Los Angeles, Feb 24 : Oscar-nominated actor Brendan Fraser has learned it is better to "work smart than work hard" and get consumed by his career.

Now, in an E! News exclusive look at his appearance on Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist, the star shared why he took some time away from Hollywood before his current career resurgence.  "I've never been that far away, but I did step out of the spotlight for a spell there to sort some things out in my life and to take stock of who I am, where I'm going, and what my aspirations are," he told host Willy Geist. "I've learned that it's going to do me good to work smart instead of work hard."  Taking a pause also allowed Fraser to get "a lot more comfotable in my own skin."  "For that, I feel so much more receptive and gratitude for the positive attention that I'm receiving at this time," he said of the buzz surrounding his work in The Whale. "It's really humbling."