Brendan Fraser on playing the real John Crowley in 'Extraordinary Measures'

• Culture Pop blog / "Extraordinary Measures" and my visit to the Crowley home | Click here

• The Crowley Family Story, Part One: The Diseases

• The Crowley Family Story, Part Two: Extraordinary Measures
  
• The Crowley Family Story, Part Three: The Family
  
• Brendan Fraser on playing the real John Crowley in 'Extraordinary Measures'

• Movie trailer / 'Extraordinary Measures' / Click here

Brendan Fraser’s name might be most often associated with his work on major high-tech Hollywood movies like The Mummy series, George of the Jungle, Looney Tunes: Back in Action and Journey to the Center of the Earth.

But in conversation, his thoughtful, halting speech and meaningful insights on his most recent role, that of John Crowley in Extraordinary Measures, are reflective of the emotional depth that he has brought to films like Gods and Monsters, School Ties and Crash.

You’re a Canadian-American actor, but as you and all your brothers have recognizably Irish names [Kevin, Regan and Sean], there must be Irish heritage there somewhere. Do you know anything about your family’s Irish history?

I was in Dublin years ago and when I was first being introduced to the press, I was asked, “Is your name really Brendan Fraser?” Like it was some sort of joke. Is there Irish heritage? Yeah, I’m sure. It goes [way] back. [And] Scottish, German, Czech. . . I’m certain some French Canadians came through there too.

Your career has always included a balance of family-friendly action movies, comedies and more serious, socially compelling dramas – I’m thinking of Gods and Monsters, School Ties and Crash. Can you talk about the progression of your
acting and how you decide which roles to take? What drew you to Extraordinary Measures? 

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