When did you realise you had GALS...

[terezoulini]

Something happened to me some days ago that was embarrassing beyond any imagination. I've been trying to forget it, but it still haunts me so I will share it with you in the hope that, with your help, I will come to accept my condition; I realise now that there is no hope for a cure, but I can only hope that I may be able to contain the symptoms.

Well, I PMed Barb some days ago and instead of signing off as Theresa I signed off as Gerry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When Barb pointed this out, I thought she was kidding but she wasn't. Honest to God I did not realise it!

If that ain't GALS I don't know what is!

What is your story?

Theresa

[Swansong]

WOW Teresa! That is funny! I guess he's there singing songs in your head and telling you to sign his name!

My realization came in 2004, when after seeing POTO in the theatre the second time, I got on-line and looked at pics of Gerry Butler the man, sans the Phantom costume. I just sat there looking at his pic while tears ran down my cheeks. That night I stayed up all night and read every article and interview I could find about him. I've never been the same since. A couple days later, I saw POTO again...and I cried all the way through the final lair scene, beyond the closing credits, and out the door into the car.

Swannie

[Susan~Sporran]

Well, I was captured by Phantom on New Years Eve 2004 however what really won me over was a couple of weeks later when I just happened to have the TV tuned to NBC when the Tonight Show started and they announced that one of that night's guests would be Gerard Butler from Phantom of the Opera so I decided to stay up and watch. I found out how charming and self-effacing and funny he is (plus the Scottish accent) and that weekend I had to go see Phantom again. Ultimately I saw it 10 times before it left theaters in May 2005, and during that time span I also saw Dear Frankie 11 times and The Game of Their Lives 7 times. After seeing him on Leno I started researching him online, joined a Phantom Phansite and eventually ended up at gb.net and then here as the first member to join after Dr. Em opened the site. And I'm still here!!!!

[terezoulini]

WOW Teresa! That is funny! I guess he's there singing songs in your head and telling you to sign his name!

My realization came in 2004, when after seeing POTO in the theatre the second time, I got on-line and looked at pics of Gerry Butler the man, sans the Phantom costume. I just sat there looking at his pic while tears ran down my cheeks. That night I stayed up all night and read every article and interview I could find about him. I've never been the same since. A couple days later, I saw POTO again...and I cried all the way through the final lair scene, beyond the closing credits, and out the door into the car.

Swannie

That moment when you get that "click", the magnitude of what has just happened to you doesn't really hit you and then you get it big time. The internet has been our doom. :-) I think most of us really got GALS once they started seeing gimpses of the real man, whatever small bits he allowed us to see through his interviews. This is where the magic happens and then you can also start seeing the layers in his work.

Your post made me think of my moment with RnR so now I am rewatching it and laughing when I remember how casually it all started back in April. I was wondering why it didn't hit me with POTO, 300 or even PSILY. I think the reason is because in RnR we see a character which is closer to Gerry and he also looks more mature physically which appeals to me. Just my opinion.

Back to Mr One Two! I cannot get enough of that scene where he finds out that Handsome Bob is gay. :-)

Theresa

[terezoulini]

Well, I was captured by Phantom on New Years Eve 2004 however what really won me over was a couple of weeks later when I just happened to have the TV tuned to NBC when the Tonight Show started and they announced that one of that night's guests would be Gerard Butler from Phantom of the Opera so I decided to stay up and watch. I found out how charming and self-effacing and funny he is (plus the Scottish accent) and that weekend I had to go see Phantom again. Ultimately I saw it 10 times before it left theaters in May 2005, and during that time span I also saw Dear Frankie 11 times and The Game of Their Lives 7 times. After seeing him on Leno I started researching him online, joined a Phantom Phansite and eventually ended up at gb.net and then here as the first member to join after Dr. Em opened the site. And I'm still here!!!!

When I read the stories of the older members, I feel so jealous of you guys because you witnessed something magical while in the making. You have been there for the ride and this is wonderful. Unfortunately here in Greece foreign actors don't get that much publicity unless they are already big stars like Clooney or Pitt. I remember with POTO there were only some interviews in magazines, mostly with Emmy Rossum. Unfortunately we don't get the evening shows like Leno etc so we don't get to see these actors and discover their charm and charisma the way it happened with you and Gerry. There is of course the internet but you have to be really intrigued by someone to look them up and sometimes work and real life get in the way. When I saw POTO, I thought this guy is sexy but also delivers sadness very well but I figured he was probably a "boring" theatrical / musical actor in real life so did't bother to look him up. At the time there were also a lot of things happening in my personal and professional life, I'm surprised I even had time to go to the cinema. How I wish I could turn back time and make it up for all those missing Gerry moments...

