The Whale Star’s Legacy: 5 Fascinating Facts About Brendan Fraser’s Three Sons

Brendan Fraser’s triumphant "Brenaissance" has brought the beloved actor back into the spotlight, but for many fans, the most compelling part of his story is his role as a devoted father. As of December 2025, the Oscar-winning star of The Mummy and The Whale shares three sons with his ex-wife, actress Afton Smith: Griffin Arthur, Holden Fletcher, and Leland Francis. The family has recently made headlines, with the middle son stepping onto a very public stage, confirming that the next generation of Frasers is ready to make their own mark.

The relationship between the Canadian-American actor and his boys is a testament to resilience and strong co-parenting, a dynamic that has evolved since his divorce was finalized in 2009. From navigating a complex life in Hollywood to supporting a son with special needs, Fraser has consistently prioritized his family, offering a rare, grounded look at celebrity fatherhood.

Brendan Fraser: A Brief Biography and Family Timeline

Brendan James Fraser, born on December 3, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a versatile leading man. His career is marked by a mix of action, comedy, and drama, with notable early roles in films like Encino Man and School Ties (1992). He achieved global fame as Rick O'Connell in The Mummy trilogy (1999–2008).

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• Full Name: Brendan James Fraser
• Born: December 3, 1968 (Age ~57 as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American and Canadian
• Spouse: Afton Smith (m. 1998; div. 2009)
• Partner: Jeanne Moore (Current)
• Breakthrough Films: Encino Man, School Ties, George of the Jungle
• Career-Defining Roles: Rick O’Connell in The Mummy, Charlie in The Whale
• Major Award: Academy Award for Best Actor (2023) for The Whale

Fraser met actress Afton Smith at a barbecue at Winona Ryder's house in 1993. They married in 1998 and welcomed their three sons before announcing their separation in 2007, with the divorce finalized two years later. Despite the publicized struggles over alimony, the former couple has maintained a focused co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children.

1. Holden Fraser is the Family’s Rising Model Star

The most recent and exciting news surrounding the Fraser family involves the middle son, Holden Fletcher Fraser. Holden, born in 2004 (making him approximately 21 years old as of 2025), has quietly launched a career in high fashion. His most public and celebrated appearance came in February 2025, when he walked the runway at New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Holden modeled for the esteemed American designer Todd Snyder in the brand’s Fall-Winter 2025 show. His famous father, Brendan Fraser, was spotted in the front row, proudly recording his son’s debut on the catwalk. This rare public outing highlighted the strong bond between father and son and signaled Holden’s serious commitment to the modeling industry. Fans have noted his striking resemblance to his father, particularly his height and expressive features. This move into fashion marks a distinct path for Holden, separate from the acting world that defined his parents' careers.

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2. Griffin Fraser Has Autism and Inspired His Father’s Role in The Whale

Brendan Fraser’s eldest son, Griffin Arthur Fraser, was born in 2002 and is approximately 23 years old. Griffin has high-functioning autism, a fact Brendan Fraser has spoken about publicly with great love and respect.

Fraser has often discussed how Griffin's experience profoundly influenced his approach to his Oscar-winning role in the 2022 film The Whale. In the film, Fraser plays Charlie, a morbidly obese, reclusive English teacher who is desperately trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. The actor has stated that his work was informed by his desire to portray characters who might feel "ostracized by society," a sentiment that stemmed from his protective love for Griffin. Fraser’s commitment to understanding and advocating for people with autism is a significant part of his public identity as a father. He has noted that Griffin is a source of immense joy and a very smart, loving young man.

3. Leland Fraser Is a Talented Musician and Artist

The youngest of the three brothers is Leland Francis Fraser, born in 2006, making him around 19 years old. While not as frequently in the public eye as his older brother Holden, Leland has shown a strong inclination toward the arts, specifically music and visual art.

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Leland is known to be a talented musician, often sharing his work on social media. His interests demonstrate a creative streak that runs through the family, perhaps inheriting the artistic sensibilities of both his father, Brendan Fraser, and his mother, Afton Smith. Like Holden, Leland has also been seen supporting his father at major Hollywood events, including the premiere of The Whale and the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2023, showcasing a united front for the family during Fraser’s career resurgence. His public appearances are generally low-key, focusing on his support for his family rather than his own celebrity.

4. The Boys Are Close to Their Father’s Current Partner, Jeanne Moore

Since 2022, Brendan Fraser has been in a relationship with make-up artist Jeanne Moore. Moore has been a consistent presence in Fraser’s life, especially throughout the awards season for The Whale. Importantly, she has also developed a close and supportive relationship with Fraser's three sons.

The cohesive unit formed by Brendan, Jeanne, and the boys—Griffin, Holden, and Leland—is often noted on the red carpet, where the sons are seen interacting comfortably with Moore. This harmonious dynamic speaks volumes about the successful co-parenting arrangement Fraser maintains with Afton Smith and his commitment to providing a stable and loving environment for his children, even after the divorce. The family’s ability to blend and support each other is a key element of the narrative surrounding Fraser’s personal life.

5. Their Names May Have a Subtle Automotive Connection

A curious and lesser-known fact about the Fraser sons' names is a subtle theory suggesting an automotive theme. While perhaps coincidental, the names Griffin, Holden, and Leland all have connections to car manufacturers or models.

• Holden: An Australian automotive manufacturer.
• Griffin: The emblem of the Saab car company.
• Leland: A name with historical ties to the automotive industry, notably Cadillac and Lincoln.

Whether intentional or not, this detail adds a whimsical layer to the public perception of the Fraser family, known for their down-to-earth nature despite their Hollywood pedigree. The sons, now young adults, are forging their own identities—from the high-stakes world of New York Fashion Week to the quiet creativity of music and art—all while remaining a core source of strength and inspiration for their father, Brendan Fraser, in his celebrated "Brenaissance."