GERARD BUTLER

Date of Birth: November 13, 1969

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Butler spent his first few years in Canada before returning with his family to Scotland. After his parents divorced, he remained with his mother for most of his childhood, reconnecting with his father in his mid-teens. Attending Glasgow University, Butler pursued the life of a lawyer/solicitor.

During his studies, however, he was approached by actor Stephen Berkoff in a London coffee shop. Berkoff gave him a stage role in the play Coriolanus, and Butler accepted. The thrill of performing made him decide to give up law school for a career in acting. Other stage performances to follow included playing the lead role in Renton, the stage adaptation of the feature film Trainspotting.

By 1997, Butler landed his first film role as Billy Connolly's younger brother in the movie Mrs. Brown (1997). His movie career continued with small roles in the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and Tale of the Mummy (1998).

When the 21st century hit, he found himself landing starring roles in the mini-series, Attila, playing the lead role; Wes Craven's feature film, Dracula 2000 (2000), playing Dracula; as well as roles in Reign of Fire (2002), Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003) and playing the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera (2004).

Since then, he's become one of Hollywood's leading actors, equally adept at comedies like The Ugly Truth (2009) and The Bounty Hunter (2010) as well as more dramatic fare, such as Law Abiding Citizen (2009).

Living in both London and Los Angeles, Butler spends his spare time playing football (soccer), horseback riding, skiing and water skiing. Currently single, he's been romantically linked to celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Jennifer Aniston.

Filmography:

How to Train Your Dragon (2010) (voice)
The Bounty Hunter (2010)
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
The Ugly Truth (2009)
Gamer (2009)
RocknRolla (2008)
Nim's Island (2008)
P.S., I Love You (2008)
Butterfly on a Wheel (2007)
300 (2007)
Beowulf & Grendel (2006)
The Game of Their Lives (2005)
Dear Frankie (2005)
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Timeline (2003)
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Reign of Fire (2002)
Dracula 2000 (2000)
Harrison's Flowers (2000)
Shooters (2000)
One More Kiss (1999)
Varya (1999)
Fast Food (1998)
Tale of the Mummy (1998)
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
Mrs. Brown (1997)