Theresa

[phoenixgirl]

Theresa that really is very funny. My youngest son is named Jason, and I have called him Gerry before. He was NOT happy.

I love reading everyone's stories of how they came to Gerry and realized they had GALS. I agree that the longer members were witness to something beautiful, but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. I'll find my words and share my story. I love telling it.

[terezoulini]

Theresa that really is very funny. My youngest son is named Jason, and I have called him Gerry before. He was NOT happy.

I love reading everyone's stories of how they came to Gerry and realized they had GALS. I agree that the longer members were witness to something beautiful, but I wouldn't trade my experience for anything. I'll find my words and share my story. I love telling it.

LOL! I dread I might call Stelios Gerry, that would be my doom! :-)

Do tell your story, I love reading them!

Theresa

[300_LawAbidingCitizens]

I've been drawing Gerry non-stop and I just CANNOT stop watching his movies and looking up interviews on youtube.

I guess I should say I have PALS

Edited November 30, 2009 by 300_LawAbidingCitizens

[Shamrocked]

I love reading everyone's GALSyndrome!

I realized the full extent of mine when I began watching my DVD of POTO after work every day over and over and when it got to the point where I could not wait to get home and pop POTO in the DVD player before I did anything else! People, I mean I watched it every day after work for maybe 50 days. This made me ask myself--what the heck are you doing? I realized then I was doing something I loved and I was not gonna stop! In between watching POTO I was doing drawings of Gerry, finding Gerry on You tube and info on the internet. I found all the web sites devoted to Gerry. I discovered myself in the GALS symptoms. The rest is GALS history.

Diane

[AbandonThought]

Well, here's my GALS story... I'll try to keep it as short as possible...

I was studying for exams and decided to take a break to go to Best Buy with a friend, looking for a movie that I knew they had on sale. Also on sale was P.S. I Love You. My friend snatched it right up with a smile on his face and told me what an awesome movie it was. But then he decided he didn't have enough money to buy it, so I did. I didn't know who Gerry was (though I'd later come to realize I'd already seen him in a few things). My friend told me that he was Leonidas in 300 and admitted that he was his "man crush." So, we watched P.S. I Love You, and I was blown away! (Obviously...)

I had the beginnings of GALS then... like a minor affliction instead of the all consuming syndrome that I now experience. I looked up Gerry and began watching his talkshow appearance, and I was further drawn in by his wit, charm, and generally intoxicating personality.

I'd say the kicker came though when I read in interviews about his experiences studying the law and training as a lawyer in Scotland. For those who don't know (I know I say it all the time, but I know it's hard to remember details about people on here), I'm in law school. And unhappy. So, to see that Gerry went through the same disillusionment with the law, and the same feeling of the future as a death sentence that I struggle with was life shattering for me. I burst into tears, and was seriously sobbing uncontrollably. Suddenly, he wasn't just this charismatic actor who I was admiring from afar... I suddenly felt like I knew him. As silly as it sounds, it made me feel like we had a connection, and that I understand him, and he would understand me, if given the opportunity.

Anyway, since then I haven't been able to turn back. Gerry helps me through these tough times, but reminds me not to get complacent and stay in a life that I don't want just because it's "safe." Gerry has helped me decide to strive for my dreams, even if they don't seem practical or responsible. Gerry has helped me live for me. How could I ever forget that? How could I ever repay him?

I have GALS for life. Terminal GALS.

Steph

[phoenixgirl]

Okay here goes ... I, too, will try to make it succinct. I know I just wrote this very recently for someone else, but I don't remember which thread. In that I wrote the extended version. But here goes ....

I first noticed Gerry in Reign of Fire when I saw it in the theater. However, then he was just the hot best friend with the awesome accent. FF to 2005 and Phantom. I was one who was anti-anyone not Michael Crawford so I flat out refused to see it in the theater. When it came out on DVD I was curious. I heard nothing but how horrible the guy was, etc. So I rented it and figured no one would ever know.

I watched POTO and had to put the movie on pause after MOTN. I felt like Erik just made love to me. It was the most intense feeling I have ever had after watching a movie. I finished watching the movie and cried my eyes out at the end. I was Erik. I looked him up on IMDB and much to my surprise, it was the hot best from from ROF!

I'd like to say that's the end of the story, but it's not. I refused to allow myself to "get into" Gerry. I also pronounced his name French, like Gerard Depardeu. So I went on with my life.

