler won Bafta doesn’t mean it’s over for Fraser 🤷‍♂️

[@jelton73]

The best award to predict the Oscar is the SAG award and Brendan won that

[@OpheliaDarkling]

Fraser had the depth of character and it was presented in a focused, clear, concise and authentic way. I didn't get those characteristics from Austin as Elvis--he did a great job and it was not his fault--I think it was the way that movie was set up with all the montagey distractions. Fraser's character really stood out. It would be a shame if Fraser doesn't win, but the Academy is the Academy and are notorious for ripping off actors (see Judy Garland). Austin & Brendan both did great work so it will be interesting to see who takes it home.

[@justincrisostomo218]

True enough…An Oscar winner mow ❤❤❤

[@amy_yoshikawa]

Well, he won the Oscar.

[@berthang8021]

Fraser

[@rrregan]

this guy is still as beautiful as ever. love you lots, brendan!!

[@keren9322]

More than 120K views within a month - this clearly indicates that so many people waited for Brendan Fraser to come back and how much we love him continuously. He is a great actor and a wonderful individual.

[@onebraveheartlion]

Who else remembers Blast From The Past? It's truly great and I don't think I've ever seen anyone ask him about that in an interview. It's really great with Christopher Walken, Sissy Spacek, and Alicia Silverstone. 🤗

[@fettfan91]

Great questions, great interview!

[@MegaSuziek]

1:06 wow... how honest. Brilliant and important to show this.

[@Southpaw_canvass]

I love his voice it trembles with humbleness, emotional and vulnerable. I sincerely believe he has the same soul as Charlie via The Whale

[@milagrosgastanes4639]

Love his heart.

[@Horror_Film_Aficionado]

Perri is a great passionate interviewer

[@renan.csmaia]

I hope he wins the Oscar this year!!

[@shaxvyzz1663]

he just did

[@richardgaliguis]

"Now live up to it Brendan!" haha

[@gladecornelius]

Just like Imhotep, I know that is spelled wrong, he has fully regenerated.

[@sellingacoerwa8318]

You spelled Imhotep wrong.

[@alexlazzerly3677]

I feel like he's lot a lot of weight since his recent success. He's looking a lot healthier, like he did ten years ago.

[@zairehaylock4974]

I love SAG-AFTRA.

[@karenragan-george8401]

What a good and kind man.

[@davidadams2395]

Love Frazer. I went to Cornish after seeing him in School Ties, though mine was for Fine Art. I had wanted to act, but visual art I knew, and acting was an unknown; therefore, I chose the (seemingly) simpler path. There is a spot where he asked this audience to _"forgive my insouciance"_ when about to describe a nurse in The Whale. I'm not sure I understand his usage here.

[@maazshaikh5996]

He was imploring them to forgive him if he unintentionally 'spoiled' anything regarding the film.

[@okayimbackwhateverjones]

Congratulations

[@Joesmovietalk]

What a wonderful guy!

[@sandraquito3540]

Luv ya Brendan!

[@Joesmovietalk]

Great in one of best comedies Bedazzled!

[@saltress1126]

I ❤ HIM IN 📚📖 SCHOOL 🏈 TIES I WATCH IT EVERY 🍁🍂 FALL SINCE ITS CAME OUT‼️🥰

[@jc2333]

He should win the Oscar .60/40 percent with butler.

[@robertriteman3227]

He was deserving of the Oscar. Frankly, I was unimpressed by Butler and did not understand why he receive so much acclaim and award recognition for what was essentially imitating Elvis Fraser has had numerous great performances ( School Ties, Twilight of the Golds, G-ds and Monsters , The Quiet American ) and has demonstrated that he can use his talent in different genres.

[@TheWorldAccordingtoJim]

Beautiful man!!!

[@beabravo6759]

Miss Perri I would have loved a bit about Gods and Monsters!

[@jjbillsensen1421]

Great interview!

[@BHUPS00007]

Thanks a ton for this awasome interview. Love from🇮🇳

[@NotthatRossKemp]

Seems like a lovely man.

[@KRiSHNA-KANT-RAJ]

Rick o'connell 💥🔥

[@xanblacq]

Lovely man!

[@ellen9268]

another incredible performance by Brendan to check out - The Twilight of the Golds (1996)

[@OpheliaDarkling]

although a 90's film it really was an interesting break from his straight laced characters and great to see. It sucks that he didn't take on more roles like that during that decade--they were hard to come by back then. The Passion of Darkly Noon (95) was an interesting role but again, the writing and direction wasn't quite up to par.

[@LoneStreet]

I’ve just seen it, he’s very good in it

[@cass96100]

It was the jukes It was the jukes ,ilove him even more now

[@beabravo6759]

Dont make me cry on like minute 3, Miss Perri

[@bearbear4389]

He should play Rodney Dangerfield for a second Oscar.

[@deppienouli8389]

Yes..That would be amazing

[@leighh1981]

He's the best

[@jc2333]

The brenaissance

[@davidseeley201]

What a legend

[@sarasmith9333]

great to see him back for good!

[@bobdole4432]

Won SAG 😊

[@neilvarma]

Perri!!

[@infiniteelaine]

Not going to SMU for an MFA was the best decision he ever made.

[@TheEandIShow]

fuck yeah Perri

[@joemckim1183]

LAST

[@Shayler78]

Brendan Fraser's Dogfight scene: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJubYZqQh65pi6c

[@aashishkj]

33:40 wouldn’t that make success the bastard instead 😄

[@sally.vandenhende.3864]

Brendan, The Way You Film The Whale is Awesome. So real and very profound. I am happy that You are back !! My favourite Actor. 💯💯💯💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞👌👌👌👌👌👌🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🙏🙏🙏🙏.