10 surprising facts about Brendan Fraser you might not know

Brendan Fraser, the versatile Hollywood actor known for his roles in films like Encino Man and The Mummy franchise, has had an intriguing journey in the film industry. After taking a break from the spotlight, he is now set to make a comeback with exciting roles in upcoming movies such as Killers of the Flower Moon, Batgirl, and The Whale. Let's delve into some lesser-known facts about this talented actor without further ado.

1. Brendan Fraser's nomadic upbringing shaped his resilience.

Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1968, Fraser constantly found himself as the new kid while growing up. His parents, Peter and Carole Fraser, were Canadian residents, and his father's job with the Canadian Tourism Commission led to the family moving frequently. From Amsterdam to Seattle, Fraser attended several schools throughout his childhood. This transient existence prepared him for the adventure and ever-changing landscape of an actor's life.

2. He made his mark in the film industry by crashing into a pinball machine.

Transitioning from attending Seattle's Cornish College of the Arts, Fraser ventured to Hollywood and kick-started his acting career with a role in 1991's Dogfight. In this film, he portrayed "Sailor #1" and even agreed to be thrown into a pinball machine, earning himself an additional $50 in stunt pay. Despite a potential rib bruise, Fraser's determination and eagerness were evident from the start.

3. Fraser reprised his role as Link in an unexpected twist.

Following his success in Encino Man, Fraser surprised audiences by making a cameo appearance as Link in his co-star Pauly Shore's 1993 film Son-in-Law. This unexpected crossover further ensued in Shore's 1995 film In the Army Now, where Fraser appeared as a soldier named Link, seemingly creating a connected universe between the three films.

4. His physically demanding action roles led to numerous surgeries.

Well-known for his physically demanding roles in movies such as The Mummy franchise and Journey to the Center of the Earth, Fraser had to endure the toll these performances took on his body. By the late 2000s, he had undergone several surgeries, including a laminectomy, partial knee replacement, spinal procedures, and vocal cord surgery.

5. An unfavorable animated film impacted Fraser's career.

Between his appearances in The Mummy and its sequel, Fraser starred in two films, Bedazzled (2000) and Monkeybone (2001), which performed poorly at the box office. Monkeybone, specifically, centered around an animator grappling with a provocative ape. Unfortunately, these films seemed to slow Fraser's momentum in Hollywood. Despite this setback, his talent and appeal continued to shine in The Mummy franchise.

6. Fraser played a significant role in an Oscar-winning film.

Following his portrayal of the legendary action-hero Rick O'Connell in The Mummy franchise and other successful projects like Looney Tunes: Back in Action, Fraser's career pivot was at a crossroads. However, his association with 2004's Crash, critically acclaimed and an Oscar winner for Best Picture, helped the film secure its $7 million budget. Fraser's involvement proved pivotal, alongside a notable ensemble cast.

7. The possibility of playing Superman crossed Fraser's path.

In the early 2000s, Fraser was among the esteemed actors considered to revive the Superman film franchise. Impressively, Fraser had several meetings with potential director Brett Ratner, even visiting Ratner's home to discuss the role. Although the opportunity didn't materialize into a screen test, Fraser revealed a slight disappointment when Brandon Routh ultimately landed the role in 2006's Superman Returns.

8. Photography became Fraser's creative outlet.

Around 1998, Fraser discovered his passion for photography. During his travels to various film locations, he began documenting his experiences using a used Polaroid camera. From North Africa to Vietnam, Fraser captured moments in time, exhibiting some of his striking work in Los Angeles, with proceeds benefitting a local theater troupe.

9. Archery became Fraser's newfound hobby.

As the digital age impacted traditional photography, Fraser sought a new hobby and found solace in archery. While not reaching Geena Davis' level of expertise (who nearly made the 2000 Olympic team in archery), Fraser displayed talent as an archer. In 2014, he shared that his enthusiasm started after working on an unproduced film related to William Tell. Today, he practices target shooting in his backyard.

10. The mystery of BrendanFraser.com.

In the depths of online oddities, there lies BrendanFraser.com, a website apparently claiming to be the "official" platform of the actor. However, Fraser's representatives clarified that he has no affiliation with the site, which has not been updated since 2005. Despite this peculiarity, Fraser-focused online discussions continue to prevail.

These intriguing facts have shed light on some lesser-known aspects of Brendan Fraser's life and career. As he gears up for his upcoming projects, his fans eagerly anticipate his return to the silver screen, appreciating his immense talent and versatility.