Texas gramma Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Aged 27, Gerard Butler had never acted and was bottoming out at the bottom of a bottle. Now he's a fixture on Hollywood's A-list, be it action, romcom, animation or Shakespeare. He's also a leading man in the gossip columns. Time for the truth to out. "Without a doubt the coolest, most exhilarating, most brilliant thing I have ever done was play for Celtic, in a match for their charity fund against Manchester United last summer", says Gerard Butler. "There I was on the Celtic Park pitch, in the green-and-white hoops, playing with [former Celtic striker] Henrik Larsson and [current Celtic manager] Neil Lennon tackling the likes of Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham and Dwight Yorke. It's the highlight of my whole career so far." This from the man currently the most bankable British actor in Hollywood, who, for his forthcoming movie, Playing The Field, locks lips with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Jessica Biel and Uma Thurman, but then the 42 year-old Scot isn't the man you think he is. For starters, during that football match in Glasgow in August 2011, a star-studded testimonial match for former Celtic defender John Kennedy, Butler played the first two-thirds of the match, and absolutely looked the part alongside the former professionals and soccer-loving celebs. He exited the pitch to a standing ovation. "Luckily, for the last movie I'd shot, Playing The Field, I played a soccer-player-turned-school-coach who gets involved with his players' mums," says Butler, looking match-fit in a suite at the Soho Hotel, London. "So I got in shape: played a lot of soccer, did a lot of surfing, hiking, running and cycling, and I was ready for the game, which was very handy indeed because I've supported Celtic all my life." Dressed in a black polo shirt, combat trousers and big, black army-style boots, his tousled curly, slightly greying hair is shoulder length and matches a scruffy beard. He is jovial, refreshingly open, totally self-effacing, and very, very funny. It's not quite the uniform or the demeanour of an actor whose box-office hit-rate is currently higher than Oscar-winner Colin Firth and Daniel Craig, whose record beyond Bond is patchy at best. There are rumours of Butler, now based where the work is, in Los Angeles, commanding eight-figure salaries. Yet he remains down-to-earth despite Hollywood and all its foibles. "Well, we Scots are very grounded, and have good manners, and if I start getting too big for my boots, there's plenty of friends and family in Scotland who'll sort me out," he says, with a smile. "I love what I do and think I'm pretty good at it, so I have nothing to prove, I don't have a chip on my shoulder and don't need to put on any airs and graces. But all in all, I think it's just part of being Scottish, because you can't get carried away with any of that conceited ego rubbish up there because it don't bloody work!" At this he takes a swig of water and has a good chuckle, his shoulders bobbing like fishing floats. "A good example for you. I saw an old pal of mine in Glasgow recently, and he'd had quite a skinful and had hardly a leg under him. So he gives me a hug and says, 'You know Gerry, through all the success and the fame and the adulation, you're still the same as you always were.' So there was I was thinking, 'Wow that was nice of him,' and then he said, 'Aye big man, you're still a total dickhead!' Brilliant! You don't get much of that in LA." Full article in February issue of The Red Bulletin Source: Here Full Article scans in Gallery see post here Redita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Anya Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 "A good example for you. I saw an old pal of mine in Glasgow recently, and he'd had quite a skinful and had hardly a leg under him. So he gives me a hug and says, 'You know Gerry, through all the success and the fame and the adulation, you're still the same as you always were.' So there was I was thinking, 'Wow that was nice of him,' and then he said, 'Aye big man, you're still a total dickhead!' Brilliant! You don't get much of that in LA."<br style="color: rgb(28, 40, 55); font-family: arial, verdana, tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; background-color: rgb(250, 251, 252); "> This is So Gerry! And his friends are like him! Thank you for sharing, Suzie. xx Anya Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueJean Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Love reading the article. Are we happy for Gerry or what? Anya - I love your siggy - it's hysterical! BlueJean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBPhanatic Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Now that's a good interview and article! I love it when the person pays attention to what Gerry says and means and doesn't just invent stuff. And I can always tell when it's the real Gerry talking or just the interviewer's perception. Thanks, Suzie. Delene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetquebecer Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Hello! Thanks for this great and excellent article!!!! I like it very much!!!! Go Celtic go!!!! Go Gerard go!!!! Josée Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Elissa Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) What a great article! It reinforces what we already know about Gerry; he's a real, down-to-earth, regular, guy! He's not putting on airs, throwing his celebrity status around, or engaging in any of that other phony baloney crap. One of the many reasons to love him! That big shot, VIP act not only doesn't go over well in Scotland, it doesn't do too well around here, either. Suzie for posting this. Edited February 7, 2012 by Lady Elissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sabrina Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) Gerry