Biography

~ BIOGRAPHY ~

(Photo courtesy: Men's Journal - Mar 2010)

Born in Glasgow, Scotland on November 13, 1969, Gerard James Butler moved with his family to Montreal, Canada in 1970. While still a toddler, his parents divorced. Gerard and his older brother and sister returned to Scotland with their mother and were raised in her hometown of Paisley, Scotland.

His love of acting began at an early age. He joined the Scottish Youth Theatre and appeared in their production of Oliver when he was 12 years old. However, years later he found himself on a different career path. He attended Glasgow University where he studied Law and was also president of the school's Law Society. In 1992, after seven years of study, he decided to give acting another shot and moved to Los Angeles. He soon found himself cast as an extra in The Bodyguard (1992) starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. Yet, when his father was diagnosed with cancer, Gerard went to Canada to be with him. After his father's death, he returned to Scotland and began a training position with a prestigious Edinburgh law firm. Unhappy with his position at the law firm, Gerard was ironically fired, providing him with the incentive he needed to pursue his lifelong dream of acting.

He moved to London and auditioned for a stage role in Coriolanus, a classic play by William Shakespeare. In 1996, he appeared in Edinburgh Festival's stage adaptation of Trainspotting as Renton.

His first motion picture speaking role was as Billy Connolly's younger brother, Archie Brown, in the movie Mrs. Brown (1997). During filming in Scotland, while enjoying a picnic with his mother near the River Tay, Gerard heard the shouts of a young boy whose swimming companion was drowning. Gerard Butler jumped in and consequently saved the young boy's life, for which he received a "Certificate of Bravery" from the Royal Humane Society. When questioned about his heroic deed, he said he did what anyone in the same situation would have done.

His film career continued with minor roles in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), Russell Mulcahy's Tale of the Mummy (1998) and Fast Food (1998). In 1999, he appeared in two films, One More Kiss and The Cherry Orchard.

Gerard next starred in the title role of Wes Craven's horror film, Dracula 2000. That same year, he was featured with Adrian Brody in Harrison's Flowers , a drama set in war-torn Yugoslavia starring Andie McDowell.

In 2001, audiences in the states took notice of the handsome Scots actor when he starred as the lead in Attila the Hun, a USA-TV movie, which became the 2nd highest rated mini-series ever, and the highest rated mini-series of that year.

Since then Gerard has appeared on average in two films per years. A very disciplined actor and someone who truly loves the path he has chosen for a career, he gave a memorable performance as heroic Creedy in Reign of Fire (2002), then did a complete turnabout portraying a volatile, psychotic drug dealer named Jackie Junior in Shooters (2002).

In 2003, his role as government agent turned mercenary Terry Sheridan found him co-starring with Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life (2003). From a seemingly unreedeemable character in Cradle of Life, he next appeared as Andre Marek, the loyal friend and heroic historian in the film adaptation of Michael Crichton's best-selling novel, Timeline (2003).

2004 was a year that brought Gerard Butler the critical acclaim he so richly deserved. As the mysterious Stranger in the small, independent Scottish film, Dear Frankie (2004), his performance was both powerful and subtle. With quiet intensity and strength of purpose, he gave audiences a modern day hero, whose compassion for a single mother portrayed by Emily Mortimer, and her deaf child (Jack McElhone) was endearing and ultimately unforgettable.

However, audiences all over the world took notice of his power and range as an actor and singer as they watched Gerard Butler's riveting and emotionally tortured performance as the Phantom in the Warner Brothers film adaptation of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical phenomenom, The Phantom of the Opera (2004). Beautifully directed by Joel Schumacher, the film also starred Golden Globe winner for her role as Christine, Emmy Rossum, and Patrick Wilson as Raoul. The stage musical became an instant classic on film with Phantom of the Opera fans throughout the world. With his commanding screen presence, Gerard's portrayal of the Phantom was nothing short of brilliant -- showing audiences not just the seductive power and genius of the Phantom, but a compelling insight into the emotional scars and torment that far surpass any physical deformity the character possessed. His vocal talents thrilled millions with a hauntingly beautiful yet almost hypnotically sexy voice. The soundtrack to the movie also became the second largest selling soundtrack album of 2005.

He next appeared in another small, independent film called The Game of Their Lives (2005) in which he portrayed real-life Italian American soccer player Frank Borghi. This film has since been re-titled The Miracle Match in the USA. Then, it was off to frozen fjords and hurricane force winds in Iceland where he starred as Beowulf in Sturla Gunnarsson's thought-provoking Viking epic, Beowulf and Grendel (2006).

In March 2007, Gerard Butler starred in the blockbuster hit from Warner Brothers' -- 300. Based on the Frank Miller comic series of the same name, his powerful lead performance as Spartan King Leonidas showcased not just his amazing talent as a brilliant actor, but his skilled proficiency at swordplay. This innovative film directed by by Zack Snyder has grossed over $600 million worldwide, and garnered Gerard Butler several award nominations, including "Action Star of the Year" by the Taurus Stunt Association.

Gerard then travelled to Vancouver for his role in the Hitchcock-type suspense thriller Butterfly On A Wheel. Re-titled Shattered the film opened in Miami, Florida on July 27, 2007 with a limited release by Lionsgate Films. His co-stars in this film were Pierce Brosnan and Maria Bello. In September of 2006, he traveled to Ireland and New York City to film P.S., I LOVE YOU with two-time Oscar winning actress Hilary Swank. The bittersweet romance based on the best-selling novel by Cecelia Ahern opened nationwide December 21, 2007.

In April 2008, Gerard Butler appeared in Nim's Island, a family film based on the popular novel by Wendy Orr. Also starring in the film were Abigail Breslin and two time Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster. Rock 'n Rolla, written, directed and produced by Guy Ritchie, was released by Warner Bros. Pictures in October, 2008 and was named Best British Film of the Year by the 2009 Empire Awards. The film also starred Thandie Newton and Tom Wilkinson. The Ugly Truth (a ribald romantic comedy which stars Gerard and Katherine Heigl opened in the United States in July, 2009. The futuristic action film Gamer, opened on September 4, 2009.

Law-Abiding Citizen, a drama/thriller starring Gerard with Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx, opened October, 2009. Directed by F. Gary Gray, this was the first feature film produced by Evil Twins, the production company created by Gerard Butler and his business manager and producing partner, Alan Siegel. Needless to say, if Law Abiding Citizen is any barometer regarding the films Evil Twins will produce in the future, TBDI predicts quality filmmaking, critical acclaim and numerous awards are in their future.

In June 2009, Gerard Butler began filming a romantic comedy titled The Bounty Hunter co-starring Jennifer Aniston in New York City. This film opened March 19, 2010. Opening March 26, 2010, Gerard appeared in his first animated feature film, How To Train Your Dragon, as the voice of Stoick, a Viking warrior and father to the film's lead, Hiccup. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and based on the best-selling Cressida Cowell novel, the film also features the voice talents of Craig Ferguson (Gobber), America Ferrera (Astrid) and Jay Baruchel (Hiccup).

Up next, Gerard will co-star as Tullus Aufidius in the film version of Shakespeare's play, Coriolanus. As noted earlier, Gerard's first stage role was in a London production of this play. Slated to begin filming in spring 2010, Coriolanus is the story of a banished hero of Rome who joins a sworn enemy to take revenge on the city. The film also stars Academy Award winning actress Vanessa Redgrave and Ralph Fiennes in the lead role or Coriolanus. Mr. Fiennes will also direct.