Equatorial Guinea and Gerard Butler: Difference between pages

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{{Infobox Country
{{Infobox actor
| image = Gerard Butler at the Berlinale 2007.jpg
|native_name = '' '''República de Guinea Ecuatorial''' ''{{spaces|2}}<small>{{es icon}}</small><br/>''République de Guinée Équatoriale''{{spaces|2}}<small>{{fr icon}}</small><br/>Republic of Equatorial Guinea
|common_name = Equatorial Guinea
| imagesize = 200px
|image_flag = Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg
| caption = Butler while giving autographs at the Berlinale 2007
|image_coat = Coat_of_arms_of_Equatorial_Guinea.svg
| birthname = Gerard James Butler
|image_map = LocationEquatorialGuinea.svg
| birthdate = {{birth date and age|1969|11|13}}
| birthplace = [[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]
|national_motto = Unidad, Paz, Justicia{{spaces|2}}<small>{{es icon}}<br/>Unité, Paix, Justice{{spaces|2}}{{fr icon}}<br/>Unity, Peace, Justice</small>
|national_anthem = [[Caminemos pisando la senda]]
| deathplace =
| othername =
|official_languages = [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[French language|French]]
| occupation = [[Actor]], former [[lawyer]]
|regional_languages = [[Fang language|Fang]], [[Bube language|Bube]], [[Annobonese language|Annobonese]],
|demonym = Equatorial Guinean, Equatoguinean
| yearsactive = 1997 - present
|capital = [[Malabo]]
| spouse =
| latd = 3 | latm = 45 | lats = 13.73 | latNS = N
| academyawards =
| longd = 8 | longm = 47 | longs = 5.13 | longEW = E
| afiawards =
|largest_city = capital
| baftaawards =
| cesarawards =
|government_type = [[Presidential system|Presidential]] [[Republic]]
| emmyawards =
|leader_title1 = [[List of Presidents of Equatorial Guinea|President]]
| filmfareawards =
|leader_title2 = [[List of Prime Ministers of Equatorial Guinea|Prime Minister]]
|leader_name1 = [[Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo]]
| geminiawards =
| goldenglobeawards =
|leader_name2 = [[Ignacio Milam Tang]]
| goldenraspberryawards =
|area_rank = 144th
|area_magnitude = 1 E10
| goyaawards =
|area_km2 = 28,051
| grammyawards =
| laurenceolivierawards =
|area_sq_mi = 10,828 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|percent_water = negligible
| naacpimageawards =
| nationalfilmawards =
|population_estimate = 504,000{{dubious|Population dispute}}
| sagawards =
|population_estimate_rank = 166th
| tonyawards =
|population_estimate_year = July 2005 <!--UN WPP-->
|population_census =
| awards =
|population_census_year =
|population_density_km2 = 18
|population_density_sq_mi = 47 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]-->
|population_density_rank = 187th
|GDP_PPP_year = 2007
|GDP_PPP = $19.655 billion<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=642&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=55&pr.y=8 |title=Equatorial Guinea|publisher=International Monetary Fund|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> <!--Do not edit!-->
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $16,312<ref name=imf2/> <!--Do not edit!-->
|GDP_nominal = $12.574 billion<ref name=imf2/> <!--Do not edit!-->
|GDP_nominal_year = 2007
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $10,435<ref name=imf2/> <!--Do not edit!-->
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]]
|established_event1 = from [[Spain]]
|established_date1 = [[October 12]] [[1968]]
|HDI = {{decrease}} 0.642
|HDI_rank = 127th
|HDI_year = 2007
|HDI_category = <font color="#ffcc00">medium</font>
|currency = [[Central African CFA franc]]
|currency_code = XAF
|country_code =
|time_zone = [[West Africa Time|WAT]]
|utc_offset = +1
|time_zone_DST = not observed
|utc_offset_DST = +1
|cctld = [[.gq]]
|calling_code = 240
}}
}}
The '''Republic of Equatorial Guinea''' (''República de Guinea Ecuatorial'', {{IPA-es|re̞ˈpuβ̞lika ð̞e̞ ɣ̞iˈne̞a e̞kwato̞ˈɾjal}}) is a country in [[Central Africa]].
It is one of the smallest countries in continental [[Africa]], and comprises two regions: a Continental Region ([[Río Muni]]); and an [[Islands of Equatorial Guinea|Insular Region]] containing [[Annobón]] island, [[Bioko]] island (formerly ''Fernando Po'') where the capital of [[Malabo]] is situated, and several offshore islands like [[Corisco]].


{{distinguish2|[[Gerald Butler]], an English judge}}
Annobón is the southernmost island of Equatorial Guinea and is situated just north of the [[equator]]. Bioko island is the northernmost point of Equatorial Guinea. Between the two islands and to the east is the mainland region. Equatorial Guinea is bordered by [[Cameroon]] on the north, [[Gabon]] on the south and east, and the [[Gulf of Guinea]] on the west, where the island nation of [[São Tomé and Príncipe]] is located between Bioko and Annobón. Formerly the [[colony]] of [[Spanish Guinea]], its post-independence name is suggestive of its location near both the equator and the [[Gulf of Guinea]]. It is one of the few territories in mainland Africa where [[Spanish language|Spanish]] is an official language, besides the [[Spain|Spanish]] exclaves of [[Ceuta]] and [[Melilla]].


'''Gerard James Butler''' (born [[November 13]], [[1969]]) is a [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[actor]] perhaps best known for his portrayal of [[Leonidas I|King Leonidas]] in ''[[300 (film)|300]]'', [[Erik (The Phantom of the Opera)|The Phantom]] in the [[The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film)|2004 film version]] of ''[[The Phantom of the Opera]]'', and Gerry Kennedy in ''[[P.S. I Love You (film)|P.S. I Love You]]''.
Equatorial Guinea is the second smallest country in continental Africa in terms of population. ([[Seychelles]], [[The Gambia]], [[Rwanda]], and [[São Tomé and Príncipe]] are smaller in terms of area, and the [[Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic]] has a smaller population but is disputed.) It is also the smallest [[United Nations]] member from continental Africa. The discovery of sizeable [[petroleum]] reserves in recent years is altering the economic and political status of the country.


==Early life==
Despite its name, no part of Equatorial Guinea's territory lies on the [[equator]].
Butler was born in [[Glasgow, Scotland]], the son of Margaret and Edward Butler. <ref> Dated star Amy J. for awhile.[http://www.filmreference.com/film/73/Gerard-Butler.html Gerard Butler Biography (1969-)<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> His great-grandparents were from Ireland.<ref>[http://gerardbutler-es.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1505&Itemid=116&lang=en Gerard Butler en español<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Butler was raised in a [[Catholic]] working-class family.<ref>[http://gerardbutlerusa.com/Interviews.html Gerard Butler USA<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.hellomagazine.ca/profiles/gerardbutler/ An in-depth look at your favourite celebrity personalities - hellomagazine.com, HELLO!<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> For the first two years of his life, he lived in [[Montreal]], [[Quebec]].<ref>[http://www.canada.com/topics/entertainment/story.html?id=50e2e2f3-f765-4d9c-88e6-a39959023abb&k=97955 Butler and Campbell a couple?<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> When his parents [[divorce]]d, his mother took him and his siblings, Lynn and Brian, back to [[Scotland]], to her hometown, [[Ralston]] in [[Paisley]].<ref>[http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/02/11/1362913.htm<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He had no further contact with his father until he was sixteen years old. His father died of cancer when Gerard was 22.


