Gerard Butler Reflects on Grueling Injuries from Acting Career

Gerard Butler is no stranger to the physical toll of being an action star. During a recent chat with his Den of Thieves 2: Pantera co-star O’Shea Jackson Jr. for a PEOPLE segment, the 55-year-old actor opened up about the many injuries he’s sustained on set, including his time filming the 2006 epic 300.

“Every day someone was getting hurt,” Butler revealed. “You’d turn around, and a guy would have a spear in his eye or a broken ankle. It was insane.” While he didn’t detail his own injuries from 300, Butler recounted other near-death experiences.

While filming Chasing Mavericks in 2012, Butler nearly drowned after being hit by massive waves despite training as a surfer for the role. “I thought I was done. They had to take me to the hospital and use a defibrillator,” he shared.

Butler also reflected on a terrifying crash with Pierce Brosnan on set. “We hit a wall full-speed in a Range Rover. It destroyed my neck. This was right after 300, so I was already beaten up.”

Other mishaps included accidental injuries to co-stars Hilary Swank and Angelina Jolie. “I scarred Hilary on her head during P.S. I Love You and almost shot Angelina Jolie in the face while upside down during Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” Butler admitted.

Despite being rushed to the hospital numerous times, Butler remains enthusiastic about his stunt-heavy career. “It’s awesome. I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said.

For Butler, the battle scars of Hollywood are just part of the job—and he wouldn’t have it any other way.