Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson, commonly known as Mel Gibson, is an American actor, film director, and producer. With a career spanning several decades, Gibson has become one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Hollywood. Known for his action hero roles and versatile acting abilities, he has left an indelible mark on the film industry.
Early Life And Background
Mel Gibson was born on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York. His parents, Hutton Gibson and Anne Patricia, were both Irish immigrants. When Gibson was 12 years old, his family moved to Sydney, Australia, where he spent his formative years.
Education And Early Career
Gibson attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney, where he honed his acting skills. He made his professional stage debut in a production of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Sydney Opera House. Shortly after, he landed his first television role in the Australian series “The Sullivans.”
Breakthrough Roles
Gibson’s breakthrough role came in the 1981 film “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,” where he played the iconic character Max Rockatansky. The film was a critical and commercial success, establishing Gibson as an action star. He reprised the role in two more “Mad Max” films, solidifying his status as an action hero.
In 1987, Gibson starred alongside Danny Glover in the buddy cop film “Lethal Weapon,” which became a highly successful franchise. The chemistry between Gibson and Glover was widely praised, and the film series spawned three sequels.
Directorial Success
Gibson’s talents extended beyond acting, as he ventured into directing and producing. In 1995, he directed, produced, and starred in the historical epic “Braveheart.” The film received widespread acclaim and went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture. Gibson’s portrayal of Scottish warrior William Wallace remains one of his most iconic performances.
Controversies And Comeback
Despite his success, Gibson has faced controversies and legal issues throughout his career. In 2006, he made headlines for making anti-Semitic remarks during a DUI arrest, which led to public backlash and damaged his reputation. However, in recent years, Gibson has made a comeback with critically acclaimed films like “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016), which he directed. The film received six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Versatility As An Actor
Gibson is known for his versatility as an actor, having portrayed characters across various genres. From action-packed roles in films like “Braveheart” and “Mad Max” to dramatic performances in movies like “The Patriot” and “Apocalypto,” he has showcased his ability to tackle diverse roles.
Producing
Mel Gibson’s foray into producing began in 1989 when he co-founded Icon Productions with partner Bruce Davey. The company was established to produce Gibson’s film “Hamlet,” but it quickly expanded to produce or co-produce many of Gibson’s own star vehicles. Icon Productions also ventured into producing other small films, including “Immortal Beloved” and “An Ideal Husband.” Additionally, Gibson has produced projects for television, such as a biopic on the Three Stooges and the 2008 PBS documentary “Carrier.”
Icon Productions has grown from being just a production company to also becoming an international distribution company and film exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand. This expansion showcases Gibson’s entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to bringing a diverse range of films to audiences.
Directing
Mel Gibson’s directorial career began in 1993 with “The Man Without a Face,” a drama in which he also starred. However, it was his second film, “Braveheart,” released in 1995, that solidified his reputation as a director. “Braveheart” was a critical and commercial success, winning Gibson the Academy Award for Best Director.
Gibson has continued to explore different genres and styles in his directing career. He had long planned to direct a remake of “Fahrenheit 451,” but the project was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. In 2004, he released the controversial film “The Passion of the Christ,” which he co-wrote, co-produced, and directed. The film, which was primarily in Aramaic and Latin with subtitles, became the highest-grossing rated R film at the time.
Notable Films And Projects
Apart from his producing and directing ventures, Mel Gibson has had a prolific acting career. He gained international recognition with his breakthrough role as the post-apocalyptic survivor in the “Mad Max” series. The independently financed blockbuster catapulted him to stardom, and he went on to star in two sequels.
One of Gibson’s notable films is “Gallipoli,” directed by Peter Weir and released in 1981. The film follows a group of young men from rural Western Australia who enlist in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. Gibson played the role of Frank Dunne, an Irish-Australian drifter with a cynical outlook on fighting for the British Empire. “Gallipoli” received critical acclaim and helped further establish Gibson as a talented actor.
In addition to his acting career, Gibson has written and produced films. His filmography includes a wide range of genres, from action-adventure films like “Lethal Weapon” to historical dramas like “Braveheart” and “The Passion of the Christ.” Films either starring or directed by Gibson have earned over $2.5 billion in the United States alone, highlighting his success in the industry.
The Year Of Living Dangerously
In 1982, Mel Gibson played the role of a naïve but ambitious journalist named Guy Hamilton in the film “The Year of Living Dangerously.” Directed by Peter Weir, the film is based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Koch. Gibson’s performance in the film was highly praised by critics and helped establish him as an international talent. The film was both a critical and commercial success, with Vincent Canby of The New York Times stating that if the film doesn’t make Gibson an international star, then nothing will.
