Born: January 3, 1956
Early Life
Mel Gibson’s career has been marked by significant highs and lows, showcasing his talent and resilience in the entertainment industry while also navigating personal and professional controversies.
- Full Name: Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson
- Place of Birth: Peekskill, New York, USA
- Parents: Hutton Gibson and Anne Patricia Reilly
- Siblings: Fifth of eleven children
- Childhood: Moved to Sydney, Australia, with his family at age 12
- Education: Attended St. Leo’s Catholic College in Wahroonga, New South Wales, and later the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney
Career
- Early Career:
- Stage Acting: Began acting in Australian theater productions
- Film Debut: “Summer City” (1977)
- Breakthrough Role: “Mad Max” (1979) and “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior” (1981)
- Hollywood Success:
- “Lethal Weapon” series (1987–1998)
- “Braveheart” (1995) – Starred, directed, and produced; won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director
- Notable Films:
- “Mad Max” series
- “Lethal Weapon” series
- “The Patriot” (2000)
- “What Women Want” (2000)
- “Signs” (2002)
- “Apocalypto” (2006) – Directed and produced
- “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016) – Directed; received Academy Award nominations
- Television: Early career roles in Australian TV series; guest appearances on various shows
Awards and Recognitions
- Academy Awards:
- Best Director for “Braveheart” (1995)
- Best Picture for “Braveheart” (1995)
- Golden Globe Awards:
- Best Director for “Braveheart” (1995)
- BAFTA Awards: Nominations for directing and producing
Personal Life
- Marriages:
- Robyn Moore (1980–2011): Divorced; seven children together
- Rosalind Ross (2014–present): One child together
- Children: Eight children in total
- Residences: Primarily resides in Malibu, California
- Citizenship: Dual American and Irish citizenship; holds permanent residency in Australia
Philanthropy and Activism
- Charitable Work: Donated millions to various causes, including children’s hospitals and cancer treatment centers
- Advocacy: Supports multiple charitable organizations and initiatives
Public Image and Controversies
- Public Perception: Known for his strong screen presence and versatility as an actor and director
- Controversies:
- DUI arrest and subsequent anti-Semitic remarks in 2006
- Domestic violence allegations by former partner Oksana Grigorieva
- Career impact: Faced significant backlash and a temporary decline in Hollywood opportunities
Recent Activities
- Current Projects: Continues to act and direct; recent projects include “Daddy’s Home 2” (2017) and “The Professor and the Madman” (2019)
- Production Work: Active in producing films through his company Icon Productions
Trivia
- Interests: Passionate about history; often incorporates historical themes in his films
- Hobbies: Enjoys horseback riding, surfing, and painting
- Languages: Speaks English and some conversational Spanish
Mel Gibson’s career has been marked by significant highs and lows, showcasing his talent and resilience in the entertainment industry while also navigating personal and professional controversies.
