Brendan James Fraser was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Canadian parents, Carol Mary (Genereux),a sales counselor, and Peter Fraser, a journalist and travel executive, who shared a rich cultural heritage of Irish, Scottish, German, Czech, and French-Canadian ancestry.
Throughout his childhood, Brendan's family frequently relocated, allowing him to develop a sense of affinity with various cities, including Ottawa, Indianapolis, Detroit, Seattle, London, and Rome. His early exposure to theatre, particularly in London, sparked a passion that would later guide him to the Cornish Institute in Seattle.
Following his graduation, Brendan secured a minor role as Sailor #1 in River Phoenix's film "Dogfight" (1991),before landing more substantial parts in "Encino Man" (1992) and "School Ties" (1992). He has since expressed a fondness for playing characters who are "fish out of water," and five years of supporting work laid the groundwork for his breakthrough role as the titular character in "George of the Jungle" (1997).
This iconic role not only showcased Brendan's charm and physical presence but also provided an opportunity to demonstrate his comedic talents. He has described this part as a pivotal moment in his career, dramatically altering his trajectory.
Subsequent critical acclaim for his performance in "Gods and Monsters" (1998) further highlighted the depth and range of his dramatic abilities, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
