Brendan Fraser Was On The Verge Of Tears After He Found Out About His Ancestors' Devastating Past

Summary

• Despite successful films in early years, Brendan Fraser "disappeared," but came back with a bang in The Whale.
• Fraser's emotional reaction to learning about his ancestors' devastating past on Finding Your Roots resonated with fans.
• The actor was visibly moved upon finding out about the Irish Potato Famine connection in his family history.

After starring in films like George of the Jungle and The Mummy franchise, Brendan Fraser seemed to disappear from Hollywood, despite the incredible success he enjoyed two decades ago. Many fans have called The Whale his big comeback, although Fraser doesn't necessarily agree.

Still, he has appeared in numerous movies that have grossed over $100 million at the box office. Fraser also won the 2023 Oscar for Best Actor his moving performance in The Whale.

When Brendan Fraser appeared on the show Finding Your Roots to learn more about his family history, the star grew emotional when he learned the information host Henry Louis Gates Jr. revealed to him about his ancestors. Fans who watched the clip/episode appreciated Fraser's reaction to discovering his family's history. Fraser was on the verge of tears after he found out about his ancestors' devastating past.

Brendan Fraser Teared Up When He Found Out About His Ancestors' Devastating Past

On Finding Your Roots, hosted by historian and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr., public figures discover information about their families. Guests of the show are usually told shocking information about their family roots. Pharrell was on the verge of tears after he found out the disturbing history of his ancestry. Brendan Fraser "knew his mother's roots lay in Ireland," and wanted to know more.

Discovering his great-great-grandfather "arrived in the United States before the year 1853, being then under the age of 11 years," The Inkheart actor was shocked. "When he arrived he was just a little boy." He was visibly moved when reading a document his great-great-grandfather wrote. "It's making me feel tingly all over."

Fraser learned that his great-great-grandfather left Ireland during the Irish Potato Famine (also called the Great Hunger). Gates told Fraser, "It's known as one of the worst famines in history, and your ancestors were right there."

Gates and the Crash actor discussed Fraser's ancestors' devastating past. "Did it ever occur to you?" Gates ased, "That your family was caught up in the famine?" Emotional, Fraser explained, "I wondered, you know? I speculated from what I know of historical events, but this is why I wanted to come talk to you, because I wanted to know how they coincide with the families, to give it context."

"That's why you did not grow up in Ireland," the host said. Fraser, tearing up, added, "They fled the potato famine." Gates continued, "They fled, and they came here. Your great-great-grandfather Patrick (F. Devine) likely crossed the Atlantic with his family."

When asked "what he thought was like for his ancestor to leave his home behind, knowing he'd never see it again," The Whale actor said it must have been "heartbreaking," with tears in his eyes. "It makes me think of how fleetingly childhood goes, and it hurts my heart," Fraser added, noticeably affected by what he'd found out.

Fans Loved Brendan Fraser's Response To Discovering His Family's Roots

Finding Your Roots allows guests to learn about their family history, and guests are usually surprised by what they find out. Scarlett Johansson broke down mid-interview on the show after finding out the real origins of her family. Finding Your Roots gives public figures the chance to discover things they might not know about their family, which can cause them to experience a range of emotions.

Fans who watched the clip loved Brendan Fraser's episode of the show. "He seems like he has such a kind a loving soul. He's completely right and I wish more people would think about things and come to that realization," wrote one. "We should be thankful for what our ancestors went through," another commented, "They made it possible for what we have today."

A third wrote, "I believe his ancestors would be very proud of him, and his accomplishments." One fan remarked on Fraser tearing up during the episode. "You can see him thinking about that 11 year old boy that made the journey and how hard life must have been for him, you can see those tear ducts starting to fill up."

Another fan wrote, "Excellent show! Brendan Fraser is a compassionate and humble man. I love him even more after watching this episode." Others were encouraged to share their own stories about their ancestors. One commented, "Both of my great grandparents on my moms side came to the US because of the famine. I wouldn't be here without them." Another wrote, "I am 71. My grandparents came from outside of Poland in the late 1800s".

Brendan Fraser Also Learned That One Of His Ancestors Had A Sweet Job

Brendan Fraser hoped to learn about his Irish ancestors on Finding Your Roots. Host Henry Louis Gates Jr. told the star his great-grandfather, Patrick Devine, "had an unusual occupation. He was a salesman for what was known as a confectionery dealer."

Hearing his great-grandfather had sold sweets, Fraser grinned broadly. "Candy store? What?" He remarked enthusiastically. "My great-grandad? He was a candy salesman?" The host said, "Yes", and smiling at the star's excitement, continued, "He was a candyman." Fraser responded by pumping his fist in the air, exclaiming, "Yes!"

One fan wrote, "I just love how genuinely excited and pleased he was to find out his great-grandpa was a candy salesman. 'Candy stores?!' His face just lit up like a big kid! It was so sweet!" Others added that his ancestors' sweet job seemed to run through the actor's veins. "It figures your ancestors were in the candy business, explains why your so sweet," one commented.

Reflecting on his ancestors' devastating past, Fraser spoke about how grateful he felt. "It makes me feel that I need to have some gratitude...for all the good things I have going on in my life right now."

Holding back tears while discussing the hardships his ancestors faced, he seemed humbled and proud by what he learned on Finding Your Roots.