Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Wholesome Moment Of Fans Thanking Brendan Fraser For Making Their Childhood Awesome Goes Viral With 4.7M Views
20.4K

Wholesome Moment Of Fans Thanking Brendan Fraser For Making Their Childhood Awesome Goes Viral With 4.7M Views

ADVERTISEMENT

Guess who’s back, back again. It is I, dear Pandas, back to bringing you more wholesomeness and goodness.

Today it’s in the shape of Brendan Fraser. Don’t think I’ll be wrong to say that Brendan is one of the most beloved Hollywood stars the modern world has ever had. Whether it be nostalgia or his good nature and lovely personality, you can’t say anything bad about him unless you want to be lynched.

Brendan was signing some autographs at the Calgary Expo when two fans approached and lifted the mood of millions by just one sentence: “Thank you for making my childhood awesome!”

I shall take this time to thank you for clicking on the article itself, my beloved Panda, and will invite you to comment your thoughts, upvote the story, and mayhaps follow the author (aka me, hi!) just to bring their spirits up! I really appreciate y’all, now let’s get into the story!

More info: TikTok

Brendan Fraser was attending the Calgary Expo, meeting fans and signing autographs, but one interaction caught the eyes of millions

Image credits: imani.goulet

For those of you unfamiliar with who we’re talking about here, Brendan Fraser is one of the most popular and beloved comedy and action stars, rising to fame in the late ’90s and 2000s. From blockbusters like The Mummy franchise, George of the Jungle, and Looney Tunes: Back in Action, to the Oscar-winning film Crash, there is little chance you’ve not seen him on the TV or movie screen.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, he disappeared from the spotlight and it’s taken over a decade for him to get back to what he does so incredibly well. If you’d like to get a bit more context and information about his career, I’ve written a different article prior to this that gets into the details of things and I shall leave it here for all those that are curious.

Over the past few years, Brendan has experienced an upswing in his career, which fans lovingly called the ‘Brenaissance’. He currently stars in the HBO Max action series Doom Patrol and has upcoming roles in films by two A-list directors, Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale and Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. You won’t find a more excited group of people than those awaiting Brendan’s comeback to cinema; can’t say I’m not one of them.

Imani filmed their meet up, bringing a Funko doll of Rick O’Connell, the main character from The Mummy, for Brendan to sign

Image credits: imani.goulet

Not to diminish the skills and talent that Brendan possesses, but lots of people just love Brendan for who he is as a person and will love to see him succeed in anything he puts his mind to, be it pottery or acting. The support is palpable and comes in many shapes and sizes.

ADVERTISEMENT

Last weekend (April 23-24) Brendan attended the Calgary Expo, also known as the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, an annual fan convention held at Stampede Park in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, celebrating all things pop culture. He did a Q&A with fans who seemed primarily interested in talking about his lesser-known films, such as Encino Man, Bedazzled, and Monkeybone.

He also signed autographs at the event, which led to a heartwarming exchange with two fans. A TikTok user with the username imani.goulet posted a video of the interaction on Sunday, April 24, and it went viral with more than 4.7M views. She captioned it, saying: “I love this man!”

Brendan loved her name and they bonded over the fact that neither of their names have been easy to say correctly on the first try

Image credits: imani.goulet

Brendan signed a Funko doll of Rick O’Connell, the main character from The Mummy, for Imani, bonding over the difficult pronunciations of their names, which people tend to often get wrong. Imani commended him for being able to say her name correctly on the first try, Brendan replying, “I’ve had a lifetime of people mispronouncing my name. I know what it feels like,” with a little sassy eyeroll. He then complimented her name, saying he liked all the ‘i’s’.

Her friend then said, “thank you for making my childhood awesome.” Imani chimed in with “and mine too!” It clearly hit the actor right in the feels

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: imani.goulet

The fan then thanked the actor for signing her doll and her friend proceeded to tell him: “Thank you for making my childhood awesome.” Imani chimed in with “and mine too, you’ve been so nice!” Brendan was very touched by these words, pursing his lips in an all-too-familiar manner. He tends to do that a lot when he gets emotional and it’s lovely to see. He gave each of the girls a little fist bump in appreciation.

Afterwards, they had a little photo op, after which Brendan winked at Imani after she thanked him once more. She continued to say: “Everyone always says to never meet your heroes, I met mine and we almost burst into tears talking to each other. Thank you for everything, Brendan!”

