Brendan Fraser And Afton Smith: Inside The $900K Alimony Battle, Fraud Claims, And Their Unbreakable Co-Parenting Bond

The enduring public fascination with Brendan Fraser's personal life, particularly his marriage and subsequent divorce from actress Afton Smith, has only intensified following his career resurgence with *The Whale*. As of December 2025, the narrative surrounding the former Hollywood couple—who were married for over a decade—is less about a messy split and more about a complicated, high-stakes financial battle and their shared commitment to co-parenting their three sons. The details of their 2009 divorce settlement, which saw Fraser ordered to pay nearly $1 million annually in spousal and child support, became the focal point of a later legal dispute that included serious accusations of financial fraud from both sides. The story of Brendan Fraser and Afton Smith is a quintessential Hollywood tale of romance, career peaks and valleys, and the immense financial toll a high-net-worth divorce can take. Despite the contentious legal history, the focus for both parents remains their children, Griffin, Holden, and Leland, as they navigate their family life away from the spotlight. This deep dive explores the full timeline of their relationship, the explosive financial disputes that followed their separation, and the current dynamic of their co-parenting arrangement in the wake of Fraser's Oscar-winning comeback.

Brendan Fraser and Afton Smith: A Complete Biography and Relationship Timeline

The relationship between Brendan Fraser and Afton Smith began in a classic Hollywood fashion, meeting on the set of a film that would become a cult classic. Their union spanned over a decade, producing a family that remains their central focus today.

Brendan Fraser's Profile

• Full Name: Brendan James Fraser
• Born: December 3, 1968 (Age 57 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American and Canadian
• Career Highlights: *Encino Man* (1992), *George of the Jungle* (1997), *The Mummy* trilogy (1999–2008), *Crash* (2004), *The Whale* (2022) - Academy Award for Best Actor winner.
• Current Partner: Jeanne Moore (since 2022)

Afton Smith's Profile

• Full Name: Afton Smith
• Born: December 3, 1967 (Age 58 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Northport, New York, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Actress and Author, known for roles in *George of the Jungle* (1997), *Reality Bites* (1994), *A Passion to Kill* (1994), and *Pig Sty* (1995).
• Current Status: Single, Author of *Hollywood Picks the Classics: A Guide for the Movie Fan* (1999).

The Relationship Timeline

• 1993: Brendan Fraser and Afton Smith meet at a barbecue hosted by actress Winona Ryder.
• 1997: They co-star in the blockbuster film *George of the Jungle*, where Fraser plays the titular character and Smith plays a character named Ursula’s Friend.
• September 25, 1998: The couple marries.
• 2002–2006: They welcome three sons: Griffin, Holden, and Leland.
• December 2007: The couple announces their separation.
• April 2008: Brendan Fraser files for divorce.
• 2009: Divorce is finalized.

The Complicated Financial Battle: $900,000 Support and Fraud Accusations

While the initial divorce was finalized in 2009, the financial terms of the settlement led to a protracted and public court battle years later. This dispute centered on the massive amount of spousal and child support Fraser was obligated to pay, a sum that became unsustainable as his career faced a severe downturn.

The original divorce settlement was a staggering figure for spousal support and child support, totaling approximately $900,000 per year, or $75,000 per month. This figure included a monthly alimony payment of $50,000 to Afton Smith. The payment was based on Fraser’s high-earning peak during the era of *The Mummy* franchise and other major studio films.

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Fraser's Petition to Reduce Payments

By 2013, Brendan Fraser’s career had stalled significantly due to a combination of factors, including a series of physical injuries that required multiple surgeries (including on his back, knee, and vocal cords), and the emotional trauma of an alleged sexual assault by a former Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) president. Citing his reduced income and mounting medical bills, Fraser filed a petition in a Connecticut court to modify or terminate his alimony and child support obligations, arguing that he could no longer afford the annual $900,000 payments.

Afton Smith's Counter-Accusation of Fraud

Afton Smith vigorously opposed Fraser's request for modification. In court documents, she countered with a devastating accusation, alleging that Fraser was committing "fraud." Smith claimed that her ex-husband was deliberately concealing lucrative film contracts and that his total assets were significantly higher than he claimed. This highly public and contentious financial battle highlighted the severe difficulty in modifying spousal support orders, even when a celebrity's financial circumstances drastically change. The legal dispute cast a dark shadow over Fraser’s already troubled career period, adding immense stress and financial strain.

Co-Parenting and The Focus on Their Three Sons

Despite the bitter financial and legal disputes, both Brendan Fraser and Afton Smith have consistently prioritized their children. They share three sons: Griffin Arthur Fraser, Holden Fletcher Fraser, and Leland Francis Fraser. Their commitment to co-parenting has been a steady constant amidst the turbulence of their public divorce.

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Griffin Arthur Fraser (Born 2002)

Griffin, the eldest son, is on the autism spectrum. Brendan Fraser has been an outspoken advocate for autism awareness and has cited his son as a major inspiration and reason for his renewed focus on life. Fraser has spoken movingly about Griffin's unique perspective and how his son's condition influenced his emotional performance in *The Whale*.

Holden Fletcher Fraser (Born 2004) and Leland Francis Fraser (Born 2006)

Holden and Leland have stepped into the public eye more recently, often accompanying their father to major red-carpet events, including the 2023 Academy Awards, where Fraser won his Oscar. Their appearances at the Venice Film Festival and other premieres for *The Whale* signaled a strong, supportive family unit, showcasing the successful co-parenting dynamic that has been maintained despite the past legal battles.

Life After the Divorce: New Chapters for Brendan and Afton

The years following the divorce and subsequent financial battle saw both individuals embark on new personal and professional paths. For Brendan Fraser, the period was marked by a retreat from the limelight, a focus on healing from his injuries, and smaller, less prominent roles.

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Brendan's Career Renaissance and New Relationship

Fraser's career experienced a massive resurgence, dubbed the "Brenaissance," culminating in his critically acclaimed, Oscar-winning role in Darren Aronofsky’s *The Whale*. This comeback has not only revitalized his professional life but has also brought stability to his personal life. He is currently in a relationship with makeup artist Jeanne Moore, who has frequently accompanied him to recent award ceremonies and public events, marking a new, happier chapter in his life.

Afton Smith's Quiet Life as an Author

Afton Smith has largely stepped away from acting, focusing instead on her family and her career as an author. Her most notable book is a guide to classic movies. She maintains a private life, dedicated to raising her three sons. Despite the contentious financial history, the public appearances of their children with Fraser suggest a functional and cordial co-parenting relationship, proving that even the most complex Hollywood divorces can evolve into a cooperative family structure focused on the well-being of the children.