Brendan Fraser is the kind of celebrity who will always be acclaimed as a great actor and person. No matter how much time has gone by since his first public appearance, Fraser is still in our hearts. Aside from being a fantastic actor, he is also a loving father to his children. He has overcome several obstacles along the road, most notably dealing with his first child’s autism and a hard divorce from his longtime love, Afton Smith.

ASSOCIATED PRESS/East News, Jordan Strauss/Invision/East News

When Afton Smith and Brendan Fraser first met in 1993, the actor’s career was just getting started. By the time they were married in 1998, Fraser had established himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable leading men. And Smith even had a part in one of his movies — which also happened to be her last one for which she was given credit.

Fraser’s career suffered a snag just before his divorce from Smith in 2007. Unfortunately, Fraser and Afton Smith’s love ended at that time when they revealed their divorce to the world. However, as they both proclaimed, they were committed to continuing a close, loving relationship.

Despite the numerous debates surrounding their divorce, they eventually reached an agreement, especially for the benefit of their 3 children. Fraser, on the other hand, overcame challenges and a difficult split that nearly wrecked his bright career, but he’s now finally ready for his thrilling return to the big screen.

Evan Agostini/Invision/East News

Fraser and his wife had 3 boys during their 9-year marriage, and he is a dedicated and caring parent to them. “Having kids makes your life better, plain and simple,” Fraser declared. Griffin Arthur Fraser arrived in 2002, followed by Holden Fletcher Fraser in 2004 and Leland Francis Fraser in 2006.

With regard to his personal life, as well as those of his children, Fraser is a private person. Holden and Leland, however, joined Fraser for the presentation of The Whale, breaking with tradition and making a rare public appearance.

The actor expressed how deeply moved he was by the event and revealed that his kids had also surprised him after learning of his Best Actor Oscar nomination. Fraser confessed, “The feeling of sharing that moment with my loved ones is now a core memory of mine.”

EVERETT COLLECTION/EAST NEWS

No matter how successful and well-known an actor he may be, Fraser will always prioritize his children, going to whatever lengths to ensure their happiness and well-being. Indeed, the star takes any opportunity to let them know how much he cares for them.

“I always hug and kiss them whether they like it or not,” he confessed. “I’d throw myself in front of a train if I had to for their well-being. That doesn’t mean you can protect them from everything, but you have to try.”

Coping with Griffin’s autism

Fraser’s life hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows, especially after his first child was diagnosed with autism. The actor recently came out about his son’s condition, always choosing to keep him out of the public eye. During a recent interview, he confessed, “My oldest son, Griffin, has special needs. He’s autistic.”

Despite the sensitive situation, Fraser has discovered the value of love and devotion in raising his child in the best manner possible. “He needs extra love in the world, and he gets it,” the actor said of his son.

Chris Pizzello/Invision/East News

“He is a curative on everyone who meets him,” Fraser said as he described his first son, praising him for the great person he is. “He doesn’t know what cynicism is. You can’t insult him. He can’t insult you,” he further explained. “He’s the happiest person and is, in my life and many others, also the manifestation of love.”

Fraser also understands the importance of the assistance Griffin had from his younger brothers, who never missed an opportunity to show their respect for him in order to give him a sense of strength and value. Thus, he said, “Ever since they were small, one was always the spokesperson and the other was the enforcer.”

Associated Press/East News

Fraser’s experience with Griffin allowed him to go deeper into the part of an overweight parent in his recent film. Indeed, as he acknowledges that his son influenced him in identifying what would be valuable and vital to “shape” his character.

Talking about his son, the actor said, “He just turned 20. He’s a big kid. He’s 6’5”. He’s got big hands and feet, a big body. I understand intimately what it is to be close to a person who lives with obesity."

Brendan has recently returned to the Hollywood scene and has already made an impressive comeback, showcasing, once again, what a wonderful person he is.

Preview photo credit ASSOCIATED PRESS/East News, EVERETT COLLECTION/EAST NEWS

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