He fist bumped the two girls and pursed his lips up in an adorable smile. Imani wrote, “we almost burst into tears. Thank you for everything, Brendan!”

Image credits: imani.goulet

You know, that bit of advice got me thinking – why not? Well, to start – the character you fall in love with or get inspired by is not the same as the person playing them. The imagination is a wonderful thing, however, you can’t imagine heroic traits onto a person that doesn’t have them in real life. They’re human just like you and me, and sometimes that can be a point which breaks apart the illusion of something otherworldly.

ADVERTISEMENT

Todd Brison explained that most people fear meeting their heroes because they are afraid those people will accidentally let them down, saying that “a bad experience with your hero negates what they meant to you in the past. It also ruins any chance they have of positively affecting you in the future.” However, that doesn’t always have to be the case, as we see here.

The humanity and humbleness of Brendan Fraser are traits that make him such a hero in real life as much as on screens. Whilst he’s fighting ancient evils in The Mummy, he’s also fighting our declining faith in humanity, one wholesome moment at a time. Same can be said about other favorites, Keanu Reeves and the late Betty White, who continue to impact the world positively.

He may be a hero on screen, but it seems Brendan is becoming a hero in the real world, too, bringing wholesomeness and goodness to all

Image credits: imani.goulet

We need a hero, whether we’re kids or adults and sure, what they mean differs as we age, but their importance shouldn’t be understated. The hero trope shows that nearly anything is possible, regardless of the trials and tribulations that one needs to go through. It provides something to aspire to.

The Successful Parent explains that having a heroic figure in childhood encourages kids to aspire to embody similar traits or behaviors as the hero. They can be positive aspects, such as compassion, intellect, bravery, or creativity, but they can also spiral towards the more unattainable aspects, which can be dangerous.

ADVERTISEMENT

These may range from recreating stunts, to negative self-talk because they’re not close to becoming or looking like the hero. And also, let’s be honest here, sometimes the villain is a lot more interesting than the hero, which may lead to a whole bunch of other issues.

The main takeaway here – have a chat with your kids and explain how they can become heroes in the real world by helping others, rather than just wearing a cape. Or a leotard, whichever.

Brendan is coming back with full force and his fans cannot be more excited! We wish him and Imani all the best

Image credits: Cory Doctorow

As long as we can look past the characters played, the photoshopped images and appreciate our favorites as real people, things might not have to be so grim. Everyone’s got bad days and as long as they’re not being completely and unreasonably awful, live and let live.

I’m sure I don’t need to say this, but I will anyways – always ask permission to photograph and film your favorite stars and heroes! Some will allow it, some won’t, so just be mindful of that! Okay? Alright.

You can watch the full interaction here

@imani.goulet #brendanfraser #brendanfraserappreciation #brenaissance ♬ original sound – imani 🌱

We continue to enjoy all the little stories coming out with Brendan and hope there’s many more to see! Let us know what you thought in the comments and I shall wish you the best day, dearest of Pandas!

People have shared their favorite Brendon Fraser films, as well as expressing their love for the actor. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

ADVERTISEMENT
Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
What do you think ?
Add photo comments
POST
egleradziute avatar
BoredPanda Staff
Verified
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, hey you! Yeah you. You look nice today! Have a great one ❤️

rf_ avatar
R F.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His acting in “Bedazzled” ranks with the best comedy performances of all time. I will die on this hill. Come fight me.

kjorn avatar
raidenhawkprime avatar
Raiden Prime
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Him playing a ginger who cries at sunsets in Bedazzled is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen

stephaniegoadsby avatar
Stephanie Goadsby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favourite movies is "Blast from the Past". I watch it quite regularily and I haven't heard anyone mention it. He is so good at playing roles where his character is far removed from the present time of the movie. It is an innocence that is quite endearing.

ann_m_rosa avatar
Amazon QT
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s my second favorite BF movie. My FIRST is Encino Man, his first movie he did. Then Bedazzled comes in 3rd.

