10 Actors Who Almost Died Because Of Intense Method Acting

7. Gerard Butler Almost Drowns Whilst Surfing For A Surf Movie - Chasing Mavericks

In preparation for his role as a surfer in the now forgotten flick Chasing Mavericks, Gerard Butler was taught how to surf by professional big wave master Grant Washburn.

Though it's kind of admirable that Butler looked to go all method and learn to surf for real in order to truly embrace his role, Washburn apparently didn't do a very good job teaching Butler the safety procedures akin to the water sport. In short, Butler nearly drowned whilst shooting the movie at Maverick's, California. An eye-witness described the incident as such: "Butler was held down for a solid two-waves and took four or five more waves on the head.

He was then washed through the rocks on the inside before he was finally able to be plucked out. Even on small days, the inside at Maverick's can push ten-foot plus and really tear you up. When they brought Butler in he had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold or near death experience." Luckily he survived the incident, because where would cinema be without Gerard Butler? Wait, don't answer that.