Mel Gibson

One of the most popular personalities in the Hollywood industry, Mel Gibson is known for his immaculate acting and direction skills. A multi-talented artist, Gibson has featured in several commercially hit and critically acclaimed movies apart from directing some of the most mind-boggling films. His understanding of the cinematic nuances is second to none and with his outstanding acting and direction abilities, Gibson has won millions of fans from around the world. Gibson who started his career in the acting with appearances in the Australian TV series made his debut on the big screen with Summer City (1977). Gibson subsequently went on to star in several popular films like Mad Max (1985), Lethal Weapon (1987), Braveheart (1995), Machete Kills (2013), and The Expendables 3 (2014). After having established himself as one of the most successful actors, Gibson has also directed and produced films and has won several laurels for his directorial ventures including an Academy Award. Apart from producing films, Mel Gibson has also produced several TV series like The Three Stooges (2000), Invincible (2001), and Another Day in Paradise (2008).

EARLY LIFE

The acclaimed actor, director, and producer was born Peekskill, New York to Hutton Gibson and Ann Gibson who are Roman Catholics of Irish descent. Gibson, along with his 10 siblings had a typical catholic upbringing. Shortly after the start of Vietnam War, Mel Gibsons father relocated the family to Australia because he feared that his sons would be drafted into the deadly battle. The actor spent the rest of his childhood with his family in Sydney, Australia where he pursued his education from Asquith, New South Wales and later went to an all-boys catholic college named St. Leos Catholic College.

After completing his graduation, Gibson wanted to become a journalist or a chef but he eventually ended taking a different career path as his sister submitted an application to the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney on his behalf. With no absolutely no prior experience in acting, Gibson decided to attend the audition at the school and he was accepted at the drama school. After joining National Institute of Dramatic Art, the actor made his debut on stage with the Shakespeare classic Romeo and Juliet, which was the NIDA production. After completing his graduation from NIDA, Gibson then joined the Southern Australian Theater Company where he appeared in the lead roles in the classic productions including Henry IV and Oedipus.

PERSONAL LIFE

Mel Gibson met Robyn Denise Moore, a dental nurse in late 1970s and after dating for a few years, the couple got married in a Roman Catholic Church in Forestville, New South Wales on June 7, 1980. The couple bears seven children; one daughter named Hannah and six sons namely Edward, William, Thomas, Louis, Christian, and Milo. Gibson and Moore after being together for 26 years got separated in July 2006 as Moore filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

Following his divorce, Gibson was in a relationship with Oksana Grigorieva, a Russian pianist in October 2009, Grigorieva gave birth to Gibsons daughter, Lucia. However, a year later, Gibson made it public that he had Grigorieva had split. After his failed relationship with the Russian painter, the actor-cum-director-cum-producer started dating Rosalind Ross, a former champion equestrian vaulter, and writer. The couple is supposedly expecting their first child.
Did you Know?
Trivia

Mel Gibson has a horseshoe kidney, a rare body condition in which both the kidney are fused into one.
The superstar is the first actor from Australia who received a remuneration of more than one million dollars for a role in the film.

The Passion of Christ, which was Mel Gibson production venture was struck in a controversy because of which he found it difficult to get any investor in the project. Finally, Gibson used 25 million USD of his own money to complete the production and surprisingly it emerged to be a hit especially among the Christian community.

Tim Burton, the acclaimed director initially wanted to cast Mel Gibson to play the role of Bruce Wayne in the super hit 1989 film Batman, but because of the date issues, Gibson opted out and the role eventually went to Michael Keaton.

Mel Gibson often found himself in trouble with the law because of his controversial attitude but it was later discovered that his attitude was because he was suffering from bipolar disorder.

Social and Humanitarian Work

Mel Gibson donated 10 million USD to the hospitals which provided care to the seriously ill children who could not afford to pay for the treatment.

Apart from winning the hearts of the audience with is scintillating performances on screen, the start actor has also time and again shown his philanthropic side in a big way. The actor, throughout his career, has been involved in various charity works. He supports various charitable organizations like Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Declare Yourself, Healing the Children, Stand Up For Gus, Meaning Kids International, FARES, Kidz Horizon Appeal and Safety Harbor Kids.

In October 2005, the actor met the then President of Mexico and announced that he would donate one million USD to help the victims of the Hurricane Stan recover from the calamity. Also, in the same year, Gibson donated $500,000 to the FAREs work at Mirador.