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Updated May 29, 2026 · 21:25
Hollywood News Updated May 29, 2026

Brendan Fraser Reveals How a Failed Audition Led to Movie Stardom

Brendan Fraser recently shared how a failed audition for the soap opera "All My Children" led to his movie stardom. He had moved to New York and auditioned for the show but did not get the job. Shortly after, he landed the lead role in "Encino Man," which kickstarted his successful film career. Kelly Ripa, who starred on "All My Children," reminded him that his failure on the show paved the way for his big-screen success.

Brendan Fraser speaks up about failed audition that changed his fate

Los Angeles, May 29

Hollywood actor Brendan Fraser got a taste of serendipity in the initial phase of his acting career. The actor failed to land a spot on daytime television before taking the role that ultimately changed his life.

Recently, the 57-year-old actor recounted how he had recently moved to New York when he "had an audition at ABC Capital Cities for this soap opera called All My Children", reports 'People' magazine.

During the latest episode of 'Live With Mark and Kelly', he said, "I came in, and I auditioned. I did not get the job, right?"

Co-host Kelly Ripa then shared that she remembered the timeline of Fraser's audition, saying, "I know this because a couple of months later I'm on an airplane and I'm reading, like, the American Airlines magazine and you had just made, I think, Encino Man".

Kelly Ripa said, "And you were talking about how your first audition was for this role on All My Children and how you wouldn't have become a movie star if you had gotten the job on All. So, you're welcome".

As per 'People', Kelly Ripa herself starred on the series from 1990 to 2002, even meeting her now-husband (and talk show co-host) Mark Consuelos on set in 1995.

Despite not landing a role on the show, Fraser would go on to achieve huge success in 1992's 'Encino Man', in which he starred as an unfrozen primitive human man dropped into the 1990s. The role helped kickstart his acting career, and he went on to star in films such as 1997's George of the Jungle and The Mummy in 1999.

The actor is father to Griffin Arthur Fraser, 23, Holden Fletcher Fraser, 21, and Leland Francis Fraser.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

Classic Hollywood story but so relatable even in India. I know a guy who failed IIT JEE, went to a local college, and now runs a successful startup. Sometimes 'failure' is just redirection, na?

Michael C

Brendan Fraser is such a wholesome guy. After all he's been through with his health issues and whatnot, it's nice to see him smiling about this. The Mummy trilogy was peak 90s action! 🎬

Vikram M

Honestly, this is a bit of a stretch. So many actors don't get a role and they still make it big. But I get the charm - it's a 'what if' story that makes us all feel better about our own rejections. Still, happy for his success.

Ananya R

Ye sab destiny ka khel hai! 🎯 Imagine if he'd gotten that soap role, we might never have had The Mummy. Ross from Friends also almost didn't get the part, right? Sometimes the universe has bigger plans. Love Brendan's journey. ❤️

Sarah B

Kelly Ripa's reaction is classic! She basically took credit for his career... but I guess she's not wrong. 😂 It's funny how these small moments connect. Brendan seems like a genuinely humble guy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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