Mel Gibson Then and Now

Mel Gibson Then

Mel Gibson, born Mel Colmcille Gerard Gibson on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York, emerged from a large family as the sixth of eleven children.

His parents, Anne Patricia Reilly and writer Hutton Gibson influenced his early life significantly. 

Anne passed away in 1990, and Hutton lived a long life until 2020, reaching the age of 101. 

Gibson’s family dynamics and his parents’ longevity are notable aspects of his background, shaping the person he would become.

At the age of 12, Mel’s life took a significant turn when his family relocated to Australia. 

This move was influenced by economic factors and the desire for better opportunities, a decision that marked a pivotal change in his upbringing. 

Australia, being his grandmother’s native country, provided a fresh cultural landscape for young Gibson. 

The family’s new environment in Australia played a crucial role in his formative years, immersing him in a different societal and educational system.

In Australia, Mel Gibson received his education from the Christian Brothers, a well-known religious teaching order.

Related Article: Danny Glover Then and Now

This education not only provided him with academic knowledge but also instilled a sense of discipline and values. 

His interest in the performing arts led him to the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. 

At NIDA, Gibson honed his acting skills, gaining invaluable experience onstage. 

This rigorous training and exposure to various theatrical productions prepared him for a successful transition into the Australian film industry.

Related Article: Samuel L. Jackson Then and Now

Mel Gibson’s journey from a young boy in New York to a prominent actor in Australia underscores his adaptability and talent. 

His early theatrical work laid the foundation for his subsequent success in film. 

Gibson’s ability to navigate different cultural settings and educational systems speaks to his versatility and resilience, qualities that have defined his career in the entertainment industry.

Related Article: Viola Davis Then and Now

Mel Gibson Acting Career

Mel Gibson’s career in the entertainment industry began while he was still a student, making his film debut as a surfer in “Summer City” (1977). 

After graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1977, Gibson joined the State Theatre Company of South Australia, where he continued to refine his craft. 

Related Article: LL Cool J Then and Now

His breakthrough came in 1979 when he starred as a vengeful cop in George Miller’s “Mad Max,” a futuristic action film that gained him significant attention.

That same year, Gibson’s performance as a mentally disabled handyman in the romance “Tim” earned him the Australian Film Institute’s award for best actor, a testament to his versatile acting skills.

Gibson’s star continued to rise with his portrayal of an Australian soldier in the World War I drama “Gallipoli” (1981), which won him another Australian Film Institute award for best actor.

Related Article: Lucy Liu Then and Now

His international fame was cemented with the release of “Mad Max 2” (1981; U.S. title “The Road Warrior” [1982]), a film that showcased his action star potential. 

The success of “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985) and the beginning of the “Lethal Weapon” series in 1987 further solidified his status as a top box office draw.

Related Article: Cameron Diaz Then and Now

Throughout his career, Gibson demonstrated his range by taking on serious and diverse roles. 

In “The Year of Living Dangerously” (1982), he received critical acclaim for his performance in a political drama set in Indonesia. 

His portrayal of Hamlet in 1990, a film produced by his own company ICON Productions, showed his ability to handle classical roles. 

Gibson’s directorial debut came in 1993 with “The Man Without a Face,” in which he also starred, showcasing his talent behind the camera.

Related Article: Drew Barrymore Then and Now

Gibson’s directorial prowess was fully realized in the epic “Braveheart” (1995), where he played the Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. 

The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, solidifying his place in Hollywood not just as an actor but also as a respected filmmaker.

Following a series of successful acting roles in films like “Ransom” (1996) and “Signs” (2002), Gibson returned to directing with “The Passion of the Christ” (2004).

Related Article: Bob Saget Then and Now

This film, depicting the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, was a box office hit despite controversy over its content. 

In 2006, he directed “Apocalypto,” a film set during the decline of the Mayan empire, which also featured dialogue in Mayan and received acclaim for its visual storytelling.

Despite his professional success, Gibson’s offscreen behavior affected his popularity. 

Related Article: Jon Hamm Then and Now

Incidents demonstrating hostility towards minority groups, particularly Jews, and a 2010 domestic violence investigation tarnished his reputation.

Nevertheless, he continued to work, returning to acting with roles in “Edge of Darkness” (2010) and “The Beaver” (2011).

Gibson’s later career included a mix of action films like “Machete Kills” (2013), “The Expendables 3” (2014), “Blood Father” (2016), and “Dragged Across Concrete” (2018). 

Related Article: James Earl Jones Then and Now

He also explored different genres, playing a macho grandfather in “Daddy’s Home 2” (2017) and starring in “The Professor and the Madman” (2019), a historical drama about the creation of The Oxford English Dictionary.

Gibson made a notable return to directing with “Hacksaw Ridge” (2016), a biopic about World War II medic Desmond T. Doss, which earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for best picture, as well as an Oscar nomination for Gibson’s direction.

This film marked a significant comeback, reaffirming his talent and resilience in the film industry.

