Brendan Fraser is a Canadian actor. He is best known for his roles in Hollywood blockbuster films The Mummy franchise, George of the Jungle, and Encino Man. Fraser has had his fair share of struggles throughout his career, making a recent comeback to Hollywood. 

Brendan Fraser boasts an astounding net worth of $20 million as of 2023. His net worth comes from his acting career, various endorsements, and product placement deals.

The “Brenaissance” and New Net Worth of Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser’s return to movies is being dubbed the “Brenaissance” as he garners critical acclaim with The Whale. He was also cast in Michael Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), Brothers (TBD), and Behind the Night Curtain (TBD).

His net worth has recently grown to $20 million with an annual salary of $2 million. Yet, very few of Brendan Fraser’s investments and assets are public knowledge. These include;

• A Horse Property in Bedford, New York purchased for $3.4 million with $755,496 spent on furnishing.
• A 4000-square foot Beverly Hills home which he sold in 2007, after his divorce, for $3 million.
• $12 million reported earnings from The Whale.
• Expensive cars including a BMW ($57,000), a Hudson Hornet ($83,000), and a Ferrari ($0.2-$0.32 million).
• Endorsement deals with fashion brands, food chains, the alcoholic beverage industry, and perfume brands.

Early Life

Brendan Fraser was born on December 3, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents Peter and Carol Fraser. His father was a Canadian citizen, and his mother was of German and Scottish descent.

He spent his early childhood moving around the United States and Canada with his family. His father’s job as a travel executive required them to frequently move around. As a result, Fraser attended several different schools.

“I was 12 or 13, and I would go off on my own and see plays. The stage just fascinated me. I couldn’t get enough.” – Brendan Fraser 

He spent time at different high schools during this time. It was at Upper Canada College in Toronto, that he developed a passion for theater. He went on to study acting at the Cornish College of Arts in Seattle, Washington.

Brendan Fraser’s Acting Career

During his early Hollywood career, Fraser performed a series of minor roles. He was cast in films such as Dogfight and Encino Man starring alongside Matt Damon, debuting in 1991. His role in School Ties (1992) gained widespread recognition. In the movie, he played a Jewish student at a prep school in the 1950s. The film received critical acclaim, and critics praised Fraser’s performance.

Fraser went on to appear in a series of popular films, including With Honors, George of the Jungle, and The Mummy. He quickly became known for his charm, humor, and acting versatility. He starred in the sequel movie The Mummy Returns in 2001, which is the highest internationally grossing title for Fraser. The movie made a whopping $435 million worldwide. The Mummy Returns was also Dwayne Johson’s debut in Hollywood and the start of a long-term friendship between him and Fraser.

In 2008, Fraser faced personal and health crises, including his divorce and several medical procedures. Due to this, he moved away from film towards tv shows. During this time he did many tv series including The Affair, Texas Rising, and Teen Titans where he voices Robot Man. 

Fraser was cast to play the villain, Firefly, in the Warner Brothers Bat Girl movie project which was later canceled as the studio updated its priorities despite the $90 million film being nearly complete.

In 2021 he was cast as the lead role for Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale for which he received a 5-minute standing ovation. He won the Toronto International Film Festival Tribute award, the Best Actor win at the Critics’ Choice Award for his performance, and has won the 2023 Oscar award for Best Actor.  

Divorce and Personal Battles

Brendan Fraser and his ex-wife Afton Smith divorced in 2008. He was liable for $900,000 in alimony and $30,000 in child support per year. It became difficult for him to pay child support and alimony after getting hurt on set. The stunts he performed in movies led to knee cap replacement, a laminectomy, and vocal cord surgery. Shortly after, in 2016, his mother passed away after a battle with cancer.

In 2018, Fraser accused Phillip Berk, Head of HFPA, of assaulting him in 2003. The allegation backfired, with Fraser being black-listed and losing important movie roles.

“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.” – Bredan Fraser (Interview with GQ)

Following his divorce and his SA allegations against Berk, Fraser lost over $45 million in net worth. He also became depressed and reclusive, withdrawing from the limelight.

Fraser has not remarried since his divorce from Afton Smith. He is currently dating Jeanne Moore, a celebrity makeup artist, and hairstylist, who has worked with several A-lister stars in Hollywood.

Kinder Through Actions

Fraser is well-known for his humanitarian work and human rights advocacy. He supports multiple organizations, which provide support to underprivileged communities around the world. Fraser’s philanthropic work encompasses education, healthcare, and human rights. 

Fraser also supports other charitable initiatives. He has supported disaster relief efforts, and refugee and marginalized group assistance efforts.

Fraser donated his entire salary from Gimme Shelter (2013) to charity after being moved by Vanessa Hudgens’s performance. The real-life story of the women living in Several Source Shelters in New York touched him deeply.

“The Brendan Fraser Fan Club” (Unofficial) on Facebook has been dedicated to Fraser. In a tribute to Fraser’s eldest son who has autism, the group provides support to Abilis. Abilis is a non-profit organization that supports special needs children in Connecticut. The group also raises money through sales of merchandise for fans of the actor. These proceeds are, in turn, donated to charities.

A Lasting Legacy

Brendan Fraser’s fall and rise in Hollywood testify to his resilience and determination as an actor. Fraser’s legacy is one of perseverance, resilience, and dedication to his craft. Undeterred by personal and professional challenges, Fraser has re-established himself as a prominent figure in Hollywood.

Fraser’s legacy extends beyond the entertainment industry. Through his work and commitment to making a difference in the world, Brendan Fraser leaves a legacy that will be remembered for many years.