is really a wonderful soul!Despite everything, he continuous to be the same nice guy he always were!!! This why I love him!! his is A real MAN! Go Gerry!! you deserve all the success in the world!!!! love Sabrina xoxox Ps.: gals how can I have a ''siggy''? thare's somebody here who make this for us? and where I can put the link ? Edited February 7, 2012 by sabrina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forbes girl Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Suzie...Thanks sweetie for the article. I really enjoyed this one. ~HUGS~ Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Elissa Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Ps.: gals how can I have a ''siggy''? thare's somebody here who make this for us? and where I can put the link ? Sending you a pm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyObsession Posted February 7, 2012 Report Share Posted February 7, 2012 Thanks, Suzie! I enjoyed it as well . It is one of the better articles I've seen! - it's so nice to come home from work and have something to look forward to by way of HRH. Gerry is so down-to-earth here again; makes us love him all the more! I doubt that he could be any other way; he's just so endearing! What other star would reveal some of the stories he shares? (like the one in this article.) No one. That's one of his great characteristics, which sets him apart from all the others. He definitely doesn't take himself too seriously. Anya - your new Siggy to too much (LMAO). You are one crazy chic! (with a great sense of humor). Cheers! KathyG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladyfran Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Thanks Suz.......great article and sooooooooooooo Gerry! "Dickhead" HAHAHAHA! That happens to be one of my Dear Hubby's favorite name for his special."friends" Endearing isn't it?? Frannie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shirsan Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Such a sweet spirit. Love him absolutely, Sandy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Queen Gorgo Posted February 8, 2012 Report Share Posted February 8, 2012 Terrific interview. Love GJB's "style". Still hoping to see CORIOLANUS on the big screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abby Posted February 9, 2012 Report Share Posted February 9, 2012 I love the article too, I couldn't ever see Gerry being a snob he's to funny and lovely and such a guy he seems to enjoy his self a lot espically playing football Love you Gerry Abby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karin* Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 Love the article, thanks GALS! Love from Brazil, Karin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swansong Posted February 10, 2012 Report Share Posted February 10, 2012 Really enjoyed this writer's observations about Gerry. Great piece! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steffnay1 Posted February 13, 2012 Report Share Posted February 13, 2012 Thanks to Gerry it yourself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terezoulini Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Apaprently there is more from that interview: http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/02/gerard-butler-alcohol-boozing-sober Gerard Butler has certainly come a long way since hitting bottom and giving up booze! The Scottish actor, whose blackout drinking destroyed his career ambitions to become a lawyer in his twenties, explains why he quit drinking and how he got his life back together just in time to become an internationally known actor in an extensive new interview. “I had gone from a 16-year-old who couldn’t wait to grasp life to a 22-year-old who didn’t care if he died in his sleep,” the actor revealed to Chris Sullivan of The Red Bulletin about his heavy drinking. Butler, who was working as a trainee at an Edinburgh law firm during the time, explains that his drinking got him fired from the job. PHOTOS: Hollywood Stars Who Have Been To Rehab “I used to drink until I couldn’t remember anything. I was just mad for it and on a death wish. It was madness.” Unemployed, Butler, who had no acting training, quit drinking and moved to London where he reunited with an old girlfriend who was a casting director. She scored him his first role in a play at the age of 27, and his career took off from there. “One or two drinks was never enough for me. I was a foot-on-the-floor-all-the-way drinker, so it had to go. I don’t miss it. Now it’s as if I never had a drink in my life. At one point, I could never have conceived going out and not drinking but, as time goes on, you lose the urge and the insecurity that often makes people drink in the first place.” Butler, who has been romantically linked to a bevy of beauties including Jennifer Aniston, Ashley Greene and Brandi Glanville, played coy when asked about his bachelor reputation. “I am a single successful Scottish actor in a city full of beautiful women, and I will admit to having the time of my life.” “I’m very well behaved these days as a lot of the naughty stuff was when I was drinking.” I wish someone could find the magazine and tell us what else we are missing. Theresa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frisby Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Thanks for that extra bit Theresa! One of the things I admire about Gerry is his openness about his drink problems in the past. I'm sure a lot of people have found inspiration and help from his example. It's funny because he is the opposite of most people in show business who turn to drink or drugs AFTER they become famous, whereas Gerry found redemption in his acting career. