• Published: Jul 01 2025 12:08 PM
  • Last Updated: Jul 01 2025 12:52 PM

A closer look at Gerard Butler’s biggest television roles, from animated series to talk shows and hosting duties.


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Gerard Butler has built a career—both in film and television—as an action star, known for a number of action films including 300 and The Phantom of the Opera. While Butler has appeared in many films he has seen as really important, he has also appeared in quite a few television roles over the years, in a wide range of roles from drama series to voice work to - let's face it, we all know Gerard Butler has a fantastic and smart-aleck persona - to frequent visits to late-night shows. 

While Butler's television roles may not be as well publicized or recognized as his film roles, his television work truly depicts some depth and some insight into his own character. Television work reveals Butler's range, from strong dramatic acting to animated work to hosting duties; he has multiple avenues of presenting his own persona on screen.

One of Gerard Butler's most recent projects of interest is ARK: The Animated Series, which debuted in 2024. In it he voices Gaius Marcellus Nerva, a Roman general transported to a new world. In this series, Butler will not only be the voice of Gaius. Butler is also credited as a producer. Butler wearing both hats shows that he is maturing into a space that includes projects beyond acting, and even trying a new format: animation.

A unique TV role for Gerard Butler came much earlier in his career. In 2002, Butler was part of The Jury, a British legal drama about the jury system. Butler played Juror #1 in six episodes. Even though the show only lasted one season, it provided him an opportunity to play a role that was comparatively more grounded, and heavy on dialogue. This role provided Butler's early fans an idea of his potential in television drama, long before he made a name for himself in Hollywood.

While these are arguably Butler's only consequential scripted television performances, they show that Butler is talented, flexible and has a wide interest in genres. Both shows offered something different—one presented legal realism, while the other presented animated science-fiction—but each gave Butler the opportunity to showcase different aspects of his craft. 

In addition to acting roles, Gerard Butler has also become a notable guest on both American and British talk shows, Burnett 197, 208. Over the years, Butler has made appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show to name a few (who doesn't love Ellen?). Most of these appearances take place when Butler is promoting a film which is part of the excitement. However, they also presented a laid back and comical presentation of his personality for the viewer. 

Despite this actor starting out as serious, on-their-game talent, Butler started to balance his serious roles with more comedic bits. While becoming more mainstream, Butler appeared on SNL (Saturday Night Live) in 2009, a big deal for professional actors. Butler, of course, was in the apocalyptic comedy Geostorm that later that same year. Shakira was the musical guest that night. Butler said it was very nice way to try live comedy again after being on stage. I don't know who you'd get all the experience of showing and performing comedy which is totally different than any of the edgy dramas he'd acted.

In the UK, Butler has appeared on many occasions on The Graham Norton Show where he would frequently tell silly stories or be a good sport because the show is relaxed. One of his most colorful stories in 2017 was a motorcycle crash and also waxing up the bee venom therapy when he was promoting the film Geostorm.

He been guest to many other variety shows like Live with Kelly and Ryan and Today with Hoda & Jenna. This genre of morning or daytime show give Butler the added level of the largest scope audience, and all of Butler's charms started to poke through.

Image Source: nme.com 

FAQ

His main roles include The Jury (2002) and ARK: The Animated Series (2024), where he also served as a producer.

Yes, he hosted SNL in October 2009 with Shakira as the musical guest.

Yes. He voiced the character Gaius Marcellus Nerva in ARK: The Animated Series.

He’s been a guest on The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Graham Norton Show, Ellen, and others.

They show a more personal side of Butler and highlight his versatility, whether through voice roles, comedy sketches, or interviews

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