Unforgettable Journey: Zach Braff's Memorable Encounter with Brendan Fraser on Scrubs

Zach Braff reflects on Brendan Fraser's impactful storyline on Scrubs, a popular medical drama created by Bill Lawrence. Running for nearly a decade from 2001 to 2010, the show followed the lives of medical interns and staff at Sacred Heart teaching hospital. Combining elements of comedy and drama, the series captivated viewers with its fast pace, slapstick humor, fantasy sequences, and touching character moments. One particularly memorable arc centered around Brendan Fraser's character, Ben Sullivan, who was Dr. Cox's (John C. McGinley) ex brother-in-law and close friend. Tragically, Ben passed away from leukemia in season 3.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Braff expressed that Fraser's appearance on Scrubs was widely discussed throughout the show's nine seasons due to the beloved nature of his character. The episodes featuring Ben made a profound impact on the actor, as Braff himself became interested in photography and even adopted the use of pro Polaroid film, just like his character Ben. However, Braff eventually had to abandon the hobby when the film was discontinued. Joining the chorus of Fraser's former colleagues, Braff speaks highly of the actor, supporting his recent performance in The Whale and even championing his chances of winning an Academy Award. Read Braff's comments below.

"I was filled with excitement when you inquired about him. There's a special place in my heart for that man, as I cherished every moment spent with him. His storyline in Scrubs, spanning across nine seasons, garnered the most attention and discussion. People adored his character and fervently supported him. Both as a person and an actor, Brendan has remained a significant part of my life over the years. I have an extensive collection of Polaroid pictures capturing moments inspired by him. I'm genuinely overjoyed for his success. He truly embodies kindness and genuine warmth. Although I haven't watched all the movies released this year, I sincerely hope he emerges victorious."

Brendan Fraser Had One Of Scrubs' Most Memorable Storylines

Braff's comments contribute to the chorus of former co-stars who are rallying behind Fraser since his successful return as a leading man in The Whale, which is currently hitting theaters. The Scrubs star's words suggest that Fraser shares many qualities with his likable character, which is why Braff finds it effortless to support the actor. Furthermore, Braff's reference to Fraser's memorable storyline in Scrubs as one of the show's highlights is understandable, as Ben remains a beloved character among fans and his demise had a significant impact on both J.D. (Braff) and Dr. Cox, as well as the viewers.

Scrubs, being a sitcom, often had a light-hearted tone that sometimes created a disconnect between the medical staff and the patients. However, Ben broke the barriers between doctors and their patients, as he was very close to the seemingly untouchable Dr. Cox but eventually became a patient himself. This served as a reminder of the patients' humanity in the early seasons of Scrubs, resulting in increased empathy for those on the other side of the protagonists' professions.

Ben's story arc has stood the test of time because his character was never portrayed as a tragic figure. He always maintained an optimistic outlook on life and was genuinely kind, as reflected in his preference for candid photos over staged ones. Ben's vibrant personality made his death all the more unexpected and heartbreaking, making it difficult for Dr. Cox to accept his friend's fate. The contrast between Dr. Cox's denial and Ben's sweet and humorous nature has made Fraser's role on Scrubs one of the show's most memorable moments, withstand the test of time.

Source: EW