Load More Replies...
albernistuff4sale avatar
albernistuff 4sale
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the couple of appearance he did on Scrubs were among his best roles. Had really hoped to see him as recurring character, but they shut that down (in an excellent way though)

radroxxy avatar
Rad Roxxy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, if I had to choose a character that I didn't want gone but went well, he did it, I straight up cried, I'm not a crier. 😔

Load More Replies...
tanjaj avatar
Tanja J
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

noone ever talks about or even acknowledges the movie With honors. I could watch that movie every time it is on, but it rarely is. You all talk about Mummy, Mummy, Mummy... It's like noone even knows about that intense movie.

funkycrew avatar
saltae950 avatar
Saltea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen to this, such a sweet guy. The Hollywood truly doesn't deserve this man🤧

Load More Replies...
kutiasutton avatar
FABULOUS1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that he is making a come back and has so many projects in the works. He seems like such a humble person, even after all that he has had to go through. Blast from the past is one of my all time favorite movies and Ink heart is at the top of my list also.

princedibbs avatar
Israel Martinez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I enjoy his irreverent behavior in "Doom Patrol" (mostly through dialogue since most of his acting is voiced) ... his enunciation of "F**K" gets me every time (no sarcasm) ...

mtyson03 avatar
Matt Tyson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite actors, my fave movie of his is With Honors.

jjblue avatar
JJ Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always been a fan. The Quiet American is a severely underrated work. His range is amazing, just an underappreciated talent

robyngardam avatar
KombatBunni
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMGS I just want to hug this man and tell him he’s such a wonderful person. And then we’d both need tissues for crying! He’s a world treasure

redrouge avatar
Red
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brandan Fraser not only made my childhood awesome, I was obsessed with George of the Jungle, made my mom rent it over and over and over again, but made my other ages awesome too. The Mummy, Airheads, Bedazzled... His movies are a part of my life and I'm actually very fond of him and grateful for the hours of entertainment.

sandyd avatar
Sandy D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We watched George of the Jungle countless times when our son was a kid. We all loved it and I still do. I mean not only is Brendan fraser great in in but Ape (Ape Primate) was voiced by the amazing John Cleese. So much to love about that movie

Load More Replies...
sandra_gushulak avatar
SandraG_lak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Calgarian, I love that this happened here. I've been a fan of Brendan since seeing Encino Man back in the day. Watched Bedazzled just last week. I often quote his movies.

dale818 avatar
P Dale Henson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brendan, you are a wonderful actor, you are loved by fans and God. Thank you for sharing your craft with the world and it's been my honor to watch and adore your films, MY FAVORITE will always be: Still Breathing <3 Screenshot...01807d.png Screenshot-2022-04-28-130906-626aca601807d.png

ann_m_rosa avatar
Amazon QT
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes my heart happy! Brendan was (and still is) my favorite actor starting in my 20s. After all of the cräp that life has place into his lap, it’s super rewarding to see him smile again. #KeepBrendanFraserSafe

amyhipps avatar
amy hipps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God i loved him in the mummy! Such a different type of hero. Such an amazing guy.

njscrutton avatar
OhForSmegSake
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only started watching Doom Patrol bc I heard he was in it, then I fell in love with the whole show. The Man is a God and just makes every thing he's in better

gzoontjens avatar
GPZ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By all accounts he's very similar to Keanu Reeves in that he's just an all round good guy, super respectful and appreciative of his fans. This is just another example of that. Poor guy got screwed over royally but glad to hear he's on the comeback. Going to go and watch Monkeybone now 😁

sanchorb avatar
LSR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh damn this was wonderful to see. He looks very happy and I hope he is good and succesful!

dark-nostalgia avatar
SR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad he's as awesome as everyone thinks he is! Knowing that Chuck Norris hated people like me gutted me. I thought he was just like his character since I'm from SE Asia, and I was so excited to meet him when was coming to my town. My girlfriend asked why? I was so confused. She bluntly said Chuck Norris is a religious bigoted zealot who hates gay people with vitriolic glee. She showed me all of his revolting messages, his attitude and so on, on various media. People weren't making stuff up about him. It was videos and posts created BY him. I was just so sad.

egleradziute avatar
BoredPanda Staff
Verified
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, hey you! Yeah you. You look nice today! Have a great one ❤️

rf_ avatar
R F.
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His acting in “Bedazzled” ranks with the best comedy performances of all time. I will die on this hill. Come fight me.

kjorn avatar
raidenhawkprime avatar
Raiden Prime
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Him playing a ginger who cries at sunsets in Bedazzled is still one of the funniest things I've ever seen

stephaniegoadsby avatar
Stephanie Goadsby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favourite movies is "Blast from the Past". I watch it quite regularily and I haven't heard anyone mention it. He is so good at playing roles where his character is far removed from the present time of the movie. It is an innocence that is quite endearing.

ann_m_rosa avatar
Amazon QT
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s my second favorite BF movie. My FIRST is Encino Man, his first movie he did. Then Bedazzled comes in 3rd.