== History ==
==Career==
Butler graduated from Glasgow University Law School before embarking on his early career in stage plays. His first roles were in ''[[Coriolanus (play)|Coriolanus]]'' and in the stage version of ''[[Trainspotting (film)|Trainspotting]]''.<ref>[http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/filmography.html?p_id=240591&mod=bio New York Times Biography]</ref> Butler landed his first film role as Archie Brown in 1997's ''[[Mrs. Brown]]'' alongside [[Judi Dench]] and [[Billy Connolly]]. That same year, he appeared in a minor role in the [[James Bond]] film ''[[Tomorrow Never Dies]]''. He followed this with several appearances in various [[independent film]]s and several television series in the UK, including a role in the series ''Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married'' and the films ''[[The Cherry Orchard]]'', ''[[One More Kiss]]'', and ''[[Harrison’s Flowers]]''.
{{main|History of Equatorial Guinea}}
The first inhabitants of the continental region that is now Equatorial Guinea are believed to have been [[labelabes]], of whom only isolated pockets remain in northern [[Río Muni]]. [[Bantu people|Bantu]] migrations between the 17th and 19th centuries brought the coastal tribes and later the [[Beti-Pahuin#Fang|Fang]]. Elements of the latter may have generated the [[Bubi]], who emigrated to [[Bioko]] from [[Cameroon]] and Rio Muni in several waves and succeeded former Neolithic populations. The [[Bubi]] were the very first human inhabitants of [[Bioko]] Island. The [[Annobon]] population, native to [[Angola]], was introduced by the Portuguese via [[São Tomé Island]] ([[São Tomé and Príncipe]]).
In 1999, he began filming his first lead role as [[Attila the Hun]] in the [[United States|American]] TV [[miniseries]] ''[[Attila (TV miniseries)|Attila]]''. During filming of ''Attila'', the production actually stopped in order for him to film his second lead role as [[Dracula]] in [[Wes Craven]]’s ''[[Dracula 2000]]''. Both films were released in 2000. In this early part of his career his most notable work was in ''[[The Jury]]'', a critically acclaimed UK TV [[miniseries]]. In ''[[Timeline (film)|Timeline]]'' which was released in 2003, Butler once again starred alongside [[Billy Connolly]]. Based on the [[Michael Crichton]] book of the same name, Butler played [[archaeologist]] Andre Marek. Also in 2003, he starred as Terry Sheridan opposite [[Angelina Jolie]] in ''[[Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life]]''. The following year he was cast in the title role of [[Joel Schumacher]]'s film rendition of [[Andrew Lloyd Webber]]'s ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film)|The Phantom of the Opera]]'', co-starring [[Emmy Rossum]], [[Patrick Wilson (actor)|Patrick Wilson]], and [[Ciaran Hinds]]. Prior to filming ''The Phantom of the Opera'', Butler had completed the independent film ''[[Dear Frankie]]'', which co-starred [[Emily Mortimer]].


In 2005, he starred in ''[[The Game of Their Lives]]'', a film based on a true story of the 1950 [[United States|U.S.]] soccer team who beat [[England]] 1 - 0 in [[Belo Horizonte, Brazil]]. The same year he was cast in as [[Beowulf]] in the [[Sturla Gunnarsson]] film production of ''[[Beowulf & Grendel]]''. Filmed entirely in [[Iceland]], ''Beowulf & Grendel'' was widely released in Canada to moderate success. During filming, Butler also participated in and co-produced the documentary ''[[Wrath of Gods]]''. Directed by [[Jon Gustafsson]], the film documents the dramatic circumstances the cast and crew faced while making the film ''Beowulf & Grendel''. Later this same year Butler began production of ''[[300 (film)|300]]'', in which he starred as [[Leonidas|King Leonidas]] of [[Sparta]]. The film, directed by [[Zack Snyder]] and co-starring [[Lena Headey]], was released in March 2007. The film was an adaptation of [[Frank Miller (comics)|Frank Miller's]] [[graphic novel]] [[300 (comic)|of the same name]] based on events surrounding the [[Battle of Thermopylae]] in [[Greece]] circa 480 BC. ''300'' was released in the US on [[March 9]], [[2007]]. It currently holds the record for the highest opening weekend [[box office]] gross in the month of March at over $72 million during that first weekend. As of May 2007, ''300'' had a box office gross of $438 million after nine weeks. Butler received various awards for this role including "Action Star of the Year" at the [[Taurus World Stunt Awards]] and "Biggest Ass Kicker" at the 2007 [[Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards]].
The [[Portuguese Empire|Portuguese explorer]] [[Fernão do Pó]], seeking a path to [[India]], is credited as being the first European to discover the island of [[Bioko]] in 1472. He called it ''Formosa'' ("Beautiful"), but it quickly took on the name of its European discoverer. The islands of Fernando Pó and Annobón were colonized by [[Portugal]] in 1474. In 1778, the island, adjacent islets, and commercial rights to the mainland between the [[Niger River|Niger]] and [[Ogoue River|Ogoue]] Rivers were ceded to [[Spanish Empire|Spain]] in exchange for territory in the American continent ([[Treaty of El Pardo (1778)|Treaty of El Pardo]], between Queen [[Maria I of Portugal]] and King [[Charles III of Spain]]). Between 1778 and 1810, the territory of Equatorial Guinea depended administratively on the viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, with seat in [[Buenos Aires]]. From 1827 to 1843, the [[United Kingdom]] established a base on the island to combat the [[Slavery|slave trade]],<ref>See Encyclopedia Britannica, 1911, "Fernando Po"</ref> which was then moved to [[Sierra Leone]] upon agreement with Spain in 1843. In 1844, on restoration of Spanish sovereignty, it became known as the ''Territorios Españoles del Golfo de Guinea Ecuatorial''. The mainland portion, Rio Muni, became a protectorate in 1885 and a colony in 1900. Conflicting claims to the mainland were settled by the [[Treaty of Paris (1900)]], and periodically, the mainland territories were united administratively under Spanish rule. Between 1926 and 1959 they were united as the colony of [[Spanish Guinea]].


In 2006, Butler completed filming ''[[Butterfly on a Wheel]]'' (renamed ''Shattered'' in the U.S.) and began work on ''[[PS, I Love You (film)|PS, I Love You]]'' with [[Hilary Swank]], based on [[Cecilia Ahern]]'s [[PS, I Love You|novel]] and released in December 2007. On [[July 7]], [[2007]] Butler appeared at the [[Live Earth concert, London|UK leg]] of [[Live Earth]] at [[Wembley Stadium]], [[London]]. In November 2007, an Entertainment Weekly readers' poll named Gerard as #5 Ultimate Male Hottie of All Time. Later in November, Entertainment Weekly named Gerard as one of the Top 25 Entertainers of 2007.
== Politics ==
[[Image:Equatorialguineamap.png|thumb|left|300px|Map of Equatorial Guinea]]
{{main|Politics of Equatorial Guinea}}
The current president of Equatorial Guinea is Retired Brig. Gen. [[Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo]]. The 1982 constitution of Equatorial Guinea gives Obiang extensive powers, including naming and dismissing members of the cabinet, making laws by decree, dissolving the Chamber of Representatives, negotiating and ratifying treaties and calling legislative elections. Obiang retains his role as commander in chief of the armed forces and minister of defence, and he maintains close supervision of the military activity. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and operates under powers designated by the President. The Prime Minister coordinates government activities in areas other than foreign affairs, national defense and security.


