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Brendan Fraser's Astonishing Journey Back to Stardom – From Star to Obscurity to Oscar Winner
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Brendan Fraser's Astonishing Journey Back to Stardom – From Star to Obscurity to Oscar Winner

After decades away from the big screen, Brendan Fraser is back and to prove it he just won the Oscar for Best Actor in The Whale. This is a man who the world has been rooting for in the last year. A man who has always come across as sincere, hard done by, and most importantly (when it comes to the Oscars) extremely talented. Anyone who has grown up watching the golden era of the ’90s cinema is more than familiar with Brendan Fraser, the strapping blue-eyed handsome star who ruled the silver screen back then with his undeniably brilliant acting chops. He was one of the ‘It’ stars of the decade, with films like Encino Man, School Ties, Airheads, Still Breathing, George of the Jungle, and The Mummy completing his transition to being a bankable Hollywood action actor with the potential to rake in big bucks at the box office.RELATED: Why Did Minnie Driver Disappear from Acting – And Where Is She Now?But by the end of the 2000s, the number of hits he managed to serve was getting overshadowed by the critical and commercial failures. The star was losing his high spot in the wide expanse of the starry sky and for years, it became a task to find that spark within himself that was not governed by others’ perception of who he is. The Setting Sun of Brendan Fraser’s CareerBrendan Fraser in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon EmperorJudging by the fact that Fraser remained stuck in the formula that was a hit back in the 90s and was unable to adapt to the change in the cinematic landscape, his decline was obvious. By his own admission, the actor’s sense of “who I was and what I was doing” was severely messed up after former HFPA President, Philip Berk, allegedly sexually assaulted him in the summer of 2003. Apart from facing backlash for pointing fingers at Berk, he was also going through a divorce at the time. Fraser has shared that he was depressed and unable to focus on his career in the wake of everything that was happening. RELATED: How Brendan Fraser Helped Dwayne Johnson Land His First Role – Yes, Nice Guys Can Finish FirstAs shared in an interview with GQ back in 2018, for Fraser work “withered on the vine for me. In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me.” Though the HFPA has vehemently maintained they never interfered with the actor’s career, Fraser wondered if the association blacklisted him for daring to speak against their own. In the years that followed, Brendan Fraser only played small, easily forgettable roles, leading a life away from all the stardom he had rightfully earned. In fact, a few years back The Mummy alum was increasingly becoming the favorite topic of “what happened to this famous star” articles. The Re-Discovery of the Brendan Fraser If you were to pick at the complicated yarn of Hollywood and try to look past all the glitz and glamour, you will end up with a disappointing picture of talented actors who have been sidelined into the depths of obscurity with no hopes of ever regaining the fame they once enjoyed. But despite being crudely dethroned decades ago and left to wade through a sea of disappointments, setbacks, and playing roles that drastically failed to represent the actor’s massive potential, Brendan Fraser has risen like a phoenix from the ashes. RELATED: ‘Cancel Culture’ Almost Killed Constance Wu – Her Comeback Is a Significant Lesson for EveryoneIt all started with HBO casting him as Cliff Steele/Robotman in the DC series Doom Patrol. Needless to say, Fraser once again proved he can and does steal every frame he is in. This was followed by filmmaker Steven Soderbergh casting him in the crime drama No Sudden Move alongside Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, and Julia Fox. The sudden — but totally well-deserved and earned — rise in his popularity further bloomed thanks to compliments from critics and the general audience for his role in the crime drama. What has eventually cemented his glorious comeback to Hollywood land is his heart-touchingly exceptional performance as the protagonist in director Darren Aronofsky’s 2022 drama, The Whale. Completely driven by Fraser moving performance, the film tells the story of Charlie, a reclusive English teacher who is struggling with obesity and is desperate to reach out to his teenage daughter as a last-ditch attempt to redeem himself. Brendan Fraser Reaps His AwardsSo far, the film has earned him a six-minute standing ovation at the Venice International Film Festival, a Golden Globe nomination, Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards, and winning the Best Actor award at the 2023 Oscars. Given his relentless upward-rising trajectory and the applause that keeps coming his way for The Whale, it won’t be too far-fetched to presume that Fraser might end up marking his comeback by securing his first-ever Oscar. So, what worked in Brendan Fraser’s favor? Of course, the directors who overlooked the decades the actor spent playing minor roles and gave him the platform for the “Brenaissance” are definitely worthy of a bit of the credit. But the majority of it goes to Fraser’s refusal to give up. RELATED: What Happened To Adrien Brody? The Promising Leading Man Who Mysteriously Left the SceneYes, he was overwhelmed and his spirit was crushed by everything happening to him, but he never let his passion for acting die or be warped by the disappointments he was on the receiving end of for years. You can be lost in the darkness but as Fraser said in his emotional message during the Critics’ Choice Awards, “if you too can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light, good things will happen.”With his inspiring rise back to stardom and reclaiming his rightful place at the top in the world of cinema, Brendan Fraser is proof of the wonders you have the potential to set in motion when you believe in yourself, even sparingly, even if it is shrouded in doubt. All you have to do is go on — you will fall, lose, and might find it hard to hold on to hope in the process. Because as he said, all you have to do is to find it in yourself to just get up and strive to get out of the dark place you are in, the universe will recognize your hard work, your Herculean efforts to beat everything threatening to keep you down, and yes, good things will happen.

