Charitable star Gerard Butler

Apr 13, 2010, 16:34 GMT

Gerard Butler loves using his star status to help people.

The 'Bounty Hunter' actor admits finding Hollywood success has made him more grounded and has also driven him to want to do more charity work.

He said: "For a good part of my life, I've been a bit of a rogue - not always living the best, healthiest, most responsible life. But I feel like I've turned myself around, gotten my personal life and career together, and I love what I do. Along with this contentment has come an increasing desire to give back to others.

"Last January, I took part in the Hope for Haiti telethon that George Clooney organised, and I was overwhelmed at the love and support that came in from across America and around the world. It was a great experience."

Gerard, 40, used to be confused as to why he was approached to carry out charity work, but is now delighted to be able to support others.

He added in a column for the USA Today newspaper: "The children I meet as part of my work with Kids Kicking Cancer charity are such an inspiration to me. I get so much more back from these kids than I give.

"If I'm being honest, I have to say I'm a bit of latecomer to the world of giving back. It's mostly come since I started acting.

"With an increased profile, I was approached to support various causes. I used to think, 'Why me?' But then I realised that lending my support to an important cause can raise its visibility and hopefully encourage others to support it, too."