Gerard Butler Recalls Life-Threatening Surfing Accident

In mid-December last year, actor Gerard Butler landed in hospital after a surfing accident that was said to have nearly cost him his life. On a recent interview with BBC One, the actor confirms that it was pretty bad, saying it was “a close call.”

While shooting for his latest film in Australia, Butler somehow fell off his board and went underwater.

Reports at the time said that he was also either hit by other surfers or hit his head on some rocks. Either way, he was rushed to the hospital and doctors told him that he was very lucky he was still alive.

On the Graham Norton show the other day, the actor confirmed reports, adding that the accident actually put things into perspective for him as regards the risks he's willing to take for his job.

He also explained how everything went down.

“It was a pretty close call. The waves just took me in, and I couldn’t get up. It was pretty hairy. It was maybe of of the few times that reports were not exaggerated, was actually in the ambulance and wanted to go back, which was a little crazy. But [surfing is] pretty addictive,” he said on the show.

“In the movie, I put in a scene about a 'two wave hold down', when you are down for so long that the next wave comes over before you get back up, and that's what happened to me,” Gerard explained.

“They couldn’t get to me. I was underwater for a long time. I was in a very dangerous position,” he said.

The accident put things into perspective for him and taught him that perhaps more caution would be better in the future, especially if he cherishes his life – which he does.

“It’s changed my attitude to my job. I think I overdo it, and I find myself many times in positions that I shouldn’t be in. This one was the worst of all. I don’t mind taking bumps and bruises. It’s part of the fun. But you have to go, 'Wait a minute, this is my life',” Butler said.

Also on the interview, the handsome actor recalled a kilt incident he had at a family wedding. It's rather off-topic, but it's worth noting that Butler hasn't lost his sense of humor – and, hopefully, he never will.