Leslie Grace’s Response to Batgirl's Cancelation Is an Important Reminder about Disappointment and Dignity
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Leslie Grace’s Response to Batgirl's Cancelation Is an Important Reminder about Disappointment and Dignity

Rising star Leslie Grace, the Bronx-born singer, songwriter, and actress, was poised for a major Hollywood breakout with her starring role in Batgirl, an adaptation of the famed DC Comics character.RELATED: Lisa Kudrow: I Got Fired From FrasierBut just as Batgirl directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah were working through the post-production process on the $90 million movie, producer and distributor Warner Bros. Discovery decided to shelve the film, meaning that it will not premiere on any of the studio’s platforms — neither theatrically nor on streamer HBO Max.In Her Second Movie, Leslie Grace Stars as Batgirl Batgirl is (was?) Grace’s second movie, following her turn in the critically acclaimed 2021 film version of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s Broadway musical In The Heights.From a leading role in the film adaptation of a Tony Award-winning musical to a titular star turn in an upcoming DC Comics movie, everything seemed to be perfectly in place for the talented 27-year-old performer, who was previously nominated for three Latin Grammy Awards for her work as a singer.And then, her movie was canceled.RELATED: Lisa Nichols: Got Fired From Five Different JobsReportedly, Warner Bros. Discovery was dubious about a costly theatrical rollout for the $90 million, nearly finished film and equally unsure about a streaming release due to the crowded streaming landscape. Canceling any kind of release of the film and taking a tax write-down could be the best way to recoup costs, or so the powers that be may be thinking.Leslie's First Movie Was the Acclaimed Musical In The HeightsHollywood was abuzz over the announcement, with studio insiders claiming that the decision to cancel Batgirl was not driven by the quality of the film or the commitment of its creative team, but rather the studio’s goal to create DC Comics features on a blockbuster scale. Initially budgeted at $75 million and unofficially slated for release on streamer HBO Max (the budget shot up to $90 due in part to Covid-related delays and protocols), Batgirl was never intended for a major global theatrical release, according to reports.RELATED: Top 10 Quotes From Batman Dark Knight Trilogy That Will Motivate YouWhatever the initial intentions for the film may have been, the decision for the cancellation appears to be primarily driven by business reasons rather than any creative or quality factors. A number of theories have been floated, and just as many criticisms leveled.But through it all, Batgirl star Leslie Grace has been unswervingly true to her surname, reacting with dignity to the disappointing news of the film’s cancellation. Following the studio’s announcement, Leslie spoke via Instagram of her disappointment but remained positive as she called attention to the hard work and dedication that the film’s cast and crew put into the film over the course of its seven-month shoot in Scotland.Leslie Posted Production Photos Following the Announcement “Querida familia! On the heels of the recent news about our movie ‘Batgirl,’ I am proud of the love, hard work and intention all of our incredible cast and tireless crew put into this film over 7 months in Scotland. I feel blessed to have worked among absolute greats and forged relationships for a lifetime in the process! To every Batgirl fan – THANK YOU for the love and belief, allowing me to take on the cape and become, as Babs said best, ‘my own damn hero!’ Batgirl for life!” she wrote.She also shared photos and video from behind the scenes of the production, including one of a clearly weary Leslie in costume and make-up following what appears to have been the filming of an action scene. At this point in time, Leslie's pics are some of the only images of the production the public has ever seen.RELATED: 5 Powerful Batman Quotes to Inspire Light in Your Dark NightsDirectors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah, whose credits also include Bad Boys for Life and Disney+’s Ms. Marvel, released a statement on the same day, reflecting their own disappointment that the film was being shelved."As directors, it is critical that our work be shown to audiences, and while the film was far from finished, we wish that fans all over the world would have had the opportunity to see and embrace the final film themselves. Maybe