Then I saw 300 in the theater (that's way too long of a story, but it's here on the board somewhere about how I was teaching ancient Greece at the time). I was impressed, looked "this guy" up, and couldn't believe it was the same guy! LOL Gerry was certainly not leaving me alone! I then did a google search on him and saw more pics, etc. I closed everything and said no way cause I knew what would happen.

Then 300 came out on DVD and I saw the extras. Yeah, that's all it took ... watching Gerry BE GERRY. I was able to walk away from the characters/movie star, but the MAN - I was sunk.

I then went on Dot Net (cause it came up on the google search first) and watched all of the Leno interviews. That's when I fell for him. And I finally succumbed. It really took me a long time to realize that I couldn't resist Gerry any longer.

I love talking about it and telling my story. It's like falling in love all over again.

[evergreenlove]

Theresa - I'm much like you. I recently discovered this syndrome and it's a really great thing. I got the dvd of POTO and can't stop watching it. Bet I have viewed it 100 times or more. Everytime I see it ( some scenes are worse than others) like the one where he is singing masquerade to the monkey, or the last scene of the movie where the old Roul sees the rose and ring by the gravestone - I start to cry and I mean it's everytime....

I also can't stop watching P.S. I love you. Where he is walking through the countryside with her ....he is so darn cute. Also got the dvd of TUT and watch it too all the time. I have watched the interviews on You Tube and love how he talks and interacts with people..he seems like a really regular guy and like a son I'd be proud to have. I'm old enough to be his grandmother.....but not to old to fall in love with this beautiful man.

Enjoy this site.....it is a place to connect with Gerry lovers like me.

Carole

[AbandonThought]

No one is too old to fall in love with this man, because he does this to all of us! It defies reason! Glad to have you here, evergreenlove!

Steph

[raynbow]

I'm more of a GBdotnetter, but I've been coming on here a lot lately, mostly due to phoenixgirl, who was able to help me realize that this place is more for me. I'm not a regular poster, but I do contribute. So, here's my Gerry testimonial.

I'm sorry to say that I didn't go to see POTO when it was in the theaters, which was really stupid because I'd seen the promos and told myself I should go see it, since I liked the play so much. But, for some reason, I just didn't go.

Fast forward to January, 2006, when POTO was being shown on HBO. I caught some of it one Sunday when I was on the treadmill, but I'd missed most of it. It was repeated later in the week, so I set the vcr. I settled down on a slow Friday night (when my husband was late at the office) and I have to admit, I was first interested in Patrick Wilson, cause I'd seen him in the Alamo and Angels in America, and was surprised he could sing and act so well. Anyway, on my third viewing I started to notice the Phantom, and then the movie really changed for me. I looked Gerry up on Google and was surprised! I'd seen him in Attila, ROF and LC! I didn't realize he was the same actor! (I bet most of us here can say that, right?) I started watching POTO everyday, and had to (and I mean had to) watch some parts (PONR, MOTN) every morning before I left for work. I was hooked! So, I found GBnet, and I started reading about him. I was able to tape DF, Mrs Brown, TL, and LC all in the next month. (I already owned ROF because I'd bought it for my son, who liked the movie when we saw it in the theater.)

Then I started watching the interviews and thought he was charming. But what really got me was reading the stories about him, and how he stays in touch with his fans and is so generous to them. What can I say? I got GALS! I found this site through GBnet, and started posting and reading right after the July 2006 Las Vegas convention. The fact that he showed up only made me love him more!

And now he's totally in my life. Things are not going well for us financially right now, but I can just sink into Gerryville, and forget stuff for a while. I've had crushes on other actors, but Gerry is different. He's so very human and attainable to his fans that he makes the world seem a better place. And I'm not about to let him go.

raynbow

Edited December 1, 2009 by raynbow

[jojo23]

I love reading everyone's story. I'll add mine even though I am still pretty much a newbie. BTW Theresa, I love your story. I had a funny one a while back. My boss is called Garry. Garry/Gerry - pretty close isn't it! I was at work last week, had to go into bosses office to ask a question. I walk in and say ''Gerry, can you tell me if...'' ooops!! I try to avoid saying his name now, I just know it will come out Gerry. I don't mind that but I think he might get a bit upset at being called Gerry all the time, lol. (Theresa, Garry, the boss, comes from Chelmsford too hehe)

Anyway, back to GALS. It hit me about 4 months ago. I didn't have a clue who this man was. Even though I live in Scotland, he hasn't had that much recognition here. I saw PSILY last year. The first time I saw it, I came in about half way through and really liked it. Watched it every time it was on TV. Each time I found myself thinking 'hmm, that Gerry Kennedy is kinda nice' I didn't take it any further than that. It was only this year, when I saw the trailers for TUT that something clicked. Realising it was the same person, I had to know more. Looked him up on google, spent hours and hours on you tube watching interviews, fan vids, anything with him in it. I was hooked.