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terezoulini Posted February 14, 2012 Report Share Posted February 14, 2012 Thanks for that extra bit Theresa! One of the things I admire about Gerry is his openness about his drink problems in the past. I'm sure a lot of people have found inspiration and help from his example. It's funny because he is the opposite of most people in show business who turn to drink or drugs AFTER they become famous, whereas Gerry found redemption in his acting career. When you hear about people like Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson or even Elvis many years ago dying before their time because they couldn't really handle their fame and what goes with it, it kind of makes you thankful in a weird way that Gerry faced most of his demons before he became famous. He was mature enough and smart enough to find a healthy channel for whatever he was feeling. I pray it stays that way. The good thing is that he seems to grasp how lucky he is and how good he has it now and doesn't seem like he would jeopardise that. Theresa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karin* Posted February 15, 2012 Report Share Posted February 15, 2012 Thanks for that extra bit Theresa! One of the things I admire about Gerry is his openness about his drink problems in the past. I'm sure a lot of people have found inspiration and help from his example. It's funny because he is the opposite of most people in show business who turn to drink or drugs AFTER they become famous, whereas Gerry found redemption in his acting career. When you hear about people like Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson or even Elvis many years ago dying before their time because they couldn't really handle their fame and what goes with it, it kind of makes you thankful in a weird way that Gerry faced most of his demons before he became famous. He was mature enough and smart enough to find a healthy channel for whatever he was feeling. I pray it stays that way. The good thing is that he seems to grasp how lucky he is and how good he has it now and doesn't seem like he would jeopardise that. Theresa I agree with you Teresa! However, I think we should point mostly that Gerry had an education with capital "E", and also is a very intelligent man - what may differ him from these catastrophical idol-personalities, meaning specially that a true talented person, like these great artists were for sure, doesn´t necessarily mean that they were intelligent - and mostly, due of the fact that Gerry came from a strong family where moral values are important and are present, according to what Gerry has ever said about his mother and her social posture towards her children and her condition as a divorced woman. The strong and fearless attitude of his mother in front of difficulties added to the way he was raised are the ultimate key to his psychological and emotional security. Even though he endured his demons and the self-destruction times, his inner voice spoke louder when danger approached him the most, and he could turn away, then make his choice. These other great artists lacked all that. Gerry is strong, and sure of himself... he was probably raised to accquire these virtues. It is truly a beautiful life story so far! xoxo Karin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terezoulini Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 I agree with you Teresa! However, I think we should point mostly that Gerry had an education with capital "E", and also is a very intelligent man - what may differ him from these catastrophical idol-personalities, meaning specially that a true talented person, like these great artists were for sure, doesn´t necessarily mean that they were intelligent - and mostly, due of the fact that Gerry came from a strong family where moral values are important and are present, according to what Gerry has ever said about his mother and her social posture towards her children and her condition as a divorced woman. The strong and fearless attitude of his mother in front of difficulties added to the way he was raised are the ultimate key to his psychological and emotional security. Even though he endured his demons and the self-destruction times, his inner voice spoke louder when danger approached him the most, and he could turn away, then make his choice. These other great artists lacked all that. Gerry is strong, and sure of himself... he was probably raised to accquire these virtues. It is truly a beautiful life story so far! xoxo Karin Great perpsective, Karin, I couldn't agree more. His education and family background are key factors to him keeping his sanity. Also the fact that he came into this business and fame relatively late in his life when he was older and wiser. It's good that he had a life before. Theresa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becozy Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 RedBulletin Feb 2012 promo video is on the Red Bulletin site here and it appears it's available as a supplement included in newspapers as listed in the end screencap and TheSundayLife (Northern Ireland)'s TWEET I'm going to see if I can find a 'hard copy' we get the Sunday NY Daily News The Miami Herald Chicago Tribune Houston Chronicle Los Angeles Times NY Daily News The Irish Times The Belfast Telegraphy Saturday Star Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition) The INDEPENDENT on Saturday The New Zealand Herald Frankfurter Allgemeine L'EQUIPE Kuait Times MILENIO KLEINE-ZEITUNG KURIER Die Presse Salzburgerger Nachrichten DER STANDARD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rendita Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Barb, I'm supposed to be receiving one from the UK, but don't have it yet. If you haven't found one by then, I will try to scan it for you. Ren Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
becozy Posted February 16, 2012 Report Share Posted February 16, 2012 Ren! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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