''[[Nim's Island]]'', which also stars [[Jodie Foster]] and Abigail Breslin, opened in cinemas on April 4, 2008. Butler was cast in the role of Nim's father, Jack, and as Nim's imaginary hero, Alex Rover. The dual role allowed Gerard to use his natural Scottish burr when playing Alex, while he adopted an American accent as Jack.<ref>[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117965182.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 Butler sets sail for "Island"]</ref>
On [[December 15]], [[2002]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200212160112.html |title=Equatorial Guinea: Obiang Sure to Win As Opposition Quits Poll |publisher=allAfrica |date=[[2002-12-16]]}}</ref> Equatorial Guinea's four main opposition parties withdrew from the country's presidential election. Obiang won an election widely considered fraudulent by members of the Western press. <!--a claim like this deserves a citation-->


==Personal life==
Diplomats and even ministers have been caught smuggling drugs, sometimes using diplomatic bags and even the president's baggage on state trips. The incumbent president has never equalled the bloodthirsty reputation of former dictator [[Francisco Macías Nguema]], whom he overthrew. On Christmas of 1975, Macías had 150 alleged coup plotters executed to the sound of a band playing [[Mary Hopkin]]'s tune [[Those Were the Days (song)| ''Those Were the Days'']] in a national stadium.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/35/238.html |title=Oil Gives African Nation a Chance for Change |publisher=The Washington Post |date=[[2001-05-13]]}}</ref>


Butler currently splits his time between [[London]], [[Los Angeles]] and [[New York City]]. Butler is a massive [[Celtic F.C.]] supporter.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meMRmiZhgTA</ref>
A huge proportion of the £370 million revenue is confiscated by the president while most of the 500,000 subjects subsist on less than a dollar a day, sewage runs through the streets of the capital [[Malabo]], and there is no public transport and little drinking water or electricity.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2089-2340345,00.html |title=Playboy waits for his African throne |publisher=The Sunday Times |date=[[2006-09-03]]}}</ref>


Butler was a heavy smoker but quit smoking in 2007 when he played Gerry Kennedy in [[P.S. I Love You (film)|PS, I Love You]]. "I was smoking a huge amount and having real bad premonitions and then I got this role where the guy dies of cancer," Butler said. "The film made me contemplate death and realize I was playing Russian roulette with my health. I've stopped smoking since".
According to a March 2004 [[BBC]] profile,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3516588.stm |title=Profile: Equatorial Guinea's great survivor |publisher=BBC News |date=[[2004-03-17]]}}</ref> politics within the country are currently dominated by tensions between Obiang's son, Teodorin, and other close relatives with powerful positions in the security forces. The tension may be rooted in power shift arising from the dramatic increase in oil production which has occurred since 1997.


Gerard keeps his private life private, but has been linked to numerous leggy models.
A November 2004 report<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/08/26/1093518010003.html |title=Thatcher faces 15 years in prison |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=[[2004-08-27]]}}</ref> named [[Mark Thatcher]] as a financial backer of a March 2004 attempt to topple Obiang, organized by [[Simon Mann]]. Various accounts also name the United Kingdom's [[Secret Intelligence Service|MI6]], the United States' [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]], and Spain as having been tacit supporters of the coup attempt.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sundayherald.com/print44412 |title=The US knew, Spain knew, Britain knew. Whose coup was it? |publisher=Sunday Herald |date=[[2004-08-29]]}}</ref> Nevertheless, the [[Amnesty International]] report released in June 2005<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAFR240052005?open&of=ENG-GNQ |title=Equatorial Guinea, A trial with too many flaws |publisher=Amnesty International |date=[[2005-06-07]]}}</ref>
on the ensuing trial of those allegedly involved highlighted the prosecution's failure to produce conclusive evidence that a coup attempt had actually taken place.


==Future roles==
On [[February 29]], [[2008]], President Obiang dissolved parliament and announced that [[Equatorial Guinean legislative election, 2008|municipal and parliamentary elections]] would be held on [[May 4]]. His decree also called for a [[Equatorial Guinean presidential election, 2010|presidential election in 2010]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=EQUATORIAL GUINEA: Poll Timetable |journal=Africa Research Bulletin; Political, Social, and Cultural series| publisher=Blackwell |volume=45(3)|pages= 17458A}}</ref>
{{proseline|section}}
In 2005, Butler announced that he would play [[Robert Burns]] in the film ''Burns''. Several tentative production dates have been set for the film, but they have been postponed due to scheduling and financing conflicts. Butler was also slated to play the role of Laurent in the new film adaptation of [[Emile Zola]]'s novel ''[[Thérèse Raquin]]'', but he is no longer attached to the project due to a scheduling conflict with his upcoming role in the film ''Game''.<ref>http://www.gerardbutler.net, 8-7-07</ref>


*''GAME'', a futuristic thriller, co-produced by [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] and Relativity Media, began filming in November 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA and is currently in post-production. <ref>http://www.gerardbutler.net, 8-7-07</ref> Butler has been cast as Kable, the No. 1-ranked warrior in the highest-rated game, which is called "[[Slayerz]]".<ref>[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117965070.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 Lakeshore duo reunite for Game]</ref>
== Provinces and districts ==
{{main|Provinces of Equatorial Guinea}}
[[Image:Equatorial Guinea provinces numbered.png|right|thumb|250px|Provinces of Equatorial Guinea]]
Equatorial Guinea is divided into seven [[province]]s (capitals appear in parentheses):


*''[[RocknRolla]]'', a gangster film directed by [[Guy Ritchie]]. Butler is cast as One-Two, a street-smart gangster involved in a lucrative real-estate scheme.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} This film will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2008 and is to be released in major North American cities in October 2008. <ref>[http://www.tiff07.ca/press/pressreleases/default.aspx?newsId=552 TIFF Press Release], 7-10-08</ref>
# [[Annobón Province]] ([[San Antonio de Palé]])
# [[Bioko Norte Province]] ([[Malabo]])
# [[Bioko Sur Province]] ([[Luba, Equatorial Guinea|Luba]])
# [[Centro Sur Province]] ([[Evinayong]])
# [[Kié-Ntem Province]] ([[Ebebiyín]])
# [[Litoral Province (Equatorial Guinea)|Litoral Province]] ([[Bata, Equatorial Guinea|Bata]])
# [[Wele-Nzas Province]] ([[Mongomo]])


* Butler has completed work on the battle of the sexes comedy ''The Ugly Truth'' for Lakeshore Entertainment costaring Katherine Heigl. <ref>[http://www.gerard-butler.net/gallery/v/parties_dinners_events/2008/Ugly-Truth/ Gerard Butler Gallery], 6-10-08</ref>
The provinces are further divided into districts.


* Butler will be the voice of The Captain in the DVD extra "Tales from the Black Freigher" that will compliment Zack Snyder's adaptation of Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore's ''Watchmen''. The DVD will be released five days after Watchmen's March 6, 2009 US theatrical opening.
== Geography ==
{{main|Geography of Equatorial Guinea}}
The Republic of Equatorial Guinea is located in west central Africa. Bioko Island lies about 40 kilometers (25 mi.) from Cameroon. Annobón Island lies about 595 kilometers (370 mi.) southwest of Bioko Island. The larger continental region of Rio Muni lies between Cameroon and Gabon on the mainland. Near to the continental region the are located the islands of Corisco, Elobey Grande, Elobey Chico, and adjacent islets.