Then when I fond this site, and read the 'symptoms' of GALS, I knew I was a gonner. And I just love it.

Of course, meeting the man himself has just multiplied my 'symptoms' to another level...

Jo

[phoenixgirl]

Jo, isn't it funny how we can look at Gerry in one role and think "wow, he's good looking" and then see him in another role and get completely blown away? I've had many many people say that they didn't realize he was Phantom or the guy from 300, etc. He's such a fabulous actor that he can change his look/personality and someone doesn't even realize it.

He's simply amazing.

[jojo23]

Jo, isn't it funny how we can look at Gerry in one role and think "wow, he's good looking" and then see him in another role and get completely blown away? I've had many many people say that they didn't realize he was Phantom or the guy from 300, etc. He's such a fabulous actor that he can change his look/personality and someone doesn't even realize it.

He's simply amazing.

So true. Its one of the things that amazes me most about him and his acting ability. All the characters he has played are all so different. Not like other actors, who IMO, are 'pinned' to one genre. Good decisions on Gerry's part.

I would love to know which, of all the characters, has the most of him in them. Not as in 'how much work' he put in, but more how much of himself there is, if any, in a character. I didn't explain that very well... hohum

[terezoulini]

I would love to know which, of all the characters, has the most of him in them. Not as in 'how much work' he put in, but more how much of himself there is, if any, in a character. I didn't explain that very well... hohum

Well, his publicist Joy said that watching RnR was the closest to being with Gerry or something to that effect.

T

[terezoulini]

Jo, isn't it funny how we can look at Gerry in one role and think "wow, he's good looking" and then see him in another role and get completely blown away? I've had many many people say that they didn't realize he was Phantom or the guy from 300, etc. He's such a fabulous actor that he can change his look/personality and someone doesn't even realize it.

He's simply amazing.

Lisa, I couldn't agree with you more. I couldn't believe it myself when I realised I had seen all these film with him and I didn't even know it was the same actor.

BTW, love the photo in your siggy, the "breathless" one; where is it from?

Theresa

[nataliextierney]

well my story i dont find as interesting as all you gals!

i was about 12 when POTO came out

and my nan rented the film one night i was staying over at hers

And we watched it with strawberries and chocolate ha in our pyjammas,

my first reaction was that i was quite scared

but by the end i was crying to my nan like

''why is she not staying with the phantom?''

i was such a deep emotional child lol.

though if i am being honest after that i kinda forgot about the film!

then about 2 years ago my dad had 300 on, its not my kind of film

but i was like wow he is gorgeousss!!

then about a year ago i was in my cousins in the isle of man and my cousin fell asleep so i picked a dvd to put on which was PSILY

and that was it

i was hooked on to him!!

''and i ask you friend whats a fella to do cause her hair was black and her eyes where blue''

favourite scene in the movie.

When i found out his hometown is literally 20 minutes away from mine

it made me believe in myself more

i have always dreamed of being an actress and never told anyone and i always wanted to sing at school but had no confidence in myself

when i read Gerards story

i decided to take drama at school, against my parents wishes lol

and joined the choir

i recently had my acting prelim and the teacher told me she was amazed by my acting !

and i have a singing concert next friday !!

so i want to take this moment to Thank Gerard for giving me the inspiration to do what i have always shyed away from

sorry i have went right off the subject ha !

love natalie xoxo

[terezoulini]

well my story i dont find as interesting as all you gals!

i was about 12 when POTO came out

and my nan rented the film one night i was staying over at hers

And we watched it with strawberries and chocolate ha in our pyjammas,

my first reaction was that i was quite scared

but by the end i was crying to my nan like

''why is she not staying with the phantom?''

i was such a deep emotional child lol.

though if i am being honest after that i kinda forgot about the film!

then about 2 years ago my dad had 300 on, its not my kind of film

but i was like wow he is gorgeousss!!

then about a year ago i was in my cousins in the isle of man and my cousin fell asleep so i picked a dvd to put on which was PSILY

and that was it

i was hooked on to him!!

''and i ask you friend whats a fella to do cause her hair was black and her eyes where blue''

favourite scene in the movie.

