Brendan Fraser Was Forced to Pay $900k Yearly to Afton Smith After Ex-Wife Realized ‘The Mummy’ Star’s Career Was Ending Amidst Sexual Abuse Claims
It is tragic to observe the roller coaster ride Brendan Fraser has been on for well over the last two decades. The prominent celebrity has seen it all in his career, the highs, and the lows. He was once at the top of his game. But we live in different times.
The Whale actor’s approval ratings took a serious hit at the turn of the century. And there is more than one reason that is there to be blamed. A string of bad choices, along with problems in his marital relationship has brought him where he is right now.
How Brendan Fraser scaled the heights of Hollywood?
Brendan Fraser was at the top of his game in the 1990s. He had made appearances in various blockbuster movies, including the likes of The Mummy, Now and Then, George of the Jungle, and Blast From the Past, which propelled his name into the limelight.
He had carved an undisputed reputation of being an action hero in the industry. It was during his peak years that he met his former wife, Afton Smith. The two first met each other in 1993 at Winona Ryder’s place. Their relationship blossomed soon. So did their careers.
Brendan Fraser’s dream life didn’t go as he expected
When they shared their vows in 1998, the duo had already earned a considerable name. Smith had co-starred with Fraser in the 1997 film George of the Jungle, which was released the summer before their marriage. Meanwhile, Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy was slated for release the following year.
But this age of prosperity came to an end. In 2003, Fraser made allegations of sexual assault against the president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Philip Berk. Meddling with an insider of this great magnitude cost Fraser both his career and his marriage.
The load of a crippling alimony
The Bedazzled star and Reality Bites actress called it quits in 2007, with their divorce being legalized in 2009. But that wasn’t the only sticking issue, he had to part ways with a lot of money. Fraser had to pay a hefty $900,000 in alimony as well as a sizable $30,000 a year in child support to Smith, which he was not fine with.
He tried to rectify the court-mandated amount, but it was not meant to be. Some years down the line, he contended that he didn’t make millions as he previously used to. But that was not enough to get a favorable order. But times are different now. His child support is a fraction of what it used to be. And his career finally looks set to take off with The Whale, which has won the actor several nominations, accolades, and a 6-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival.
The Whale is playing in Theatres Worldwide.
Source: The Things
