Is Brendan Fraser’s ‘I Like the Steak’ autograph real?

Claim:

One image features a real autographed photo of actor Brendan Fraser, which reads, “I love the steak! It was my favorite part I had in the mummy.”

Evaluation:

A common sight on the walls of Italian steakhouses are autographed photographs of the various celebrities who have dined at these establishments. A popular version of this trope, often circulated on social media, involves actor Brendan Fraser and the seemingly odd note he left at a restaurant: “I like the steak! It was my favorite part when I was in the mummy.”

While Fraser starred in The Mummy and it wouldn’t be uncommon for an entree to be someone’s favorite part of a meal, this isn’t an actual autograph from the actor.

This fauxtograph was on display at a New York bar called Mister Paradise. The picture first went viral in 2019 after someone saw this framed picture on Mister Paradise, assumed it was real, and then shared it social media. Shortly thereafter, Will Wyatt, the bar’s owner, clarified to Mel Magazine that this was not an authentic Fraser autograph.

Wyatt said:

“I just wrote something really stupid and missigned it… I hope Brendan Fraser doesn’t think anyone is trying to rip him off.”

Mister Paradise had at least two other fake autographed photos on display: one of singer Frank Sinatra and another of actor Laurence Fishburne. You can see these photos below Magazine Mel.

While it might not be quite as funny as the fake “I Like Steak” autograph, we found a real autograph from the “Encino Man” that has a few humorous touches. The image below shows an autograph Fraser signed aboard the cruise ship Song Of Flower circa 2007. In addition to signing his name, Fraser labeled what he ate – caviar, and what he drank – vodka.

The following photo was posted on Flickr in 2007 from poppy amopola.

The woman in this photo appears to be Diva Amapola, a singer who performed on the cruise ship during Fraser’s stay. Amapola spoke about Fraser in 2007 interview:

Q: In your travels you have met many famous entertainers. Are there one or two that really impressed you?

A: Movie star Brendan Fraser was impressive. We met through his parents on board the MS Song Of Flower. We didn’t know who he was (we had our own world aboard the ship and were often ignorant of Hollywood), so he relaxed and enjoyed himself. Still, he gave me a few autographs and now he’s a big star. His parents knew he was going to be a megastar, and after hanging out with him a few more times, we knew why. He has looks, talent and drive. how can he miss