Glaswegian Actors - Part 1

We often forget living in Glasgow that we actually are home to a lot of Glaswegian actors, and terrific actors at that! So here's a few Glaswegian actors that have made it in cinema, whether it be globally or just in the Glasgow film scene.

Firstly, we have Gerard Butler, who was born in Paisley in the South West of Glasgow. Born on the 13 November 1969 he attended St Mirin's and St Margaret's High School where he left with good enough grades to get into Glasgow University to study law where he got his degree. One week before qualifying as a trainee lawyer he was fired for being late and coming into work hungover, whoops. 
However, this meant Butler got the reality check he needed and encouraged him to pursue his career in acting which he has had a passion for since a young age. 

Butler and his character Stoick the Vast

Now, Gerard Butler is a household name that we can see in major blockbuster movies including "Olympus has Fallen", "Chasing Mavericks" and who could forget "300". One of my favorite animation films stars the voice of Gerard Butler, as he plays Stoick the Vast in "How to train your Dragon" which is absolutely brilliant. The message the whole film portrays is amazing and Butler aces the thick Scottish voice of the tough viking in this feel-good animation.

But the first ever film I recall seeing, that starred Butler was "the Phantom of the Opera" where I was astounded that he could actually sing! Also, it showed that he could act on stage as well as on screen.
Here's a clip of Butler from the 2004 "the Phantom of the Opera".
Full link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JaeBxYCI9k

So now you know the basics about Gerard Butler, here are a few facts that you may not have known about the Scottish actor.

- During the film "Chasing Mavericks", Butler had to be rescued after he was in a surfing accident. After the accident he had to be rushed to hospital because he was stuck under the water for around a minute.

- He hates the way Americans say his name Gerard, so insists that whilst in America people call him Gerry. 

- He had previously been the singer of a rock band called Speed.

So there you are Part 1 of our Glaswegian actors. Gerard Butler is definitely one of Glasgow's treasures and many people in the city, whether they are aspiring actors or not will surely feel the same as I do and see Mr Gerard Butler as an inspiration. As someone who failed at first and instead pursued their true passion in life it only makes me think maybe I should drop out of Uni and do the same... or maybe not because I wouldn't be as lucky and would end up working in McDonalds for the rest of my life. Oh well. Well done Mr Butler.