Brendan Fraser Credits Dwayne Johnson as a ‘Godfather of Sorts’ to His Oscar Win for “The Whale”

Brendan Fraser Acknowledges Dwayne Johnson’s Influence on His Oscar Win

Brendan Fraser recently opened up about how Dwayne Johnson, his former co-star from “The Mummy Returns,” played a significant role in his first Oscar win. The duo, who first worked together in 2001, reunited for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series where Fraser expressed his gratitude towards Johnson for his support.

Fraser, now 57, and Johnson, 53, reminisced about their time working together on Johnson’s debut film. Fast forward two decades, Fraser secured his first Oscar, and he believes Johnson’s backing had a part to play in his success. During the interview published on December 8, Fraser shared a touching moment when he was moved to tears by the audience’s response to his film “The Whale” at the Venice International Film Festival in 2022.

Emotionally recounting the standing ovation the film received, Fraser credited Johnson for being a pillar of support during that time. Johnson, acknowledging the impact of his encouragement, humbly accepted Fraser’s gratitude. The exchange between the two actors showcased their genuine bond and mutual respect for each other’s craft.

Fraser described the experience as surreal and beyond his expectations, highlighting Johnson’s public endorsement on social media as a pivotal moment in the success of “The Whale.” Johnson, known for his charismatic presence and supportive nature, expressed how Fraser’s emotional reaction to the accolades inspired him to pursue challenging roles like his recent project, “The Smashing Machine.”

The camaraderie between Fraser and Johnson was evident in their conversation, with Fraser acknowledging Johnson as a “godfather” figure in his journey to receiving critical acclaim for his work. Johnson reciprocated the sentiment by sharing how Fraser’s dedication and authenticity as an actor had motivated him to seek out roles that pushed his boundaries.

Their dialogue in the Variety interview painted a picture of two seasoned actors who share a profound admiration for each other’s work and a genuine desire to see each other succeed. Fraser’s heartfelt acknowledgment of Johnson’s support serves as a testament to the power of camaraderie and encouragement in the competitive world of Hollywood.

As the discussion delved into their respective projects, both actors expressed gratitude for the recognition and reception their recent films had garnered. Fraser’s reflection on his experience with “The Whale” and Johnson’s revelation about the impact of “The Smashing Machine” underscored the transformative nature of their craft and the profound effect it had on their artistic journeys.

In a poignant moment, Johnson shared how the success of Fraser’s film had reignited his own passion for storytelling and pushed him to explore new creative avenues. The shared admiration and mutual respect between the two actors showcased a deep bond forged through years of collaboration and camaraderie.

In conclusion, Brendan Fraser’s acknowledgment of Dwayne Johnson’s influence on his Oscar win serves as a reminder of the importance of support and encouragement in the entertainment industry. Their heartfelt exchange in the Variety interview captured the essence of two accomplished actors celebrating each other’s achievements and embodying the true spirit of camaraderie in Hollywood.