Brendan Fraser’s remarkable comeback has inspired millions, especially after his emotional and widely praised performance in The Whale. But even with global recognition and an Academy Award in hand, the actor admits that confidence is still something he battles daily. His honesty has shed light on the quiet insecurities that many high-achieving individuals face, even at the peak of success.
In a recent interview while promoting his new film Rental Family, Fraser opened up about how self-doubt continues to follow him throughout his career. The revelation shows that the pressures of fame and personal expectations don’t simply disappear with awards, applause, or industry acclaim.
The Oscar Winner Who Still Feels “Not Good Enough”
Fraser’s transparency about his insecurities took many fans by surprise. Even after winning the 2023 Best Actor Oscar, he confesses that he still feels a lingering sense of inadequacy.
“I struggle with confidence,” he shared. “I always have the feeling of not being good enough. Believe me, no one can be harder on me than me.”
He explained that no critic or online comment could possibly be harsher than the criticism he gives himself in private. For someone who rose to fame in the 1990s and early 2000s and then disappeared from the spotlight, this ongoing internal struggle feels understandable — yet deeply relatable.
Despite his rise back into Hollywood’s spotlight, Fraser says the emotional wounds from earlier in his life and career still affect him.
How His New Film Helped Him Stay Grounded
In Rental Family, Fraser plays an American actor trying to make ends meet in Tokyo by taking odd jobs — an unusual but refreshing storyline. In many ways, the role mirrors certain aspects of Fraser’s own journey, especially how he has had to rebuild his life and career after years away from Hollywood.
He jokingly remarked that the character helps him stay grounded:
“Don’t get too comfortable. It can happen to me.”
The film, directed by Hikari, required Fraser to immerse himself in Japanese culture, and the experience challenged him in meaningful ways.
Learning Japanese for His Role
One of the biggest hurdles Fraser faced while preparing for Rental Family was learning Japanese. Although he admits he’s “not a very good student,” he also proudly calls himself “an excellent mimic.”
During a post-screening discussion, Fraser revealed that people were feeding him Japanese lines off-camera. Through the magic of editing, audiences wouldn’t realize that he was learning much of the dialogue in real time.
According to Fraser, his castmates were incredibly supportive and helped him adapt quickly. He credits them with making him feel welcomed and guided throughout the filming process.
He also shared that his acting fundamentals helped him overcome the language barrier. Fraser believes that acting is ultimately about intention, expression and emotional clarity — qualities that transcend language.
“It doesn’t matter what you’re saying verbally — it’s the intention behind it,” he explained. “If we all just try, we’ll understand each other better.”
His Ongoing Battle With Self-Doubt
While reflecting on his confidence issues, Fraser recalled hosting Saturday Night Live. Before the show, producer Lorne Michaels offered him what was meant to be reassurance:
“It’s all about confidence.”
Fraser laughed while admitting that he wasn’t sure if the comment motivated him or made him even more nervous. His internal struggle echoes an experience many performers face: the pressure to project confidence even when they don’t feel it.
Despite the self-doubt, Fraser continues to push himself artistically and personally.
A Painful Chapter in His Past
Fraser stepped away from Hollywood years ago after going public with an alleged sexual assault involving Philip Berk, the former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. He claimed that Berk groped him at a 2003 luncheon, leaving him traumatized.
Reflecting on that dark time, Fraser said he felt the system was built on power dynamics that made it difficult for victims to speak up. His decision to finally speak out was influenced by the #MeToo movement, which encouraged survivors across the entertainment industry to share their experiences.
Fraser’s vulnerability and courage struck a chord with fans, many of whom felt his story highlighted the unseen struggles male survivors often face.
The Extraordinary Comeback With The Whale
After years of relative silence in Hollywood, Fraser’s comeback through Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale marked a turning point in his life. His emotional portrayal of a 600-pound man seeking reconciliation with his daughter moved audiences worldwide.
When the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2022, Fraser received a six-minute standing ovation, bringing him to tears. The performance earned him not just praise, but also his first Oscar nomination and win.
Critics hailed it as one of the greatest comeback stories in modern Hollywood history — a second chance that Fraser deeply deserved.
Yet, even with all this recognition, he still struggles with believing in himself.
What His Story Teaches Us
Brendan Fraser’s honesty resonates far beyond Hollywood. His story is a reminder that:
- Success does not erase self-doubt.
- Healing from trauma takes time.
- Confidence is often a lifelong journey.
- Vulnerability can be a source of strength.
Despite his insecurities, Fraser continues to create meaningful work, challenge himself, and connect with audiences on a personal level. His journey shows that the most inspiring people are not the ones who never fall — but the ones who keep rising, even when they feel unsure.