Mel Gibson

Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson, born on 3 January 1956, in Peekskill, New York, is a prominent American actor and film director. He has received numerous awards for his work in the film industry, particularly for his roles in historical dramas and action films. Gibson gained fame through his portrayal of Max Rockatansky in the post-apocalyptic series Mad Max (1979–1985) and as Martin Riggs in the Lethal Weapon series (1987–1998).

Gibson's family moved to Sydney, Australia, when he was 12 years old. He attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), where he honed his acting skills. While at NIDA, he performed alongside actress Judy Davis in a production of Romeo and Juliet. In the early 1980s, he gained recognition for his role in the film Gallipoli (1981), directed by Peter Weir, which earned him a Best Actor Award from the Australian Film Institute.

In 1995, Gibson directed, produced, and starred in the epic war film Braveheart. This film won him the Academy Award for Best Director and the Academy Award for Best Picture. He also directed The Passion of the Christ (2004), a highly controversial biblical drama that was a commercial success. His subsequent work includes the film Apocalypto (2006), which was set in 16th-century Mesoamerica.

Despite his success, Gibson's career has faced challenges due to legal troubles and public controversies, which led to a decline in his popularity. His comeback began with the film Hacksaw Ridge (2016), which received critical acclaim and two Academy Awards. His ongoing career includes acting roles in movies such as Edge of Darkness (2010) and The Beaver (2011).

Gibson was born into a large family and is the second of 11 children. His father, Hutton Gibson, was a writer, and his mother was of Irish descent. Gibson’s upbringing was influenced by his father's strong Catholic beliefs, which have continued to shape his views and career. Throughout his life, he has been known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various charities and causes.

In his personal life, Gibson has been married once to Robyn Moore, with whom he shares seven children. The couple divorced in 2011 after 31 years of marriage. He has since been in relationships with Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he has one daughter, and currently, he is in a relationship with Rosalind Ross, with whom he has a son.

As of 2024, Gibson remains a controversial figure in Hollywood, balancing his artistic achievements with his past controversies. He has recently been named one of three special ambassadors to Hollywood under the administration of President Donald Trump, along with fellow actors Sylvester Stallone and Jon Voight. Together, they aim to revitalize the film industry.