Brendan Fraser Thanks Surprising Figure for Oscar Success

During the 1990s, it looked as if Brendan Fraser was set to be one of the world’s next big movie actors. Success in films like “George of the Jungle” and “The Mummy” meant that he became a global star but his success waned in the late 2000s and early 2010 until he experienced a career resurgence in what fans have dubbed The Brennaissance.

Part of what revitalized his career was his critically acclaimed performance in “The Whale,” which won him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Fraser has now paid homage to what many might consider an unlikely source in Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, thanking him for his help in his Oscar win.

Brendan Fraser Thanks Dwayne Johnson for Oscar Support

As part of the “Actors on Actors” series for Variety, Fraser and Johnon interviewed each other, reuniting after working together on “The Mummy Returns.” In the piece, the pair discuss their careers and the more serious roles that they have both taken on in recent years. At one point, the conversation turns to why Fraser went on to portray the morbidly obese Charlie in “The Whale” and the unexpected critical acclaim it received.

Fraser revealed that he wasn’t prepared for the standing ovation he received at the Venice Film Festival, as he had never experienced that kind of success on the festival circuit before. He then explained that he feels he needs to thank Johnson for the support he showed for Fraser and the film on social media.

He said, “I owe you a debt of gratitude because when I took “The Whale” with Darren and the crew to Venice, and they applauded for a very long time and stayed on their feet — I’d never been there before. I didn’t know the whole ritual of it.”

Johnson responded by saying that he got emotional watching the reception that Fraser received for his performance. “I was in tears when I watched you,” he revealed.

This led to Fraser responding, “I know! And you put your shoulder into that by showing your support through Twitter. Dwayne, you’re a godfather of sorts of the success of that project. Thank you for that.”

Johnson Explains Emotional Impact of Watching Fraser’s Success

As part of the same interview, Johnson also revealed that the standing ovation that Fraser received inspired him. According to the former professional wrestler, the plaudits were more than deserved but also seemed more impactful given how much he knew that Fraser had put into the performance.

“Look, I’m happy to support you,” Johnson explained. “But also, that moment rocked me and it moved me. And then I see this long applause for you. You’re emotional; I’m emotional watching you get emotional.”

He continued, “But I felt such joy for you because I felt like that’s what you work for. The other stuff that comes our way — if it does well, great. If it flops, OK, we move on. But that ceremonial applause for something that you ripped yourself open and you went elsewhere — I was so happy for my friend and even more inspired. I want to do that. I want to find that role.”

The post Brendan Fraser Thanks Surprising Figure for Oscar Success appeared first on EntertainmentNow.