Margaret Butler, later known as Margaret Coll, was far more than the mother of a Hollywood star. She was a proud Scottish woman whose life was shaped by resilience, faith, education, and quiet determination. Best known as the mother of actor Gerard Butler, Margaret lived a life rooted in family values and service to others. While she never sought the spotlight herself, her influence was deeply felt, both within her family and among the charitable communities she supported. Her story is one of strength in adversity, devotion to her children, and an enduring legacy that continues to be honoured through her son’s work.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Margaret Butler (Margaret Coll) |
| Date of Birth | 11 March 1943 |
| Age | 81 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Paisley, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Height | Not publicly known |
| Hair Colour | Grey (later years) |
| Eye Colour | Not publicly known |
| Education | Background in education |
| Profession | Educator, charity supporter |
| Marital Status | Remarried (wife of Alex Coll) |
| Children | Three, including Gerard Butler |
| Known For | Mother of Gerard Butler, Mary’s Meals supporter |
| Net Worth | Not publicly available |
Early Life and Education
Margaret Butler was born on 11 March 1943 in the historic town of Paisley. Growing up in post-war Scotland, she experienced a world that valued hard work, community spirit, and resilience. Paisley, known for its strong cultural identity and close-knit neighbourhoods, played a significant role in shaping her grounded personality.
From an early age, Margaret showed a natural interest in learning and teaching. Although detailed records of her formal education are limited, she later worked in education, suggesting a solid academic background and a genuine passion for helping others learn. Friends and family often described her as thoughtful, disciplined, and quietly ambitious, traits that would later influence her children, especially her youngest son, Gerard.
Her childhood experiences instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and empathy. These qualities became central to her identity, guiding her choices as a parent and as a member of her community.
Personal and Family Life
Margaret married Edward Butler in her early adult years. Together, they had three children, with Gerard Butler being the youngest. However, the marriage ended when Gerard was still a toddler, leaving Margaret to raise the children largely on her own. As a single mother in Paisley, she faced financial and emotional challenges, but she remained determined to provide stability, discipline, and love.
Raising three children alone was no easy task, yet Margaret managed it with remarkable strength. She balanced work, parenting, and personal faith, ensuring her children understood the value of effort and perseverance. Gerard has often spoken publicly about how his mother’s sacrifices shaped his outlook on life and success.
Later in life, Margaret found happiness again and remarried Alex Coll. From that point onwards, she was known as Margaret Coll. Their marriage brought her companionship and peace in her later years, and she remained closely connected to her children and grandchildren.
Career Journey and Professional Life
Margaret Butler’s professional life was centred around education and service. She worked in the educational field, a career that reflected her belief in the power of knowledge and discipline. Teaching was not just a job for her but a calling, one that allowed her to positively influence young lives.
Beyond her professional career, Margaret became deeply involved with the charity Mary’s Meals. The organization, which provides meals to children in some of the world’s poorest communities, aligned perfectly with her values of compassion and practical kindness. She often appeared in charity videos, speaking with warmth and sincerity about the importance of helping vulnerable children.
Her involvement was not about recognition but about impact. Those who worked with her described her as genuine, humble, and deeply committed to the cause. This charitable work became a defining part of her later life, adding another meaningful layer to her legacy.
Relationship with Gerard Butler
Margaret’s relationship with Gerard Butler was particularly close. As a mother, she was firm yet loving, encouraging discipline while nurturing creativity. Gerard has frequently credited her for his resilience, work ethic, and emotional strength.
Even after Gerard achieved international fame through films such as Olympus Has Fallen, Margaret remained grounded and unchanged by celebrity culture. She occasionally accompanied her son to high-profile events, including red carpet premieres, where their affectionate bond was clearly visible.
One of the most touching tributes to their relationship came after her passing, when the 2025 live-action remake of How to Train Your Dragon was dedicated to her memory. Gerard, who reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, shared an emotional reflection, saying that if Stoick had a mother, it would have been his own.
Life Challenges and Turning Points
Margaret Butler’s life was not without hardship. Becoming a single mother at a young age was a defining challenge, one that tested her emotionally and financially. However, rather than allowing these difficulties to overwhelm her, she used them as motivation to build a stable and loving home.
Another turning point was her later involvement with Mary’s Meals. This chapter allowed her to extend her nurturing instincts beyond her own family and into the wider world. It gave her a renewed sense of purpose and connection, especially in her later years.
Her remarriage to Alex Coll also marked a period of renewed happiness, showing that life could still offer new beginnings, even after decades of responsibility and sacrifice.
Current Life and Final Years
In her final years, Margaret lived a relatively private life, surrounded by family and supported by her faith. She remained proud of her children’s achievements while continuing her charitable interests as much as her health allowed.
Margaret passed away in February 2025 at the age of 81. Her death was deeply felt by her family and by those who knew her through her charitable work. Tributes highlighted her kindness, strength, and unwavering support for others.
Net Worth and Financial Status
Margaret Butler did not live a life focused on wealth or material success. Her net worth was never publicly disclosed, as she was not a traditional public figure. Her financial stability came primarily from her work in education and later from a modest, comfortable lifestyle shared with her husband.
Her true wealth, however, lay in her relationships, values, and the positive influence she had on others, particularly her children.
Public Image and Media Presence
Although not a celebrity herself, Margaret was widely admired by Gerard Butler’s fans. Media portrayals often described her as warm, dignified, and deeply supportive. She was seen as the emotional backbone behind her son’s success, a woman whose guidance helped shape one of Scotland’s most recognizable actors.
Her occasional public appearances were always marked by grace and humility, reinforcing the positive image people had of her.
Fun Facts and Anecdotes
Margaret enjoyed accompanying Gerard to film premieres, not for glamour but to support him. She had a strong Scottish accent that Gerard often joked about lovingly in interviews. Friends recall that she valued simple pleasures, such as time with family, community events, and charitable work, far more than luxury.
Conclusion
Margaret Butler’s life story is one of quiet strength and lasting influence. As a mother, educator, and charity supporter, she left a profound mark on those around her. Her legacy lives on through her children, particularly Gerard Butler, and through the charitable causes she championed. She may not have sought fame, but her life remains a powerful example of resilience, compassion, and unwavering love.
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(FAQs)
Who was Margaret Butler?
Margaret Butler was a Scottish educator and charity supporter, best known as the mother of actor Gerard Butler.
Was Margaret Butler married?
Yes, she was first married to Edward Butler and later remarried Alex Coll, becoming known as Margaret Coll.
How many children did she have?
She had three children, including Gerard Butler.
What charity was she associated with?
She was a strong supporter of Mary’s Meals, an international charity providing meals to children in need.
What is Margaret Butler remembered for today?
She is remembered for her role as a devoted mother, her resilience as a single parent, and her lasting impact through charity and family.