* Gerard has joined the cast of "How to Train Your Dragon" for Dreamworks animation. Butler will voice the father and chief of the tribe, Stoick the Vast, while America Ferrera voices Astrid, who partners with Hiccup for the initiation.<ref>[http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3icdc37db19c2bf2ef758ea87663f6c56d Hollywood Reporter]</ref>
== Economy ==
{{main|Economy of Equatorial Guinea}}
Pre-independence Equatorial Guinea counted on [[cocoa]] production for hard currency earnings. It had the highest [[per capita income]] of Africa in 1959.


*Butler will star in ''Law Abiding Citizen'', his first project of his production company, Evil Twins, slated for a 2009 release. The film begins shooting in the fall of 2008 on location in Philadelphia, PA.<ref>http://www.gerardbutler.net, 8-7-07</ref>
The discovery of large [[oil reserves]] in 1996 and its subsequent exploitation have contributed to a dramatic increase in government revenue. As of 2004,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1101-2004Sep6.html |title=U.S. Oil Firms Entwined in Equatorial Guinea Deals |publisher=washingtonpost.com |author=Justin Blum |date=[[September 7]], [[2004]] |accessdate=2008-07-09}}</ref> Equatorial Guinea is the third-largest oil producer in [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]. Its oil production has risen to 360,000 barrels/day, up from 220,000 only two years earlier.


==Filmography==
Forestry, farming, and fishing are also major components of GDP. Subsistence farming predominates. The deterioration of the rural economy under successive brutal regimes has diminished any potential for agriculture-led growth.
{| class="wikitable"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Year !! Title !! Role !! Notes
|-
|rowspan="2" | 1997 || ''[[Mrs. Brown]]'' || Archie Brown ||
|-
|''[[Tomorrow Never Dies]]'' || Leading Seaman ||
|-
|rowspan="4" | 1998 || ''[[Tale of the Mummy]]'' || Burke ||
|-
|''[[Fast Food]]'' || Jacko ||
|-
|''[[Little White Lies]]'' || Peter || [[Television movie|TV movie]] ([[United Kingdom|UK]])
|-
|''[[The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star]]'' || Marty Claymore || [[Television series|TV series]] (UK)
|-
|rowspan="4" | 1999 || ''[[The Cherry Orchard]]'' || Yasha ||
|-
|''[[Please! (film)|Please!]]'' || Peter || [[Short Film]]
|-
|''[[One More Kiss]]'' || Sam || TV movie (UK)
|-
|''[[Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married]]'' || Gus || TV series (UK)
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2000 || ''[[Dracula 2000]]'' || [[Dracula in popular culture| Count Dracula]]/[[Judas Iscariot]] ||
|-
|''[[Harrison's Flowers]]'' || Chris Kumac ||
|-
|rowspan="4" | 2001 || ''[[An Unsuitable Job for a Woman]]'' || Tim Bolton || TV series (UK)
|-
|''[[Attila (TV miniseries)|Attila]]'' || Attila the Hun || TV [[miniseries]]
|-
|''[[Jewel of the Sahara]]'' || Captain Charles Belamy || Short Film
|-
|''[[The Jury]]'' || Johnnie Donne || TV miniseries (UK)
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2002 || ''[[Shooters]]'' || Jackie Junior ||
|-
|''[[Reign of Fire (film)|Reign of Fire]]'' || Creedy ||
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2003 || ''[[Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life]]'' || Terry Sheridan ||
|-
|''[[Timeline (film)|Timeline]]'' || André Marek ||
|-
| 2004 || ''[[The Phantom of the Opera (2004 film)|The Phantom of the Opera]]'' || [[Erik (The Phantom of the Opera)|The Phantom]] ||
|-
|rowspan="4" | 2005 || Trailer for a Remake of [[Gore Vidal]]'s ''[[Caligula]]'' || Prefect Cassius Chaerea || Short Film
|-
|''[[Dear Frankie]]'' || The Stranger ||
|-
|''[[Beowulf & Grendel]]'' || [[Beowulf (hero)|Beowulf]] ||
|-
|''[[The Game of Their Lives]]'' || Frank Borghi ||
|-
|rowspan="3" | 2007 || ''[[300 (film)|300]]'' || [[Leonidas I|King Leonidas]] ||
|-
|''[[Butterfly on a Wheel|Butterfly On A Wheel]]'' || Neil Randall ||
|-
|''[[P.S. I Love You (film)|PS, I Love You]]'' || Gerry Kennedy ||
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2008 || ''[[Nim's Island]]'' || Jack Rusoe / Alex Rover ||
|-
|''[[RocknRolla]]'' || One Two ||
|-
|rowspan="4"| 2009 || | ''[[Game (film)|Game]]'' || Kable || ''post-production''
|-
| ''[[The Ugly Truth (film)|The Ugly Truth]]'' || Mike Alexander || ''post-production''
|-
| ''[[Tales of the Black Freighter]]'' || The Captain (voice) || ''filming''
|-
| ''[[Law Abiding Citizen]]'' || District Attorney || ''pre-production''
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2010 || | ''[[How to Train Your Dragon (film)|How to Train Your Dragon]] || Stoick the Vast (voice) ||In production
|-
|}


==References==
Despite a per capita GDP (PPP) of more than US$30,000<ref>[http://imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2005/02/data/dbcoutm.cfm?SD=2004&ED=2004&R1=1&R2=1&CS=3&SS=2&OS=C&DD=0&OUT=1&C=512-941-914-446-612-666-614-672-311-946-213-137-911-962-193-674-122-676-912-548-313-556-419-678-513-181-316-682-913-684-124-273-339-921-638-948-514-686-218-688-963-518-616-728-223-558-516-138-918-353-748-196-618-278-522-692-622-694-156-142-624-449-626-564-628-283-228-853-924-288-233-293-632-566-636-964-634-182-238-453-662-968-960-922-423-714-935-862-128-716-611-456-321-722-243-965-248-718-469-724-253-576-642-936-643-961-939-813-644-199-819-184-172-524-132-361-646-362-648-364-915-732-134-366-652-734-174-144-328-146-258-463-656-528-654-923-336-738-263-578-268-537-532-742-944-866-176-369-534-744-536-186-429-925-178-746-436-926-136-466-343-112-158-111-439-298-916-927-664-846-826-299-542-582-443-474-917-754-544-698&S=PPPPC&CMP=0&x=18&y=9IMF World Economic Outlook IMF Database, September 2005]</ref> (CIA Factbook $12,900)<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ek.html CIA - The World Factbook - Equatorial Guinea<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> which is as of 2008 the [[List of countries by GDP (PPP) per capita|ninth highest]] in the world, Equatorial Guinea ranks 121st out of 177 countries on the [[United Nations]] [[Human Development Index]].
{{reflist|1}}
==External links==
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*{{imdb name|name=Gerard Butler|id=0124930}}
* [http://weirdlyobsessivegerardbutlerfans.angelfire.com/index.html Weirdly Obsessive Gerard Butler Fans]
* [http://www.pyroradio.com/index.cfm/act/interview_details/id/64 Gerard Butler talks to Pyro radio about Rocknrolla]


{{start box}}
In July 2004, the [[United States Senate]] published an investigation into [[Riggs Bank]], a Washington-based bank into which most of Equatorial Guinea's oil revenues were paid until recently, and which also banked for [[Chile]]'s [[Augusto Pinochet]]. The Senate report, as to Equatorial Guinea, showed that at least $35 million were siphoned off by Obiang, his family and senior officials of his regime. The president has denied any wrongdoing. While Riggs Bank in February 2005 paid $9 million as restitution for its banking for Chile's Augusto Pinochet, no restitution was made with regard to Equatorial Guinea, as reported in detail in an Anti-Money Laundering Report from [[Inner City Press]].<ref>[http://www.innercitypress.org/finwatch.html Inner City Press / Finance Watch: "Follow the Money, Watchdog the Regulators"<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
{{succession box | before = [[Leslie Nielsen]] | title = [[Actors to portray Count Dracula]] | years = 1995-2002 | after = [[Zhang Wei-Qiang]]}}


