Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson is a renowned actor and filmmaker known for his dynamic roles and impactful contributions to the film industry. Over his extensive career, Gibson has made a significant mark, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

ABOUT

Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson was born on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York. He moved with his family to Australia at the age of 12, where he later studied acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. Gibson's breakthrough came with his role in the 1979 film Mad Max, which catapulted him into stardom. He became an international sensation with roles in the Lethal Weapon series and later earned acclaim as a director with films like Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ.

BEFORE FAME

Before his rise to fame, Mel Gibson's family moved to Australia to avoid his brothers being drafted into the Vietnam War. He attended Asquith Boys High School in Sydney before enrolling at the National Institute of Dramatic Art. His early career featured stage performances and small television roles in Australia. His big break came when he was cast as Max Rockatansky in Mad Max, followed by its sequels, cementing his status as an action star.

TRIVIA

• Gibson won the Academy Award for Best Director for Braveheart, which also won Best Picture in 1996.
• The Passion of the Christ, directed and produced by Gibson, became a major box office success and sparked considerable controversy due to its graphic depiction of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Aside from acting and directing, Gibson has a significant presence as a producer, through his production company Icon Productions.
• He holds dual American and Irish citizenship, owing to his Irish mother and American father.
• Gibson named his production company after "The Icon", a symbol of his commitment to independent filmmaking.

FAMILY LIFE

Mel Gibson has fathered nine children. His first marriage was to Robyn Moore in 1980, with whom he has seven children. The couple divorced in 2011. His eighth child was with Russian pianist Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he had a highly publicized and tumultuous relationship. Gibson's ninth child is with Rosalind Ross, a former equestrian vaulter and writer, who gave birth to their son, Lars Gerard, in 2017.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Over the years, Gibson has worked with numerous prominent actors and filmmakers. He starred alongside Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon series, forming a memorable on-screen partnership that spanned four films. Gibson's work as a director has also seen collaborations with notable actors such as Heath Ledger in The Patriot and Jim Caviezel in The Passion of the Christ. Additionally, he directed and produced Hacksaw Ridge, starring Andrew Garfield, which received critical acclaim and earned multiple Academy Award nominations.

Mel Gibson remains a controversial yet undeniably influential figure in the entertainment industry, known for his contributions to cinema and his complex personal life. Despite various controversies, Gibson's talent and impact on film continue to be recognized globally.