one day they will insha'Allah," the statement read.The filmmakers further acknowledged Batgirl’s “amazing cast and crew,” which includes J.K. Simmons, Brendan Fraser, and Michael Keaton, who reprised his role of Batman, which he last played in 1992’s Batman Returns. Most notably, they praised Leslie Grace for portraying Batgirl and her civilian counterpart Barbara Gordon “with so much passion, dedication and humanity.”True to Her Name, Leslie Is Moving Forward With GraceIn another Instagram post that has since been removed, Leslie also uploaded a meaningful Batgirl comics panel that finds the superheroine smashing the bad guys as she thinks to herself, “I have to find another path. Divine my own future. One uniquely mine. Not a page from someone else’s book. Not a fate that begins and ends on Page One.” RELATED: 5 Common Reasons People Get Fired and How to Easily Avoid ThemThe colorful panel is a clear declaration by Leslie Grace that though the studio may control Batgirl’s future and, indeed, the very existence, it is she alone who commands her own destiny.Leslie’s actions illustrate how a respectful, positive response upon receiving disappointing or unwanted news in the professional arena is the best way to maintain a level of dignity and decorum. This is particularly true when there are greater powers involved in the situation and factors that are beyond your control or influence. Such is frequently the case for any career professional—not just those involved in high-profile Hollywood projects. But just as there are bound to be troubles, mistakes, or even defeats along the way, learning and moving on from those pitfalls is the best and healthiest path to ultimate success.KEEP READING: Beanie Feldstein’s Powerful Response After Being Fired from Funny Girl

What Happened To Brendan Fraser? The Promising Mummy Star Who Vanished
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What Happened To Brendan Fraser? The Promising Mummy Star Who Vanished

People of a certain generation remember actor Brendan Fraser as the floppy-haired, handsome, daring, gunslinging hero of The Mummy franchise. His leading role catapulted him to overnight stardom and endeared him to millions of young people across the globe in one go. He was slated to become the next major action star, and understandably so — Brendan was bursting with talent, charisma, and wide-eyed innocence through and through. Yet, something went awry along the way. His fame fizzled, the roles dried up, and pretty soon, he faded from public consciousness altogether. Of course, it’s a fickle industry and the ascent of celebrities up the ladder will naturally coincide with the decline of others. But make no mistake: Brendan’s fall was by no means a choice. That’s why it’s critical to reflect on his journey and examine where it went off the rails. Brendan was sexually assaulted by a Hollywood executive and became “depressed”At the height of the MeToo movement, Brendan decided to speak up and open up about his own experience with sexual assault. The incident haunts him to this day and is the driving factor behind his sudden departure from the entertainment industry. As per Brendan’s account in a 2018 GQ profile, he was molested by an executive during a Hollywood luncheon in the summer of 2003. He had been on his way out of the hotel when Philip Berk, a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HPFA), beckoned him over. Brendan shook Berk’s hand as a courtesy, but Berk reportedly responded with an action far more extreme than a friendly gesture. “His left hand reaches around, grabs my ass cheek, and one of his fingers touches me in the taint. And he starts moving it around,” revealed Brendan in a shocking, unambiguous fashion. Brendan was able to push Berk away at the time and escape the situation. Yet, he was “overcome with panic and fear” for a good while. 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 [...] I felt like someone had thrown invisible paint on me. Brendan Fraser on GQIn a matter of minutes, Brendan had his innocence and peace of mind snatched out of his hands. He realized right there and then that someone had cruelly violated both his trust and sense of safety — that “someone had thrown invisible paint on.” He contemplated disclosing the encounter to the public at the time, but he backed out due to his own denial and fear. He didn’t process the true impact of the assault, and so the trauma dug its vicious claws into his psyche, unraveling his life bit by bit. At the same time, he didn’t want to expose Berk in fear of having his career become defined by