Guide Note

Gerard Butler, a former lawyer, is a Scottish television and film actor and star of the movies 300 and The Phantom of the Opera. His first major film role was in 1997, in Mrs. Brown, starring Judi Dench and Billy Connolly. He can currently be seen in the movies P.S. I Love You and Nim's Island. His next roles film roles are in RocknRolla, due out in 2008, along with Game, The Ugly Truth and How to Train Your Dragon, all due out in 2009.

Fast Facts

1. Full Name: Gerard James Butler
2. Born: November 13, 1969
3. Nickname: Gerry
4. Debut Film: Mrs Brown
5. Education: University of Glasgow
6. Years Active: 1997 - Present
7. Began acting in 1997
8. Portrayed King Leonidas in 300
9. Father died of cancer when he was 22
10. Rumored to be dating Naomi Campbell, Cameron Diaz and most recently Cheryl Burke

1. "GerERD. Your name is GerERD. And, and, but, it's funny, but, I did a magazine interview a few years ago, and they asked me, "What do we call you?" And I said, "Well, you say it just 'Gerry,'" because when Americans say "GerARD," it drives me crazy, when my mum does that. But they got it the wrong way around, and they put it in the magazine that I hated being called Gerry. And so then all my friends are calling me, going, [in a high-pitched, mocking voice] "Ooh, GERard." [audience laughs] And [I said] "I didn't say that! I didn't say that!" — Gerard Butler on his name
2. "To be honest, I am very much a bad boy, but with a good heart." — Gerard Butler on himself
3. "My dad was nuts. He was a very entertaining man, the best story-teller, the best joke-teller, like a big kid. I realised I had a lot of anger in me about not having spent my childhood with him, but when I met him and got to know him I realised he was just trying his best, the way he knew how. He was quite an irresponsible man, but I don’t think he had a lot of evil in him. He was very childish in a way, but a good man. I am really glad I got to know him." — Gerard Butler on his father
4. "I appreciate and love women for many reasons, tall and small, plump and skinny, and crazy and demure. I see beauty in all of them." — Gerard Butler on women