Hollywood A-lister Gerard Butler has praised the “extraordinary” work of a street artist who created a mural dedicated to him in Co Down.
The artwork by Johnny Hamilton, also known as Jossiepops, features a portrait of the Scottish actor and was part of a plan by the artist to encourage Butler to visit Bangor.
“What started out as ‘Operation: Get Gerard down to Bangor’ in essence worked,” wrote Johnny on social media.
It wasn’t long before the Bangor art creation drew the attention of Butler, who is currently in Northern Ireland working on the new How to Train Your Dragon animated film.
Johnny received a message from the actor, saying he was “so honoured” by the mural.
The P.S I Love You and 300 star also told Hamilton he would “totally swing by Bangor” and “love to meet you and say hello” adding “you seem like an awesome dude”.
Believing it would probably never happen, the Bangor street artist later revealed his shock when he received a photograph of the actor kissing the portrait.
Explaining how his plan unfolded, Hamilton wrote on his Instagram page: “So, I had a genius idea: let’s lure my favourite Hollywood A-lister to our wee town (okay, city).
“Enter Operation: ‘Get Gerard Butler Down to Bangor!’
“I hit up one of our street art hotspots, carefully choosing an image that I was sure would win the hearts of his millions of fans.
“Then, armed with spray paint and determination, I went to work.
“When I stepped back to admire my handiwork on this giant canvas, I was well chuffed! But the real challenge?
“Getting it in front of Gerard himself. And guess what? It worked!
“One Sunday morning, we were left dumbfounded by a message. Could this really be him?
“Turns out, @gerardbutler was not only celebrating my art but also keen on meeting me in person.”
Unfortunately the opportunity to meet the star in person wasn’t to be, as Johnny was embarking on a two-month trip to Australia.
“Dreams do come true, but life threw a curveball – had a massive Ozzy tour lined up, driving coast to coast with the wife for some much-needed ‘midlife crisis’ soul-searching,” he said.
“So, if Gerard was to grace us with his presence, I had to rely on the power of socials once again to seal the deal.
“And you know what? It did!
“Operation ‘Get Gerard Butler Down to Bangor’ got its fairy-tale ending, sealed with a kiss from the Big Man himself.”
It is understood Butler and his family were visiting Titanic Belfast when they reportedly made the visit to Bangor to see the artwork.
“He arrived with his two nieces, soaking in Bangor’s tribute to the A-lister,” said Johnny.
“Looks like our city is making waves in the street art scene.”