one particular moment. He was a young, ambitious actor shooting for the stars; he didn’t think that something that he deemed to be so trivial merited the fuss. I became depressed. I was blaming myself, and I was miserable [...] It made me feel reclusive [...] In my mind, at least, something had been taken away from me. Brendan Fraser on GQHis injuries, divorce, and the death of his mother added to the stress and left him “miserable”What’s truly tragic is that Brendan did his part in addressing the situation at the time. His team contacted the HFPA and asked for a written apology. But the HFPA and Berk’s team reportedly offered nothing but a meaningless statement containing no acknowledgment of wrongdoing. Brendan claimed in the GQ interview that he was slowly blacklisted from Hollywood on the part of a concerted effort from the HFPA. He was never invited back into the Golden Globes — an award ceremony organized and run by the HFPA — and industry professionals turned their back to him one by one. The experience made him a shell of his former self. He stopped socializing with his loved ones, he stopped expressing interest in film or television projects, and he decided to stop taking phone calls about new roles. After a while, he just didn’t feel like he was worthy of reentering the spotlight and pursuing his passion. Worst of all, he blamed himself for the pain and not growing a “thick skin” against the dehumanizing treatment. I was blaming myself, and I was miserable [...] just felt I couldn't be a part of it. I didn't feel that I belonged. Brendan Fraser on GQIt wasn’t just the assault that knocked his career off its course. As a rising action star, his body was put through the wringer in the name of stunts, physique requirements, and just regular male beauty standards. Brendan stated, “By the time I did the third Mummy picture in China,” which was 2008, “I was put together with tape and ice.” The overwhelming demands of being a Hollywood hero triggered a number of health issues for Brendan. He had to get two laminectomies, a knee replacement, several procedures for his back, surgery for his spinal pads, and even had to get his vocal cord replaced at one point. If that wasn’t enough, he and his wife of fourteen years, Afton Smith, divorced in 2007. His mother passed away from cancer in late 2016. He came upon many financial difficulties while on his forced sabbatical from Hollywood. It’s no surprise that the actor began spiraling in all directions. Yet, he maintains that it all leads back to that fateful night in Los Angeles, where his entire world was left undone by the disgusting actions of an executive. Brendan’s struggles have more profound implications than his own suffering. As a young man preparing to dominate the screens, he thought he had complete control over his expanding career, that nothing could touch him or throw him off his purpose. But sexual assault and harassment have a way of derailing momentum and leaving its survivors in a pool of shame, guilt, and continually recurring agony. A male actor speaking out about how his career was shattered by sexual assault is nothing short of remarkable. He is a big, broad man who is probably capable of fending off any aggressors on his own. Yet, the assault debilitated him to his core, and he felt just as victimized as other female survivors of sexual and domestic assault. The courage he has displayed in speaking about his afflict will ratify him as one of Hollywood’s bravest, most unconventional men. Never make assumptions about what someone is going throughBrendan Fraser had been our dream boyfriend through the nineties and early 2000s, but we should be wary that the wistful nostalgia train keeps us from considering the shocking realities of his career. If we can appreciate his performances from 20+ years ago, we can be more considerate about the assumptions we throw around regarding his career. At the end of the day, it’s human nature to develop assumptions based on the facts, or lack thereof, presented. But it’s vital to keep in mind that you have to be both sympathetic and patient with the innermost details of someone’s life. They could be going through something unquestionably sad, so it’s best to give them space and keep our assumptions to ourselves. More inspiring celebrities:What Happened To JoJo? The Teenage Sensation Who Fought To Love HerselfWhat Happened to Avril Lavigne? The Pop Punk Princess Who Vanished From The SceneWhat Happened To Zac Efron? The Hunk Who Suffered Behind Closed DoorsAfter Surviving Abuse Twice, Rihanna Is Ready To Have Kids With Or Without A Man