The Infamous Gerard Butler...

With his star on the rise at the crisp age of 'twenty-one' (40 to be honest), Hollywood superstar Gerard Butler seems to have bagged a triumphant movie career, fame, a sizeable bank account and a long string of adoring and over-zealous supporters from across the globe.

But is this Scotsman all talk and no trousers?

The sheer mention of "The Gerard Butler" sends both men and women into hysterics. Every time his name arises, the replies are surprisingly repetitive and over the top: "Oh My God! That actor from 300," "He is so hot!" and not forgetting the classic-old "I want to marry him and have babies with him." (giggles…)

I may not have watched 300 but I can declare that this power-packed talent house has certainly progressed way past his teeny loincloth and a six-pack which no doubt catapulted him to superstardom and into becoming one of the (if not, the only) reigning Scottish actors in international film history! But as beautifully painted his current life canvas may appear, reaching for the stars may have been nothing more than a far-fetched dream for a boy from quaint Paisley, Scotland.

Starting life in Glasgow as a bright young chap, Butler was tipped on becoming an actor from the very beginning. Maybe it was the idyllic pastures and highlands of Scotland that sent him into a land of escapism, permitting make-believe all the more possible or perhaps the act of pretending to be ´someone else´ (through acting) liberated him from his insecurities. Whatever the case, Butler always believed he was destined for bigger things in life even though many were unimpressed with his acting aspirations. "You were seen as weird if you wanted to be an actor but I didn´t mind. It was just what I wanted to do", he once said. Ideally, he ventured into law as a student but the stars had chosen otherwise. He was fired as a lawyer and the very next day, he packed his baggage and moved to London to become an actor. As easy as this may sound, it must have taken a surge of strength and confidence to pull off the ambitious attempt.

Leaving a pile of broken hearts behind, especially his mum´s – many fail to understand what it must have felt like to be in Butler´s shoes at that dark point of time. "I had no connections, no experience, no training and no prospects. Everyone was laughing at me. They were all thinking I´d messed up my whole career", as stated in the Men´s Health magazine. But the valiant Scorpio was determined to outlive and outdo in times of adversity. Endless passionate strides, lots of hard work, dedication, a bit of the devil´s luck and a manager-comrade by the name of Alan Siegel, got him to where he stands today…up on gigantic billboards and in the hearts of most media professionals and devotees.

However, the one thing that frustrates me most is that it is beyond understanding how one manages to stay quite so normal despite the overwhelming success. Butler gave up the booze a long time back so do not expect any drunken sailor mischief; he hardly lands himself in the hot soup and never fails to flash a smile wherever he goes. From Scotland to Singapore, I have not met a single die-hard fan who has not sung his praises! Maybe it is his jovial and generous nature that comes across in most of his interviews or his composed exterior whenever in the company of the paparazzi or the decent effort he makes to stay in close contact with his fans that makes him a much-loved celebrity on websites like Gerard Butler Net and GB Gals. In fact, these websites are run by thousands of well-wishers around the world whose lives revolve around the actor every single day. From what I know, they should be awarded for their unwavering support and commitment towards ensuring his popularity. From movie premieres to conventions, fan greeting sessions, seasonal greetings or birthday wishes – the love they shower onto him alongside his choice of profession are highly commendable.

This was palpable to see at the promotion of his first film production Law Abiding Citizen in his hometown where Butler undoubtedly could not seem to suppress his appreciation at the sight of his fans and the glory he brought upon himself for having done his nation proud. Both fans and citizens were delighted to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-producer inclined with his roots in his traditional Scottish attire with his proud mother in-hand on the red carpet. Clearly a picture-perfect moment that touched and crushed female fans all over, I honestly find it rather amusing that the aura of curiosity around his love life has reached its summit in glossies everywhere. Over the years, Butler has been romantically linked to beauties such as Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz to singing sensations like Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Simpson. Although the lover-rumor mills are flattering to one´s image, Butler believes that the speculations do mark a stain in the long run. "I think that it does do your reputation harm if this is happening every week," said Butler. "It gets to the stage when you want to go: Don´t come near because then we´ll be having a thing! Stay over there and we maybe can shout to each other." Personal life at stake…I say it´s about time you ladies give the lad a break since he has sincerely stated that full-on relationships are not in his cards right now.

Sometimes I do wonder if Butler´s open-book persona is contributory to the fascination with his single livelihood. Someone once told me, "A still tongue keeps a wise head, but an honest soul talks all the more" and Butler comes in mind as someone who has no qualms about sharing with millions his childhood, his previous misendeavours and his single-ready-to-mingle status. But why crave the need for lady luck when he has mommy dearest by his side who has been his main support system in dire times. I guess it is then true to state that money and fame are completely valueless to the empowering love from family and fans. That is probably why Mr. Butler continues to feel humbled to stop when approached by a complete stranger or pose for a picture or two with a group of squeaky young teenagers who worship the ground he walks on. Bottom line: he delivers as a performer, a celebrated personality and as a person like most Scottish stars such as Sean Connery, Ewan McGregor and funnyman Craig Ferguson.

I write this column with no acquaintance with the actor but I have certainly gotten to know him through his loyal supporters, including my two ´crazy´ colleagues in the next compartment. Actually my so-called acknowledgement of the actor was only brought forth last year when one of them enlightened me that GB Gals was in need of a copy of The Straits Times article, which headlined ´Bad Boy Butler´. Concerned over her fractured elbow, I dug up the article, scanned it and mailed the written piece directly to the website as a form of good deed. Within a day, I got a heartfelt response from this lovely lady from GBG who displayed much gratitude over the small exertion.

But it wasn´t this scenario that fuelled my interest; it was the colossal poster of his latest flick, LAC that caught my attention just yesterday. "I know that face!" Upon scrutiny, did I then realize that this was the very same actor whose film I had penned my thesis back in university about two years ago. It was his short film entitled ´Please!´ in which he starred in 1999. My first words were, "Damn! He´s such a good actor," which explains the accolades he has been receiving so far. Now I would not be bowled over if I hear the Oscar buzz in time to come. Before I end, another Butler-addict in the office lends some advice. "Now that everybody knows you, never change Mr. Butler: it´s been long since a real man came along in Hollywood," says my Editor-in-chief...