Brendan Fraser to serve as honorary starter at next weekend's Indy 500

May 16 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning actor and Indianapolis native Brendan Fraser has been booked as the honorary starter for the Indy 500 race on May 24.

Fraser, who won the prestigious prize for his performance in 2022's The Whale, is best known for his roles in the iconic Mummy movie franchise. He also will be see playing General Dwight D. Eisenhower later this month in the D-Day drama, Pressure.

"Brendan stars in a movie about one of the most pivotal moments in World War II," INDYCAR and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said in a statement.

"His presence atop the flag stand is fitting as we honor the service and sacrifice of our military heroes on Memorial Day Weekend and prepare for another iconic edition of the world's greatest race," Boles said.

"Brendan was also born in the Circle City, and we're incredibly excited to give him a warm Hoosier welcome as he returns for 'The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.'"

2026 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published May 16, 2026 at 10:56 AM.