Load More Replies...
albernistuff4sale avatar
albernistuff 4sale
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the couple of appearance he did on Scrubs were among his best roles. Had really hoped to see him as recurring character, but they shut that down (in an excellent way though)

radroxxy avatar
Rad Roxxy
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh, if I had to choose a character that I didn't want gone but went well, he did it, I straight up cried, I'm not a crier. 😔

Load More Replies...
tanjaj avatar
Tanja J
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

noone ever talks about or even acknowledges the movie With honors. I could watch that movie every time it is on, but it rarely is. You all talk about Mummy, Mummy, Mummy... It's like noone even knows about that intense movie.

funkycrew avatar
saltae950 avatar
Saltea
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen to this, such a sweet guy. The Hollywood truly doesn't deserve this man🤧

Load More Replies...
kutiasutton avatar
FABULOUS1
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love that he is making a come back and has so many projects in the works. He seems like such a humble person, even after all that he has had to go through. Blast from the past is one of my all time favorite movies and Ink heart is at the top of my list also.

princedibbs avatar
Israel Martinez
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I enjoy his irreverent behavior in "Doom Patrol" (mostly through dialogue since most of his acting is voiced) ... his enunciation of "F**K" gets me every time (no sarcasm) ...

mtyson03 avatar
Matt Tyson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One of my favorite actors, my fave movie of his is With Honors.

jjblue avatar
JJ Blue
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always been a fan. The Quiet American is a severely underrated work. His range is amazing, just an underappreciated talent

robyngardam avatar
KombatBunni
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMGS I just want to hug this man and tell him he’s such a wonderful person. And then we’d both need tissues for crying! He’s a world treasure

redrouge avatar
Red
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brandan Fraser not only made my childhood awesome, I was obsessed with George of the Jungle, made my mom rent it over and over and over again, but made my other ages awesome too. The Mummy, Airheads, Bedazzled... His movies are a part of my life and I'm actually very fond of him and grateful for the hours of entertainment.

sandyd avatar
Sandy D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We watched George of the Jungle countless times when our son was a kid. We all loved it and I still do. I mean not only is Brendan fraser great in in but Ape (Ape Primate) was voiced by the amazing John Cleese. So much to love about that movie

Load More Replies...
sandra_gushulak avatar
SandraG_lak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a Calgarian, I love that this happened here. I've been a fan of Brendan since seeing Encino Man back in the day. Watched Bedazzled just last week. I often quote his movies.

dale818 avatar
P Dale Henson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brendan, you are a wonderful actor, you are loved by fans and God. Thank you for sharing your craft with the world and it's been my honor to watch and adore your films, MY FAVORITE will always be: Still Breathing <3 Screenshot...01807d.png Screenshot-2022-04-28-130906-626aca601807d.png

ann_m_rosa avatar
Amazon QT
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes my heart happy! Brendan was (and still is) my favorite actor starting in my 20s. After all of the cräp that life has place into his lap, it’s super rewarding to see him smile again. #KeepBrendanFraserSafe

amyhipps avatar
amy hipps
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God i loved him in the mummy! Such a different type of hero. Such an amazing guy.

njscrutton avatar
OhForSmegSake
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I only started watching Doom Patrol bc I heard he was in it, then I fell in love with the whole show. The Man is a God and just makes every thing he's in better

gzoontjens avatar
GPZ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By all accounts he's very similar to Keanu Reeves in that he's just an all round good guy, super respectful and appreciative of his fans. This is just another example of that. Poor guy got screwed over royally but glad to hear he's on the comeback. Going to go and watch Monkeybone now 😁

sanchorb avatar
LSR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh damn this was wonderful to see. He looks very happy and I hope he is good and succesful!

dark-nostalgia avatar
SR
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm so glad he's as awesome as everyone thinks he is! Knowing that Chuck Norris hated people like me gutted me. I thought he was just like his character since I'm from SE Asia, and I was so excited to meet him when was coming to my town. My girlfriend asked why? I was so confused. She bluntly said Chuck Norris is a religious bigoted zealot who hates gay people with vitriolic glee. She showed me all of his revolting messages, his attitude and so on, on various media. People weren't making stuff up about him. It was videos and posts created BY him. I was just so sad.

Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda