Brendan Fraser tears up following standing ovation for ‘The Whale’
Many of us will remember Brendan Fraser for his hilarious performance in "George of the Jungle". Others will probably remember him for playing the handsome and dashing Rick O'Connell in "The Mummy".
The actor was a staple for the big screen, playing the leading man in many productions up until the late 2000's. However, as a new decade began, Fraser stepped out of the limelight, whether by choice or because Hollywood decided it was time, was unclear.
While the actor continued to be cast in movies and TV series, it almost felt like the actor had exited the mainstream, with his existence in the industry being forgotten by the masses.
However, things would turn around. Fraser once again entered the mainstream when a video of the actor speaking with a fan during a convention went viral. In the video, the fan—who is also a TikToker—congratulates the actor for returning to the spotlight once again and also for being cast in an upcoming Martin Scorsese film.
The fan went on to say, "You've got this. Just know that the internet is so behind you. We're so supportive. There are so many people out there who love you, and we're rooting for you. And we can't wait to see what you do next."
In response, we can see Fraser choke up over the heartfelt message. The video went viral immediately, and overnight the internet itself became a Brendan Fraser superfan.
Things would continue on a positive note for Fraser stepping into 2022.
On Sunday night, the Venice Film Festival witnessed the world premiere of "The Whale", which stars Brendan Fraser. By the end of the film, when the credits began to roll, the audience got to their feet and gave Fraser a six-minute long standing ovation for his performance.
The actor could be seen visibly moved by the gesture, sobbing throughout the six-minutes. Other stars such as Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Nick Kroll could also be seen tearing up at the love and respect being shown for Fraser. Many others in the theatre also broke out in tears during the film's touching final scenes.
The standing ovation for #TheWhale was so enthusiastic, Brendan Fraser tried to leave the theater but the crowd's applause made him stay. #Venezia79 pic.twitter.com/ZZ0vbFX7Rl
— Ramin Setoodeh (@RaminSetoodeh) September 4, 2022
Fraser even tried to leave the theatre at one point, overcome with emotions, but the audience's clapping was so loud, he was forced to stay and even took a bow towards the end.
"The Whale" stars Brendan Fraser as a man suffering from severe obesity, who struggles to reconnect with his teenage daughter. The movie is based on the play of the same name by Samuel D. Hunter, who adapted the stage script into Aronofsky's feature.
Brendan Fraser's journey so far has been riddled with obstacles. The actor has long struggled with depression, following the death of his mother and his divorce. He was also shunned from top productions in Hollywood after alleging that Philip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, had sexually assaulted him.
In an industry that celebrates those with an ego, and constantly rewards controversies, it is refreshing to see someone like Fraser finally being given the respect he deserves.
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