The Bounty
In 1984, Gibson starred as Fletcher Christian in the film “The Bounty,” a retelling of the Mutiny on the Bounty. The film is considered to be the most historically accurate version of the story. However, Gibson has expressed a belief that the film’s revisionism did not go far enough and that his character should have been portrayed as the antagonist. He praised Anthony Hopkins’ performance as Lieutenant William Bligh as the best aspect of the film.
Lethal Weapon Series
Gibson ventured into mainstream commercial filmmaking with the popular action comedy film series “Lethal Weapon.” Starting with the original film in 1987, Gibson played LAPD Detective Martin Riggs, a recently widowed Vietnam veteran with a death wish and a penchant for violence. He was partnered with a reserved family man named Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover. The success of “Lethal Weapon” led to three sequels, with the fourth installment released in 1998. The series has been praised for its quintessential buddy cop dynamic. Gibson confirmed in 2021 that he will be directing the fifth “Lethal Weapon” film following the death of director Richard Donner.
Hamlet
In 1990, Gibson took on the role of William Shakespeare’s Danish prince in Franco Zeffirelli’s film adaptation of “Hamlet.” He starred alongside experienced Shakespearean actors Ian Holm, Alan Bates, and Paul Scofield. Despite initial skepticism about Gibson’s casting, he was praised for his integrity and intelligence in the role. Scofield compared working with Gibson to being thrown into the ring with Mike Tyson.
Braveheart
In 1995, Gibson directed, produced, and starred in “Braveheart,” a biographical film about Scottish nationalist Sir William Wallace. The film earned Gibson two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. “Braveheart” influenced the Scottish nationalist movement and revived the historical epic genre. The film’s depiction of the Prince of Wales as an effeminate homosexual sparked controversy and accusations of homophobia. Gibson defended the portrayal, stating that the character’s actions were driven by being a psychopath rather than his sexual orientation.
The Passion Of The Christ
In 2004, Gibson directed, produced, co-wrote, and funded “The Passion of the Christ,” a film depicting the passion and death of Jesus. The film was shot in Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew and sparked divergent reviews. Gibson was accused of antisemitism by the Anti-Defamation League due to the film’s unflattering depiction of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. The film became a box office success, grossing over $600 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing R-rated film of all time in the United States.
Film Career
Mel Gibson is a renowned actor and filmmaker who has had a successful career in the film industry. However, not all of his films have been well-received by American audiences. For example, his film “The Beaver” was a dramedy that did not resonate well with American viewers. According to one critic, Americans are often not comfortable with this genre of film.
The association between the protagonist’s personal issues and Mel Gibson’s own well-publicized problems also affected the reception of “The Beaver.” The film tackled themes of alcohol abuse and legal troubles, which were reminiscent of Gibson’s own struggles. This made it difficult for audiences to separate Gibson’s real-life story from the events happening onscreen.
Despite the challenges faced by “The Beaver,” Gibson’s film “Hacksaw Ridge” was a major success. Released in 2016, the World War II drama received rave reviews and was nominated for several awards, including Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. The film grossed $164 million worldwide, making it a commercial success.
Mel Gibson’s Personal Life
Mel Gibson’s personal life has also been the subject of media attention. He was married to Robyn Denise Moore in 1980, and they have seven children together. However, after 26 years of marriage, they separated in 2006 and filed for divorce in 2009. The divorce settlement was reported to be the highest in Hollywood history, reaching over $400 million.
Following his divorce, Gibson entered into a relationship with Russian songwriter and pianist Oksana Grigorieva. They had a daughter together in 2009 but split up the following year. Their relationship was marred by allegations of domestic violence, leading to an investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Gibson eventually pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge.
Gibson has since moved on and is currently in a relationship with Rosalind Ross. They have a son together, born in 2017.
Investments
In addition to his successful film career, Gibson is also known for his investments in various properties. He owns multiple properties in locations such as Malibu, California, Costa Rica, and Fiji. He has been involved in real estate transactions, buying and selling properties for significant sums of money.
Philanthropy
Mel Gibson and his former wife have been generous philanthropists, contributing to various charitable causes. They have donated substantial amounts of money to organizations such as Healing the Children, which provides medical treatment to needy children worldwide. They have also supported the restoration of Renaissance artwork and contributed millions of dollars to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Gibson has donated to environmental causes as well. He gave $500,000 to the El Mirador Basin Project, which aims to protect the last tract of virgin rainforest in Central America and fund archaeological excavations in the Mayan civilization’s cradle. He has also made donations to indigenous populations in Central America and supported a tire recycling factory in New Mexico.
Additionally, Gibson has been involved with charities focused on education about drug and alcohol abuse among teenagers, such as Angels at Risk.
In an interview, Gibson expressed the importance of philanthropy in his life, stating that it gives him perspective and uplifts him from focusing solely on himself.