When i found out his hometown is literally 20 minutes away from mine

it made me believe in myself more

i have always dreamed of being an actress and never told anyone and i always wanted to sing at school but had no confidence in myself

when i read Gerards story

i decided to take drama at school, against my parents wishes lol

and joined the choir

i recently had my acting prelim and the teacher told me she was amazed by my acting !

and i have a singing concert next friday !!

so i want to take this moment to Thank Gerard for giving me the inspiration to do what i have always shyed away from

sorry i have went right off the subject ha !

love natalie xoxo

Well dear,

I am saving this message and will come and remind you of your humble friend when you become a successful actress. Who knows, maybe you can play in a film written, produced, directed and starred by Gerard Butler. Anything is possible. Maybe you can audition for Burns if they shoot in Scotland. Just remember to thank GBGals (and Gerry of course) at your Oscar speech. :-)

I'm serious, as Gerry said, aim for the stars and worry about the details later.

Theresa

[nataliextierney]

First Of all i would like to thank my family, they are amazing people even though they didnt believe drama was the right way for me they still stood by me.

Next i would like to thank my Husband and Manager Gerard Butler, He has always been my inspiration he always made me believe in myself

and last but certainly not least i would like to thank

all the lovely GALS from GerardButlerGals.com

they where all so amazing and looked after me when i needed it at most!

Love U All

... *she wishes* lol

love natalie

xoxo

[terezoulini]

First Of all i would like to thank my family, they are amazing people even though they didnt believe drama was the right way for me they still stood by me.

Next i would like to thank my Husband and Manager Gerard Butler, He has always been my inspiration he always made me believe in myself

and last but certainly not least i would like to thank

all the lovely GALS from GerardButlerGals.com

they where all so amazing and looked after me when i needed it at most!

Love U All

... *she wishes* lol

love natalie

xoxo

"Husband"? Wow, I'm impressed! If you managed to make him overcome his "commitment issues" then you are definitely worthy. I was sure he would know a good woman when he saw one. Was there any Scottish cooking involved in making him propose? He seems to me like a man whose heart is reached through his stomach. :-) Maybe his Mum gave you her secret recipes in an effort to ensure that he marries a nice Scottish gal? Any Scottish babies yet or are you both focused on each other and your careers for the moment? I hope the razzis are not giving you as hard a time as they do with Bradgelina. Hey I even have a name for you as a couple: Gerrynat. :-)

Do tell us about the proposal; was it awfully romantic?

Theresa

[phoenixgirl]

First, Natalie - GET IN LINE, GIRLIE.

Also, Gerry has said that Phantom was also a role where he felt there was a lot of himself in it. Another reason I cry like a baby when I watch his bottom lip quiver.

[nataliextierney]

First Of all i would like to thank my family, they are amazing people even though they didnt believe drama was the right way for me they still stood by me.

Next i would like to thank my Husband and Manager Gerard Butler, He has always been my inspiration he always made me believe in myself

and last but certainly not least i would like to thank

all the lovely GALS from GerardButlerGals.com

they where all so amazing and looked after me when i needed it at most!

Love U All

... *she wishes* lol

love natalie

xoxo

"Husband"? Wow, I'm impressed! If you managed to make him overcome his "commitment issues" then you are definitely worthy. I was sure he would know a good woman when he saw one. Was there any Scottish cooking involved in making him propose? He seems to me like a man whose heart is reached through his stomach. :-) Maybe his Mum gave you her secret recipes in an effort to ensure that he marries a nice Scottish gal? Any Scottish babies yet or are you both focused on each other and your careers for the moment? I hope the razzis are not giving you as hard a time as they do with Bradgelina. Hey I even have a name for you as a couple: Gerrynat. :-)

Do tell us about the proposal; was it awfully romantic?

Theresa

yeah he took one look at me at my audition and said

''dont i know you?''

i smiled then he said

''i would never forget those eyes, your in!'

we went on a few dates

and he was just besotted by me.

''i always wanted a nice scottish lass'' he told me

then when we were at a ceilidh on st andrews day

he purposed, with a £2000 Ring

The wedding we kept quiet at a wee Chapel in Scotland

then had the after party

at Parkhead in Glasgow (Celtic Football Park)

One of our favorite places!!

He Sang

'' I'll Love You Till The End'' And We danced our first dance to

''Feels Like Home'' by Chantal Kreviazuk

Then we Spent A month in Hawaii

Just Lying by the beach watching the days go by

No kids on the way at the moment

i'm a lot younger than him so we have plenty of time !

hahahahahahahahhahahahaahha

we can all dream i suppose !!!

THIS IS NOT A TRUE STORY .. or is it ?

love natalie

xoxo