A Touching Exchange Between A Fan And Brendan Fraser Makes The Actor Realize How Loved He Is

Who doesn't love Brendan Fraser? We loved him in The Mummy, we adored him in Blast From The Past, and he made us laugh in Airheads.

His piercing blue eyes and childlike personality drew us to him. However, in 2003, Brendan vanished, leaving fans wondering what had happened to the much-loved star.

We could have been forgiven for thinking that perhaps the busy actor was just taking some much-needed time off. But in reality, there was a much darker reason for Brendan's sudden disappearance.

When he returned, Brendan was a shell of his former self. His eyes were sad, he had gained a significant amount of weight, and the bubbly personality we all loved so much was just not there.

So, what happened to Brendan? Well, in 2018, during an interview with GQ, he disclosed that he had been battling both physical and psychological problems.

Brendan had been in and out of the hospital for seven years due to injuries he sustained while performing his own stunts. "By the time I did the third Mummy picture in China, I was held together with tape and ice," Brendan said.

"I was building an exoskeleton for myself daily." The star underwent many different operations during that time, on his vocal cords, spine, and knees, to name a few.

But Brendan wasn't just struggling physically. After a difficult divorce and the passing of a close family member, Brendan was emotionally broken.

Who doesn't love Brendan Fraser?

Instagram / @brendan__fraser

We loved him in The Mummy, we adored him in Blast From The Past, and he made us laugh in Airheads.

Instagram / @brendan__fraser

But in 2003, Brendan vanished, leaving fans wondering what had happened to the much-loved star.

Instagram / @brendan__fraser

When he returned, Brendan was a shell of his former self.

Universal Pictures

The actor also opened up about a sexual assault he experienced in 2003. While attending an HFPA luncheon, Brendan was assaulted by HFPA president Philip Berk.

Berk touched Brendan on the butt, claiming it was a joke. However, Brendan didn't find it funny, and he asserts that the incident has severely affected his mental health and career.

"I felt like a little kid," he said. "I felt like there was a ball in my throat, and I thought I was going to cry."

Brendan withdrew after that experience, feeling judged because of it. But Berk claims Brendan's downfall had nothing to do with him or the HFPA, stating, "His career declined through no fault of ours."

Brendan was severely depressed and felt that he wasn't good enough. However, the devotion of his fans never wavered.

During an interview with cosplayer actress Lindley (or littlelottiecosplay on TikTok), Brendan talked about his upcoming project with Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Scorsese. He mentioned how excited yet nervous he was feeling.

"You got this!" Lindley said. "Just know that the internet is so behind you; we're very supportive."

"There are so many people out there who love you, and we're rooting for you. We can't wait to see what you do next." Brendan was visibly emotional as he listened to Lindley's heartfelt words.

The star tipped his hat to Lindley and replied, "Shucks, ma'am!" The words clearly meant a lot to Brendan, as a beaming smile lit up his entire face.

Lindley was equally thrilled. "He was so lovely and easy to speak with," she said.

TikTok / littlelottiecosplay

Brendan spoke about the interview during an appearance at the FAN EXPO in Boston when a fan asked him, "How does it feel to have all these people kind of worshiping you?" The star said he was "feeling the love."

Brendan even brought up the TikTok interview, saying he'd had "a nice little chat with this lovely woman called Lindley - I learned her name."

The fan mentioned that Brendan had choked up during the interview. "Yeah, I backed into that - was I?" the actor said.

"I was like, I don't know, I felt like… she was so sincere," he continued. "I appreciate it, and it let me know that, I guess, I just wasn't aware that there was that much support - I appreciate it very, very much."

FAN EXPO HQ

Naturally, Lindley was elated to have been remembered and mentioned by Brendan. She posted a follow-up video to TikTok saying, "It makes me cry and smile every time I watch it."

TikTok / littlelottiecosplay

Lindley thanked Brendan for his "genuine goodness."

TikTok / littlelottiecosplay

Brendan recalled the interview with Lindley.

TikTok / littlelottiecosplay

"She was so sincere," he said.

TikTok / littlelottiecosplay

"I appreciate it very much."

Instagram / @brendan__fraser

Here's how people reacted.

TikTok / cosmicinsomniac

A "wholesome national treasure."

TikTok / amandajoycecharles

"We didn't protect him."

TikTok / teresa_jack

I'm not crying, you're crying.

TikTok / cedarthebarefoot

"I would do anything to give him a hug."

TikTok / noodleb0p

"Genuinely excited."

TikTok / im.living.dead

So much love!

TikTok / kazascoot

"We love him."

TikTok / elizabethsaboni5

"This is wonderful."

TikTok / voicemonsteredits

"Broke my heart."

TikTok / daddy.lemons

"He grew up with us."

TikTok / morganraechelle928

Not only is Brendan an incredibly talented actor, but he's also a man who has been through many ups and downs in life. Perhaps that's why we relate to and care so much about him.

We want Brendan's story to have a happy ending, and we're not prepared to settle for anything less. We think his incredible strength and humility are inspiring.

We can't wait to see him in Killers of the Flower Moon, set to be released sometime this year. What's your favorite Brendan Fraser movie?