Religious And Political Views Of Mel Gibson
Faith
Mel Gibson was raised as a sedevacantist traditionalist Catholic, which is a group that rejects the sitting pope and often several prior ones as well. During the filming of his movie, “The Passion of The Christ,” Gibson had daily visits from local priests and priests from the Institute of Christ the King, a non-sedevacantist group based in France. Despite his traditionalist Catholic background, Gibson has expressed beliefs that are more inclusive. He believes in the Catholic doctrine of Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus, which states that there is no salvation for those outside the Church. However, he also acknowledges that salvation can be possible for non-Catholics and non-Christians through the merits of Jesus’ sacrifice. Gibson’s wife, who is Episcopalian, is seen as a better person than him, and he believes it would be unfair if she doesn’t make it to Heaven. Gibson attends the Church of the Holy Family, a traditionalist church he founded and funds in Southern California. Despite his traditionalist beliefs, Gibson has expressed openness to the idea of non-Catholics and non-Christians going to Heaven.
Politics
Mel Gibson has made various political statements throughout his career. In a 1995 interview with Playboy, he criticized President Bill Clinton, calling him a “low-level opportunist” and suggesting that someone was telling him what to do. He also expressed skepticism towards the Rhodes Scholarship, believing it was established for young men and women who strive for a “new world order” and advocating for Marxism. However, Gibson later distanced himself from these conspiracy theories, stating that he was simply providing a controversial response during the interview. He has also voiced his opposition to the ordination of women to the priesthood.
Gibson has taken stances on specific political issues as well. He publicly spoke out against taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research that involves the cloning and destruction of human embryos in 2004. He also condemned the outcome of the Terri Schiavo case in 2005, referring to her death as “state-sanctioned murder.” In regards to the Iraq War, Gibson questioned its necessity in 2004. He has been critical of fearmongering and has compared it to the tactics used by President Bush and his administration. However, Gibson has also expressed appreciation for the sacrifices made by soldiers and considers himself anti-war.
Gibson’s political views have not aligned with a specific party or ideology. In a 2011 interview, he criticized the political system and the media’s presentation of information. He stated that he quietly supports candidates and votes, but he finds the political arena to be a scary and disappointing place. He revealed in a 2016 interview that he did not vote for either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton in the 2016 United States presidential election. However, in July 2021, Gibson was filmed saluting Trump while attending UFC 264, which gained attention on the internet.
Alcohol Abuse And Legal Issues
Mel Gibson has struggled with alcohol abuse throughout his life. He has admitted to starting drinking at the age of 13 and experiencing both highs and lows as a result.
In 1984, Gibson was banned from driving in Ontario, Canada, for three months after being caught driving under the influence. He sought treatment for alcoholism in the early 1990s and remained sober for a period of time. However, in 2006, Gibson made headlines when he was arrested for drunk driving in Malibu. During the arrest, he made anti-Semitic remarks, which sparked controversy and led to public backlash.
Following the incident, Gibson entered a rehabilitation program to address his alcohol addiction and sought forgiveness for his offensive comments. He publicly apologized for his behavior and expressed remorse for his actions. Since then, Gibson has worked to rebuild his reputation and has spoken about the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and seeking redemption.
Awards And Nominations
Throughout his career, Mel Gibson has received numerous awards and nominations for his work in the film industry. Some of his notable awards include:
- Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role, for “Tim” (1979) and “Gallipoli” (1981)
- Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director, for “Braveheart” (1995)
- People’s Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1991, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004)
- ShoWest Award: Male Star of the Year (1993)
- American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: American Cinematheque Award (1995)
- Hasty Pudding Theatricals: Man of the Year (1997)
- Australian Film Institute: Global Achievement Award (2002)
- Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards (2008)
- AACTA Awards: Best Film and Best Direction, for “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016)
- Hollywood Film Awards: Hollywood Director Award, for “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016)
- Officer of the Order of Australia (Honorary) (AO)
Gibson has also received several nominations throughout his career, including:
- Saturn Award for Best Actor for “Mad Max 2” (1981)
- Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “The Year of Living Dangerously” (1982)
- MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss and Most Desirable Male for “Lethal Weapon 3” (1992)
- BAFTA Award for Best Direction, Directors Guild of America Award, MTV Movie Award for Best Performance – Male, and MTV Movie Award for Most Desirable Male for “Braveheart” (1995)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama for “Ransom” (1996)
- MTV Movie Award for Best Action Sequence (with Danny Glover) for “Lethal Weapon 4” (1998)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for “What Women Want” (2000)
- MTV Movie Award for Best Performance – Male for “The Patriot” (2000)
- Satellite Award for Best Director for “The Passion of the Christ” (2004)
- BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language and Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film for “Apocalypto” (2006)
- Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor for “The Expendables 3” (2014)
- Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor for “Dangerous” (2021)
