Happy birthday, Brendan Fraser!
The Oscar winner turns 57 on Dec. 3, 2025, but his acting career began more than three decades ago in his early 20s. He broke through with comedies like Encino Man and George of the Jungle, but he showed his range in the 1992 drama School Ties opposite Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and more.
To celebrate the movie star’s birthday, take a look at vintage photos from his early years in the industry.
He Has a Point
mikel roberts/Sygma via Getty
His strong features and signature smile date back to the beginning of his career!
Soul ‘Ties’
John Seakwood/Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
In School Ties, he plays a new student at a preperatory school who is antagonized by his rival (Damon).
Premier Men
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
They might have been foes on screen, but off-screen, the two ’90s up-and-comers became great friends. Fraser even credited his natural chemistry with Damon as the reason he landed the role.
Jaw Drop
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
While at the premiere of 1992’s Love Field in Westwood, Calif., his blue eyes caught the camera’s attention.
It Suits Him
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty
At the 1992 Golden Apple Awards, his side-swept hair made him extra swoon-worthy.
Take a Bow-tie
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The same year, he suited up in a tuxedo for a ball benefiting the Revlon UCLA Women Cancer Center.
Graduating ‘With Honors’
Moviestore/Shutterstock
He flexed his comedy chops in the 1994 film With Honors, costarring with Joe Pesci, Moira Kelly and Patrick Dempsey.
Effortlessly Cool
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty
Even in denim and a white tee, he manages to exude an easy charm.
In the Bag
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
A leather coat will always complete a look for Fraser, who, by 1997, was well on his way to superstardom.
Man of the Woods
Hulton Archive/Getty
His skin-baring role as George of the Jungle in the eponymous 1997 comedy firmly established Fraser as a major ’90s heartthrob.
When in France
Sergio Gaudenti/Sygma via Getty
At the Deauville Film Festival in France, he parted with George’s long locks for a short, chic cut.
Got Dirt
Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty
He got his hands (and shirt and face) dirty in the action-adventure film The Mummy as treasure hunter Rick O’Connell, opposite Rachel Weisz.
Star Power
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc
He flashed a movie star look while speaking to someone at the 1999 IFP Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California.
‘Mummy’ I’m Scared
Keith Hamshere/Universal Studios
He reprised his Mummy role as Rick in the 2001 sequel The Mummy Returns, as heroic and dashing as ever.
You Rock
M. Caulfield/WireImage
For a good cause, Fraser climbed a makeshift rock wall at a celebrity carnival benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