<!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]
On [[August 9]], [[2006]], ''[[Harper's Magazine]]'' published an article by [[Ken Silverstein]] highlighting Obiang's recent connections with the [[US State Department]] and Independence Federal Savings Bank.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.harpers.org/sb-obiangs-banking-again-1155053056.html |title=Obiang's Banking Again: State Department and Washington insiders help a dictator get what he wants |date=[[2006-08-09]] |publisher=Harper's Magazine}}</ref>
{{Persondata
|NAME=Butler, Gerard
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Butler, Gerry
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=Actor
|DATE OF BIRTH=[[November 13]], [[1969]]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=[[Glasgow]], [[Scotland]]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
}} -->


{{DEFAULTSORT:Butler, Gerard}}
While Equatorial Guinea is currently one of the largest producers of oil in Africa, few improvements have been made to the living conditions of the people and most live in poverty.
[[Category:1969 births]]


[[Category:Scottish actors]]
== Demographics ==
[[Category:Scottish stage actors]]
[[Image:bubi children.jpg|thumb|left|Equatorial Guinean children of Bubi descent.]]
[[Category:Scottish television actors]]
[[Category:Scottish film actors]]
[[Category:Scottish actor-singers]]
[[Category:Scottish male singers]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Glasgow]]
[[Category:People from Glasgow]]
[[Category:People from Renfrewshire]]
[[Category:Scottish baritones]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Scottish Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Scots of Irish descent]]


[[ar:جيرارد بتلر]]
{{main|Demographics of Equatorial Guinea}}
[[bg:Джерард Бътлър]]
The majority of the people of Equatorial Guinea are of [[Bantu people|Bantu]] origin. The largest tribe, the [[Beti-Pahuin#Fang|Fang]], is indigenous to the mainland, but substantial migration to [[Bioko Island]] has resulted in Fang dominance over the earlier Bantu inhabitants. The Fang constitute 80% of the population and comprise 67 clans. Those in the northern part of Rio Muni speak Fang-Ntumu, while those in the south speak Fang-Okah; the two dialects have differences but are mutually intelligible. Dialects of Fang are also spoken in parts of neighboring Cameroon (Bulu) and Gabon. These dialects, while still intelligible, are more distinct. The Bulu Fang of Cameroon were traditional rivals of Fang in Rio Muni. (The [[Bubi]], who constitute 15% of the population, are indigenous to Bioko Island. The traditional demarcation line between Fang and beach tribes was the village of Niefang (limit of the fang) inland from Bata.
[[cs:Gerard Butler]]

[[da:Gerard Butler]]
[[Image:Fang in Equatorial Guinea.jpg|thumb|right|Equatorial Guinean children of Fang descent.]]
[[de:Gerard Butler]]
In addition, there are coastal tribes, sometimes referred to as "Playeros" (''Beach People'' in [[Spanish language|Spanish]]): [[Ndowes]], [[Bujebas]], [[Balengues]], [[Kombis]], and [[Benga]]s on the mainland and small islands, and "Fernandinos", a [[Creole peoples|Creole]] community, on Bioko. Together, these groups compose 5% of the population. Some Europeans (largely of [[Spanish people|Spanish]] or [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] descent) – among them mixed with African ethnicity – also live in the nation. Most Spaniards left after independence. There is a growing number of foreigners from neighboring [[Cameroon]], [[Nigeria]], and [[Gabon]]. Equatorial Guinea received [[Asians]] and black Africans from other countries as workers on [[cocoa]] and [[coffee]] plantations. Other black Africans came from [[Liberia]], [[Angola]], and [[Mozambique]]. Most of the Asian population is [[Han Chinese|Chinese]], with small numbers of [[India]]ns. Equatorial Guinea also allowed many fortune-seeking European settlers of other nationalities, including [[British people|British]], [[French people|French]] and [[Germans]]. After independence, thousands of Equatorial Guineans went to Spain. Another 100,000 Equatorial Guineans went to Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria because of the dictatorship of [[Francisco Macías Nguema]]. Some of its communities also live in [[Latin America]], the [[United States]], [[Portugal]], and [[France]].
[[el:Τζεράρντ Μπάτλερ]]

[[es:Gerard Butler]]
[[Petroleum|Oil extraction]] has contributed to a doubling of the population in Malabo.
[[fr:Gerard Butler]]

[[gd:Gerard Butler]]
== Official languages ==
[[id:Gerard Butler]]
The Constitutional Law which amends article 4 of the Fundamental Law of the State establishes that "the official languages of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea are Spanish and French. The aboriginal languages are recognized as integral parts of the national culture" (Constitutional Law No. 1/1998 of [[21 January]]). The great majority of Equatorial Guineans speak [[Spanish language|Spanish]],<ref name=obi>[http://actualidad.terra.es/internacional/articulo/obiang_comunidad_naciones_1710388.htm "Obiang convierte al portugués en tercer idioma oficial para entrar en la Comunidad lusófona de Naciones"], ''Terra''. 13-07-2007 ''([http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A//actualidad.terra.es/internacional/articulo/obiang_comunidad_naciones_1710388.htm&hl=en&langpair=es|en&tbb=1&ie=windows-1252 translate])''</ref> especially those living in the capital, [[Malabo]]. Spanish has been an official language since 1844. In July 2007, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema announced his government's decision for [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] to become Equatorial Guinea's third official language, in order to meet the requirements to apply for full membership in the [[Community of Portuguese Language Countries]] (CPLP). This upgrading from its current Associate Observer condition would result in Equatorial Guinea being able to access several professional and academic exchange programs and the facilitation of cross-border circulation of citizens. Its application is currently being assessed by other CPLP members.<ref name=obi />
[[it:Gerard Butler]]

[[he:ג'ררד באטלר]]
== Education and culture ==
[[sw:Gerard Butler]]
{{main|Culture of Equatorial Guinea|Music of Equatorial Guinea}}
[[hu:Gerard Butler]]
Several cultural dispersion and literacy organizations are located in the country, founded chiefly with the financial support of the Spanish government. The country has one [[university]], the [[Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial]] (UNGE) with a campus in [[Malabo]] and a Faculty of Medicine located in [[Bata, Equatorial Guinea|Bata]] on the mainland. The Bata Medical School is supported principally by the government of [[Cuba]] and staffed by Cuban medical educators and physicians.
[[nl:Gerard Butler]]

[[ja:ジェラルド・バトラー]]
== Communications ==
[[pl:Gerard Butler]]
{{main|Communications in Equatorial Guinea}}
[[pt:Gerard Butler]]

[[ro:Gerard Butler]]
The principal means of communication within the country are three state-operated [[FM radio]] stations. There are also five [[shortwave]] radio stations. There are also two newspapers and two magazines. Television Nacional, the television network, is state operated.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/1023151.stm#media |title=Country Profile: Equatorial Guinea: Media |publisher=BBC News |date=[[2008-01-26]]}}</ref><ref name = "brlcbi">{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ek.html#Comm |title=CIA World Factbook: Equatorial Guinea; Communications |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |date=[[2008-03-20]]}}</ref>
[[ru:Батлер, Джерард]]

