Brendan Fraser named Indy 500 honorary starter

Field Level Media|published: 05/15/2026, 10:22pm EDT

Brendan Fraser on the red carpet at the 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

The Indianapolis 500's named its honorary starter on Friday, tabbing actor Brendan Fraser for the role.

Fraser follows a long list of celebrities to wave the green flag at one of racing's most famous events. Fellow actors Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Chris Hemsworth, Jake Gyllenhaal and Chris Pine have kickstarted the race in recent seasons.

Among other dignitaries to initiate the Indy 500 are Mark Cuban (2014), Jack Nicholson (2010), Peyton Manning (2007), Sugar Ray Leonard (2006) and Reggie Miller (2005).

Fraser, 57, known for his roles in "The Whale" and "The Mummy" among other films, was born in Indianapolis.

"We're incredibly excited to give him a warm Hoosier welcome as he returns for ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,'" Indycar and IMS President J. Douglas Boles said.

The Indianapolis 500 will roll on Sunday, May 24.

--Field Level Media