Related Article: John Stamos Then and Now

Mel Gibson Movies

• Summer City (1977)
• Mad Max (1979)
• Tim (1979)
• The Chain Reaction (1980)
• Gallipoli (1981) 
• Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981) 
• Attack Force Z (1982) 
• The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) 
• The River (1984) 
• Mrs. Soffel (1984) 
• Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)
• Lethal Weapon (1987)
• Tequila Sunrise (1988) 
• Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) 
• Bird on a Wire (1990) 
• Air America (1990)
• Hamlet (1990) 
• Lethal Weapon 3 (1992) 
• Forever Young (1992) 
• The Man Without a Face (1993) 
• Maverick (1994) 
• Braveheart (1995) 
• Pocahontas (1995) – John Smith (voice)
• Ransom (1996) 
• Fathers’ Day (1997)
• Conspiracy Theory (1997)
• Lethal Weapon 4 (1998)
• Payback (1999)
• The Million Dollar Hotel (2000)
• The Patriot (2000)
• Chicken Run (2000) – Rocky (voice)
• What Women Want (2000)
• We Were Soldiers (2002)
• Signs (2002) 
• The Singing Detective (2003) 
• Paparazzi (2004)
• Edge of Darkness (2010) 
• The Beaver (2011)
• Get the Gringo (2012) 
• Machete Kills (2013)
• The Expendables 3 (2014) 
• Blood Father (2016)
• Daddy’s Home 2 (2017) 
• Dragged Across Concrete (2018) 
• The Professor and the Madman (2019) 
• Boss Level (2021)
• Last Looks (2021) 
• Dangerous (2021)
• Agent Game (2022) 
• Father Stu (2022) 
• Bandit (2022) 
• Hot Seat (2022)
• On the Line (2022)
• Desperation Road (2023)
• Confidential Informant (2023)
• Boneyard (2024)
• Flight Risk (2024)

Mel Gibson’s Wife and Children

In 1980, Mel Gibson married Robyn Moore, a dental nurse he met before achieving fame. 

Their marriage spanned nearly three decades, during which they had seven children. 

Despite Gibson’s rising career and the pressures that came with it, the couple managed to maintain a stable family life for many years.

Related Article: David Schwimmer Then and Now

However, in 2009, they filed for divorce, marking the end of their long-term union. 

The divorce was finalized in 2011 and was one of the most expensive in Hollywood history.

Amid the divorce proceedings, Gibson began a relationship with Russian singer Oksana Grigorieva. 

Their relationship was relatively brief but resulted in the birth of a daughter.

Related Article: Rob Lowe Then and Now

However, the couple’s split in 2010 was tumultuous and became a highly publicized scandal. 

Grigorieva accused Gibson of domestic abuse, and recordings surfaced online that captured Gibson making racial slurs and admitting to slapping Grigorieva. 

This incident severely tarnished Gibson’s public image and led to significant legal consequences.

Related Article: Helen Hunt Then and Now

In 2011, Gibson faced a trial related to the domestic abuse allegations. 

He pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence, a plea that is not an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing purposes. 

The court sentenced him to three years’ probation, a year of domestic violence counseling, community service, and various fines. 

The scandal and legal outcome led to widespread denunciation from Hollywood colleagues and resulted in Gibson being dropped by his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment.

Related Article: Elisabeth Shue Then and Now

Despite these setbacks, Gibson’s personal life saw a positive turn in 2016 when his representative announced that his girlfriend of two years, Rosalind Ross, was pregnant. 

This news marked a new chapter for Gibson, who had faced significant personal and professional challenges in the previous years. 

In January 2017, Ross gave birth to their son, Lars Gerard, Gibson’s ninth child. 

This addition to his family highlighted a moment of personal joy and stability amidst a period of public and private turbulence.

Related Article: Bryan Cranston Then and Now

Mel Gibson Now

Mel Gibson, now 68 years old, is a renowned American actor and film director who has made significant contributions to the film industry over several decades. 

His career took off with his breakout role as Max Rockatansky in the “Mad Max” series, which catapulted him to fame in the post-apocalyptic action genre. 

Following this success, he became widely recognized for his portrayal of Martin Riggs in the “Lethal Weapon” series, a buddy cop action-comedy franchise that further solidified his status as a leading action hero.

Related Article: Bruce Springsteen Then

In addition to his acting career, Gibson has also made a substantial impact as a director and producer. 

His directorial efforts, such as the critically acclaimed “Braveheart” and the controversial yet highly successful “The Passion of the Christ,” showcase his versatility and skill behind the camera. 

Over the years, Gibson has built a diverse portfolio, taking on various roles across different genres, which highlights his range and adaptability as an actor.

Related Article: Laurence Fishburne Then and Now

Looking forward to 2024, Gibson is set to appear in two new movies, “Boneyard” and “Flight Risk.” 

These upcoming projects demonstrate that even at this stage in his career, Gibson remains a sought-after talent in the film industry. 

His ability to continuously secure roles in high-profile films is a testament to his enduring appeal and professional prowess.

Beyond his work in film, Gibson is also a screenwriter, director, producer, and investor.

Related Article: Eric Roberts Then and Now

His extensive career and various ventures have resulted in a substantial net worth, estimated at $425 million. 

This financial success reflects not only his earnings from acting and directing but also his savvy investments and production ventures. 

Despite the controversies and challenges he has faced over the years, Gibson’s achievements and contributions to cinema remain significant, making him a notable figure in both the American and Australian entertainment industries.

Related Article: Mary Steenburgen Then and Now