[[sq:Gerard Butler]]
Most of the media companies practice heavy [[self-censorship]], and are banned by law from criticising public figures. The state-owned media and the main private radio station are under the directorship of [[Teodorin Nguema Obiang]], the president's son.
[[sr:Џерард Батлер]]

[[fi:Gerard Butler]]
[[Landline]] [[telephone]] penetration is low, with only two lines available for every 100 persons.<ref name = "brlcbi"/> There is one [[GSM]] mobile telephone operator, with coverage of [[Malabo]], [[Bata]], and several mainland cities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_gq.shtml |title=GSMWorld Providers: Equatorial Guinea |publisher=GSM World |date=2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gsmworld.com/cgi-bin/ni_map.pl?cc=gq&net=ge |title=GSMWorld GETESA Coverage Map |publisher=GSM World |date=2008}}</ref> As of 2005, approximately twenty percent of the population subscribed to mobile telephone services. The only telephone provider in Equatorial Guinea Is Orange.
[[sv:Gerard Butler]]

[[tr:Gerard Butler]]
Equatorial Guinea has one [[Internet service provider]], which serves about 8,000 users.<ref name = "brlcbi"/>

== Sports ==
Equatorial Guinea has been chosen to co-host the [[2012 African Cup of Nations]] in partnership with [[Gabon]].

* [[Equatorial Guinea national football team]]

Equatorial Guinea is also famous for the National Swimming Champion [[Eric Moussambani]], nicknamed "Eric the Eel".

== In fiction ==
[[Frederick Forsyth]]'s 1974 novel ''[[The Dogs of War (novel)|The Dogs of War]]'' is set in the fictional [[platinum]]-rich 'Republic of Zangaro', which is based on Equatorial Guinea. There is also a 1981 film adaptation of the book, also called [[The Dogs of War (film)|The Dogs of War]].

[[Fernando Po (island)|Fernando Po]] (now Bioko) is featured prominently in the 1975 [[science fiction]] work ''[[The Illuminatus! Trilogy]]'' by [[Robert Shea]] and [[Robert Anton Wilson]]. The island (and, in turn, the country) experience a series of coups in the story which lead the world to the verge of nuclear war. The story also hypothesizes that Fernando Po is the last remaining piece of the sunken continent of [[Atlantis]].

Most of the action in [[Robin Cook (novelist)|Robin Cook]]'s book, ''[[Chromosome 6 (novel)|Chromosome 6]]'', takes place at a [[primate]] research facility based in Equatorial Guinea due to the country's permissive laws. The book also discusses some of the geography, history, and peoples of the country.

== See also ==
<div style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;">

* [[Bight of Bonny]] also known as the [[Bight of Biafra]]
* [[Cameroon line]]
* [[Gulf of Guinea]]
* [[:Category:Equatoguinean people]]
* [[Communications in Equatorial Guinea]]
* [[Foreign relations of Equatorial Guinea]]
* [[List of Equatorial Guinea-related topics]]
* [[Military of Equatorial Guinea]]
* [[Scouting in Equatorial Guinea]]
* [[Transport in Equatorial Guinea]]
* [[2004 Equatorial Guinea coup d'état attempt]]

</div>

== Notes and references ==
{{factbook}}
{{reflist|2}}

== Books ==
*[[Max Liniger-Goumaz]], ''Small is not Always Beautiful: The Story of Equatorial Guinea'' (French 1986, translated 1989) ISBN 0-389-20861-2
*[[Ibrahim K. Sundiata]], ''Equatorial Guinea: Colonialism, State Terror, and the Search for Stability'' (1990, Boulder: Westview Press) ISBN 0-8133-0429-6
* [[Robert Klitgaard]]. 1990. ''Tropical Gangsters''. New York: Basic Books. (World Bank economist tries to assist pre-oil Equatorial Guinea -clever book, factual account) ISBN 0465087604
* [[D.L. Claret]]. ''Cien años de evangelización en Guinea Ecuatorial (1883-1983)/ One Hundred Years of Evangelism in Equatorial Guinea'' (1983, Barcelona: Claretian Missionaries)
* [[Adam Roberts]], ''The Wonga Coup: Guns, Thugs and a Ruthless Determination to Create Mayhem in an Oil-Rich Corner of Africa'' (2006, PublicAffairs) ISBN 1-58648-371-4

== External links ==
{{sisterlinks|Equatorial Guinea}}
* [http://guinea-equatorial.com/ Official Government of Equatorial Guinea website] ([[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[English language|English]])
* [http://www.guinea-ecuatorial.org/index.php Opposition Website] ("Government in Exile" - Evolved party from ruling government prior to the coup d'état that lead to the Independence of 1968) (Spanish)
* [http://www.ecaligiuri.com/index2.php Honorary Consulate of Equatorial Guinea in Romania] (Spanish) (Romanian) (English)

=== News ===
* [http://allafrica.com/equatorialguinea/ allAfrica - ''Equatorial Guinea''] news headline links (English, French)
* [http://www.guinea-ecuatorial.net/ms/main.asp Guinea-Ecuatorial.net] (Spanish, some French)
* http://www.icex.es/staticFiles/GuineaEcuatorial_6814_.pdf (Spanish)

===Overviews and directories===
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/1023151.stm BBC News Country Profile - ''Equatorial Guinea'']
* [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ek.html CIA World Factbook - ''Equatorial Guinea'']
* [http://dmoz.org/Regional/Africa/Equatorial_Guinea/ Open Directory Project - ''Equatorial Guinea''] directory category
* [http://www-sul.stanford.edu/depts/ssrg/africa/eqg.html Stanford University - Africa South of the Sahara: ''Equatorial Guinea''] directory category
* [http://www.afrika.no/index/Countries/Equatorial_Guinea/ The Index on Africa - ''Equatorial Guinea'']
* [http://www.sas.upenn.edu/African_Studies/Country_Specific/Eq_Guinea.html University of Pennsylvania - African Studies Center: ''Equatorial Guinea''] directory category
* [http://dir.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Equatorial_Guinea/ Yahoo! - ''Equatorial Guinea''] directory category
* http://www.iradier.org/colaboracion5.htm (Spanish)
* [http://www.freeworldmaps.net/africa/equatorial-guinea/map.html Map of Equatorial Guinea]

=== "Ethnic" groups ===
* [http://www.thebubis.com/ The Bubis of Fernando Po] The history of first inhabitants of Bioko Island, now an endangered people
* [http://www.culturabubi.org/ Cultura Bubi]
* [http://www.thebubis.com/ Cultures de Mon: Los Bubis]
* [http://www.pygmies.info/ African Pygmies] Culture and music of the first inhabitants of Equatorial Guinea, with photos and ethnographic notes

=== Tourism ===
* {{wikitravel}}
* [http://www.visitguineaecuatorial.com Useful information for travelling to Equatorial Guinea for independent travellers] (Spanish, English)

=== Economy ===
* [http://www.fairfinancewatch.org/africa.html#obiang Equatorial Guinea Banking Issues, from the Fair Finance Watch]
* [http://www.ecaligiuri.com/inversionenguinea.pdf# Equatorial Guinea Investment Opportunities] in Spanish
* [http://www.uvm.edu/~shali/OliveraAli.pdf Can Corporate Power Transform Equatorial Guinea and Angola?]

=== Spain and Africa ===
* [http://www.maec.es/es/Home/Paginas/planafrica.aspx Spanish Embassy's Plan for African 2006-2008]

{{Template group
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{{Countries of Africa}}

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{{Template group
|title = International membership
|list =
{{Member states of the African Union}}
{{South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone}}
{{La Francophonie}}
{{Niger-Congo-speaking}}
{{Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP)}}
}}

{{coord|1|55|29.34|N|10|06|41.94|E|type:country|display=title}}

<!--Categories-->
[[Category:Equatorial Guinea| ]]
[[Category:African Union member states]]
[[Category:Member states of La Francophonie]]
[[Category:French-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Spanish-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Portuguese-speaking countries]]
[[Category:Least Developed Countries]]
[[Category:Former Spanish colonies]]
[[Category:Former Portuguese colonies]]

<!--Other languages-->

[[af:Ekwatoriaal-Guinee]]
[[als:Äquatorialguinea]]
[[am:ኢኳቶሪያል ጊኔ]]
[[ar:غينيا الاستوائية]]
[[an:Guinea Ecuatorial]]
[[frp:Guinê èquatoriâla]]
[[ast:Guinea Ecuatorial]]
[[az:Ekvatorial Qvineya]]
[[zh-min-nan:Chhiah-tō Guinea]]
[[be-x-old:Экватарыяльная Ґвінэя]]
[[bs:Ekvatorijalna Gvineja]]
[[br:Ginea ar C'heheder]]
[[bg:Екваториална Гвинея]]
[[ca:Guinea Equatorial]]
[[cv:Экваториаллă Гвиней]]
[[ceb:Guinea Ecuatorial]]
[[cs:Rovníková Guinea]]
[[co:Guinea Equatoriale]]
[[cy:Guinea Gyhydeddol]]
[[da:Ækvatorialguinea]]
[[de:Äquatorialguinea]]
[[dv:އިކުއެޓޯރިއަލް ގިނީ]]
[[et:Ekvatoriaal-Guinea]]
[[el:Ισημερινή Γουινέα]]
[[es:Guinea Ecuatorial]]
[[eo:Ekvatora Gvineo]]
[[eu:Ekuatore Ginea]]
[[fa:گینه استوایی]]
[[fo:Ekvatorguinea]]
[[fr:Guinée équatoriale]]
[[ga:An Ghuine Mheánchriosach]]
[[gv:Guinea Chryss ny Cruinney]]
[[gd:Gini Mheadhan-Chriosach]]
[[gl:Guinea Ecuatorial]]
[[ko:적도 기니]]
[[hi:ईक्वीटोरियल गीनी]]
[[hr:Ekvatorska Gvineja]]
[[io:Equatorala Guinea]]
[[bpy:একুয়াটরিয়াল গায়ানা]]
[[id:Guinea Khatulistiwa]]
[[ia:Guinea Equatorial]]
[[ie:Equatorial Guinea]]
[[os:Экваториалон Гвиней]]
[[is:Miðbaugs-Gínea]]
[[it:Guinea Equatoriale]]
[[he:גינאה המשוונית]]
[[jv:Guinea Khatulistiwa]]
[[pam:Equatorial Guinea]]
[[kn:ವಿಷುವದ್ರೇಖೆಯ ಗಿನಿ]]
[[ka:ეკვატორული გვინეა]]
[[kk:Екуатор Гиния]]
[[kw:Gyni Ekwadoriel]]
[[sw:Guinea ya Ikweta]]
[[ht:Gine ekwateryal]]
[[ku:Gînêya Rojbendî]]
[[la:Guinea Aequatorensis]]
[[lv:Ekvatoriālā Gvineja]]
[[lb:Äquatorialguinea]]
[[lt:Pusiaujo Gvinėja]]
[[lij:Guinea Equatoriâ]]
[[li:Equatoriaal Guinee]]
[[ln:Gine-Ekwatorial]]
[[hu:Egyenlítői-Guinea]]
[[mk:Екваторијална Гвинеја]]
[[ml:ഇക്വറ്റോറിയല്‍ ഗിനി]]
[[ms:Guinea Khatulistiwa]]
[[nah:Guinea Tlahcotlālticpac]]
[[nl:Equatoriaal-Guinea]]
[[ja:赤道ギニア]]
[[no:Ekvatorial-Guinea]]
[[nn:Ekvatorial-Guinea]]
[[nov:Equatoral Gini]]
[[oc:Guinèa Eqüatoriala]]
[[uz:Ekvatorli Gvineya]]
[[ps:اېکواټوريال ګوينا]]
[[pms:Guinea Equatorial]]
[[nds:Äquatoriaal-Guinea]]
[[pl:Gwinea Równikowa]]
[[pt:Guiné Equatorial]]
[[crh:Ekvatorial Gvineya]]
[[ro:Guineea Ecuatorială]]
[[qu:Chawpipacha Khiniya]]
[[ru:Экваториальная Гвинея]]
[[se:Ekvatoriála Guinea]]
[[stq:Äquatorioal Guinea]]
[[sq:Guineja Ekuatoriale]]
[[scn:Guinia Ecuaturiali]]
[[simple:Equatorial Guinea]]
[[sk:Rovníková Guinea]]
[[sl:Ekvatorialna Gvineja]]
[[sr:Екваторијална Гвинеја]]
[[sh:Ekvatorijalna Gvineja]]
[[fi:Päiväntasaajan Guinea]]
[[sv:Ekvatorialguinea]]
[[tl:Equatorial Guinea]]
[[ta:எக்குவடோரியல் கினி]]
[[th:ประเทศอิเควทอเรียลกินี]]
[[vi:Guinea Xích Đạo]]
[[tg:Гвинеяи Истивоӣ]]
[[tr:Ekvator Ginesi]]
[[uk:Екваторіальна Гвінея]]
[[ur:استوائی گنی]]
[[vec:Guinea Equatorial]]
[[vo:Kveatora-Gineyän]]
[[wo:Gineg yamoo]]
[[ts:Equatorial Guinea]]
[[diq:Gineya Ekwatori]]
[[zea:Equatoriaol Hunea]]
[[bat-smg:Ekvatuorė Gvinėjė]]
[[zh:赤道几内亚]]

Revision as of 15:06, 12 October 2008

Gerard Butler
Butler while giving autographs at the Berlinale 2007
Born
Gerard James Butler
Occupation(s)Actor, former lawyer
Years active1997 - present

Template:Distinguish2

Gerard James Butler (born November 13, 1969) is a Scottish actor perhaps best known for his portrayal of King Leonidas in 300, The Phantom in the 2004 film version of The Phantom of the Opera, and Gerry Kennedy in P.S. I Love You.

Early life

Butler was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Margaret and Edward Butler. [1] His great-grandparents were from Ireland.[2] Butler was raised in a Catholic working-class family.[3][4] For the first two years of his life, he lived in Montreal, Quebec.[5] When his parents divorced, his mother took him and his siblings, Lynn and Brian, back to Scotland, to her hometown, Ralston in Paisley.[6] He had no further contact with his father until he was sixteen years old. His father died of cancer when Gerard was 22.

Career

Butler graduated from Glasgow University Law School before embarking on his early career in stage plays. His first roles were in Coriolanus and in the stage version of Trainspotting.[7] Butler landed his first film role as Archie Brown in 1997's Mrs. Brown alongside Judi Dench and Billy Connolly. That same year, he appeared in a minor role in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies. He followed this with several appearances in various independent films and several television series in the UK, including a role in the series Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married and the films The Cherry Orchard, One More Kiss, and Harrison’s Flowers.

In 1999, he began filming his first lead role as Attila the Hun in the American TV miniseries Attila. During filming of Attila, the production actually stopped in order for him to film his second lead role as Dracula in Wes Craven’s Dracula 2000. Both films were released in 2000. In this early part of his career his most notable work was in The Jury, a critically acclaimed UK TV miniseries. In Timeline which was released in 2003, Butler once again starred alongside Billy Connolly. Based on the Michael Crichton book of the same name, Butler played archaeologist Andre Marek. Also in 2003, he starred as Terry Sheridan opposite Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life. The following year he was cast in the title role of Joel Schumacher's film rendition of Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, co-starring Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, and Ciaran Hinds. Prior to filming The Phantom of the Opera, Butler had completed the independent film Dear Frankie, which co-starred Emily Mortimer.

In 2005, he starred in The Game of Their Lives, a film based on a true story of the 1950 U.S. soccer team who beat England 1 - 0 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The same year he was cast in as Beowulf in the Sturla Gunnarsson film production of Beowulf & Grendel. Filmed entirely in Iceland, Beowulf & Grendel was widely released in Canada to moderate success. During filming, Butler also participated in and co-produced the documentary Wrath of Gods. Directed by Jon Gustafsson, the film documents the dramatic circumstances the cast and crew faced while making the film Beowulf & Grendel. Later this same year Butler began production of 300, in which he starred as King Leonidas of Sparta. The film, directed by Zack Snyder and co-starring Lena Headey, was released in March 2007. The film was an adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same name based on events surrounding the Battle of Thermopylae in Greece circa 480 BC. 300 was released in the US on March 9, 2007. It currently holds the record for the highest opening weekend box office gross in the month of March at over $72 million during that first weekend. As of May 2007, 300 had a box office gross of $438 million after nine weeks. Butler received various awards for this role including "Action Star of the Year" at the Taurus World Stunt Awards and "Biggest Ass Kicker" at the 2007 Spike TV Guys' Choice Awards.

In 2006, Butler completed filming Butterfly on a Wheel (renamed Shattered in the U.S.) and began work on PS, I Love You with Hilary Swank, based on Cecilia Ahern's novel and released in December 2007. On July 7, 2007 Butler appeared at the UK leg of Live Earth at Wembley Stadium, London. In November 2007, an Entertainment Weekly readers' poll named Gerard as #5 Ultimate Male Hottie of All Time. Later in November, Entertainment Weekly named Gerard as one of the Top 25 Entertainers of 2007.

Nim's Island, which also stars Jodie Foster and Abigail Breslin, opened in cinemas on April 4, 2008. Butler was cast in the role of Nim's father, Jack, and as Nim's imaginary hero, Alex Rover. The dual role allowed Gerard to use his natural Scottish burr when playing Alex, while he adopted an American accent as Jack.[8]

Personal life

Butler currently splits his time between London, Los Angeles and New York City. Butler is a massive Celtic F.C. supporter.[9]

Butler was a heavy smoker but quit smoking in 2007 when he played Gerry Kennedy in PS, I Love You. "I was smoking a huge amount and having real bad premonitions and then I got this role where the guy dies of cancer," Butler said. "The film made me contemplate death and realize I was playing Russian roulette with my health. I've stopped smoking since".

Gerard keeps his private life private, but has been linked to numerous leggy models.

Future roles

In 2005, Butler announced that he would play Robert Burns in the film Burns. Several tentative production dates have been set for the film, but they have been postponed due to scheduling and financing conflicts. Butler was also slated to play the role of Laurent in the new film adaptation of Emile Zola's novel Thérèse Raquin, but he is no longer attached to the project due to a scheduling conflict with his upcoming role in the film Game.[10]

  • GAME, a futuristic thriller, co-produced by Paramount and Relativity Media, began filming in November 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA and is currently in post-production. [11] Butler has been cast as Kable, the No. 1-ranked warrior in the highest-rated game, which is called "Slayerz".[12]
  • RocknRolla, a gangster film directed by Guy Ritchie. Butler is cast as One-Two, a street-smart gangster involved in a lucrative real-estate scheme.[citation needed] This film will have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2008 and is to be released in major North American cities in October 2008. [13]
  • Butler has completed work on the battle of the sexes comedy The Ugly Truth for Lakeshore Entertainment costaring Katherine Heigl. [14]
  • Butler will be the voice of The Captain in the DVD extra "Tales from the Black Freigher" that will compliment Zack Snyder's adaptation of Dave Gibbons and Alan Moore's Watchmen. The DVD will be released five days after Watchmen's March 6, 2009 US theatrical opening.
  • Gerard has joined the cast of "How to Train Your Dragon" for Dreamworks animation. Butler will voice the father and chief of the tribe, Stoick the Vast, while America Ferrera voices Astrid, who partners with Hiccup for the initiation.[15]
  • Butler will star in Law Abiding Citizen, his first project of his production company, Evil Twins, slated for a 2009 release. The film begins shooting in the fall of 2008 on location in Philadelphia, PA.[16]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1997 Mrs. Brown Archie Brown
Tomorrow Never Dies Leading Seaman
1998 Tale of the Mummy Burke
Fast Food Jacko
Little White Lies Peter TV movie (UK)
The Young Person's Guide to Becoming a Rock Star Marty Claymore TV series (UK)
1999 The Cherry Orchard Yasha
Please! Peter Short Film
One More Kiss Sam TV movie (UK)
Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married Gus TV series (UK)
2000 Dracula 2000 Count Dracula/Judas Iscariot
Harrison's Flowers Chris Kumac
2001 An Unsuitable Job for a Woman Tim Bolton TV series (UK)
Attila Attila the Hun TV miniseries
Jewel of the Sahara Captain Charles Belamy Short Film
The Jury Johnnie Donne TV miniseries (UK)
2002 Shooters Jackie Junior
Reign of Fire Creedy
2003 Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life Terry Sheridan
Timeline André Marek
2004 The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom
2005 Trailer for a Remake of Gore Vidal's Caligula Prefect Cassius Chaerea Short Film
Dear Frankie The Stranger
Beowulf & Grendel Beowulf
The Game of Their Lives Frank Borghi
2007 300 King Leonidas
Butterfly On A Wheel Neil Randall
PS, I Love You Gerry Kennedy
2008 Nim's Island Jack Rusoe / Alex Rover
RocknRolla One Two
2009 Game Kable post-production
The Ugly Truth Mike Alexander post-production
Tales of the Black Freighter The Captain (voice) filming
Law Abiding Citizen District Attorney pre-production
2010 How to Train Your Dragon Stoick the Vast (voice) In production

References

  1. ^ Dated star Amy J. for awhile.Gerard Butler Biography (1969-)
  2. ^ Gerard Butler en español
  3. ^ Gerard Butler USA
  4. ^ An in-depth look at your favourite celebrity personalities - hellomagazine.com, HELLO!
  5. ^ Butler and Campbell a couple?
  6. ^ [1]
  7. ^ New York Times Biography
  8. ^ Butler sets sail for "Island"
  9. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meMRmiZhgTA
  10. ^ http://www.gerardbutler.net, 8-7-07
  11. ^ http://www.gerardbutler.net, 8-7-07
  12. ^ Lakeshore duo reunite for Game
  13. ^ TIFF Press Release, 7-10-08
  14. ^ Gerard Butler Gallery, 6-10-08
  15. ^ Hollywood Reporter
  16. ^ http://www.gerardbutler.net, 8-7-07

External links

Preceded by Actors to portray Count Dracula
1995-2002 		Succeeded by
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