Examine individual changes

'{{About|the actor|the basketball player|Mel Gibson (basketball)}} {{pp-semi-blp|small=yes}} {{pp-move-indef}} {{Infobox actor | name = Mel Gibson | image = Mel Gibson 1990.jpg | caption = at the 1990 ''Air America'' premiere | birthdate = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1956|1|3}} | birthplace = [[Peekskill, New York]], U.S. | birthname = {{nowrap|Mel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson}} | deathdate = | deathplace = | occupation = Actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter | yearsactive = 1976–present | spouse = Robyn Moore Gibson (married 1980-present,<br />legally separated 2006-present) | website = }} '''Mel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson''', [[Order of Australia|AO]] (born January 3, 1956)<!-- PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU EDIT THIS DATE: Please *do not* add linking to date articles that are not relevant to this article. Date-pages are for significant "world events," and if the object of the date to which you're about to add link tags is not mentioned on those date-pages, please do not add the tags, because they will be deleted. Also see: WP:OVERLINK. Thanks! --> is an [[United States|American]] actor, film director, producer and screenwriter. Born in [[Peekskill, New York|Peekskill]], New York, Gibson moved with his parents to [[Sydney]] when he was 12 years old and later studied acting at the Australian [[National Institute of Dramatic Art]]. After appearing in the ''[[Mad Max]]'' and ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'' series, Gibson went on to direct and star in the [[Academy Award]]-winning ''[[Braveheart]]''. In 2004, he directed and produced ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'', a controversial, yet successful, film portraying the last hours in the life of [[Jesus Christ]]. == Early life == Gibson was born in [[Peekskill, New York|Peekskill]], New York, the sixth of eleven children, and the second son of [[Hutton Gibson]] and Irish-born Anne Patricia (née Reilly, died 1990).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0208/gibsonm.html |title=Mel Gibson to be honoured at IFTA ceremony&nbsp;– RTÉ Ten |publisher=Rte.ie |date= |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Lawrence Donegan |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2004/feb/29/religion.world |title=Observer profile |publisher=Guardian |date= 2004-02-29|accessdate=2010-07-12 | location=London}}</ref> His paternal grandmother was the Australian opera soprano, [[Eva Mylott]] (1875–1920).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wargs.com/other/gibson.html |title=Ancestry of Mel Gibson |publisher=Wargs.com |date= |accessdate=2008-10-22}}</ref> One of Gibson's younger brothers, [[Donal Gibson|Donal]], is also an actor. Gibson's first name comes from [[Saint Mel]], fifth-century Irish saint, and founder of Gibson's mother's native [[diocese]], [[bishop of Ardagh|Ardagh]], while his second name, [[Columba|Colm-Cille]],<ref name="filed"/> is shared by an Irish saint<ref>Michael Dwyer, ''[[The Irish Times]]'' film critic, interviewed on [[RTÉ]] Radio 1's ''This week'' programme, August 6, 2006.</ref> and is the name of the parish in [[County Longford]] where Gibson's mother was born and raised. Because of his mother, Gibson holds dual Irish and American citizenship.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20178694,00.html| title=Jonathan Rhys Meyers Crowned Best Actor in Ireland| author=Stephen M. Silverman | publisher=People Magazine| accessdate=2008-03-02}}</ref> Soon after being awarded [[United States dollar|$]]145,000 in a work-related-injury lawsuit against [[New York Central Railroad]] on February 14, 1968, Hutton Gibson relocated his family to [[West Pymble]], Sydney, Australia.<ref>Mel Gibson: Living Dangerously, Wensley Clarkson, Thunder's Mouth Press, New York, 1993, page 30.</ref> Gibson was 12 years old at the time. The move to Hutton's mother's native Australia was for economic reasons, and because Hutton thought the Australian military would reject his oldest son for the [[Conscription in Australia#Vietnam War|Vietnam War draft]].<ref name="Grossman">{{cite web | url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/2003-07-31/news/is-the-pope-catholic/| title=Is the Pope Catholic?| author=Wendy Grossman | publisher=Dallas Observer | accessdate=2007-09-20}}</ref> Gibson was educated by members of the [[Congregation of Christian Brothers]] at [[St. Leo's Catholic College]] in [[Wahroonga]], New South Wales, during his high school years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,207348,00.html |title=Mel Gibson's Biography/Filmography&nbsp;— Celebrity Gossip &#124; Entertainment News &#124; Arts And Entertainment |publisher=FOXNews.com |date=2006-08-08 |accessdate=2010-07-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/01/1078117354823.html |title=A son's dangerous passion, in the name of the father&nbsp;— OpinionGerardHenderson |publisher=www.smh.com.au |date=2004-03-02 |accessdate=2010-07-13}}</ref> == Career == Gibson gained very favorable notices from film critics when he first entered the cinematic scene, as well as comparisons to several classic movie stars. In 1982, [[Vincent Canby]] wrote that “Mr. Gibson recalls the young [[Steve McQueen]]... I can't define "star quality," but whatever it is, Mr. Gibson has it.”<ref>{{cite news | title = New Faces Brighten a Mixed Batch of Movies | author = Vincent Canby | publisher = New York Times | date = 1982-08-29}}</ref> Gibson has also been likened to “a combination [[Clark Gable]] and [[Humphrey Bogart]].”<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite news | title = Mel Gibson: Australia's new hunk | author = Vernon Scott | publisher = [[U.P.I.]] | date = 1983-02-24}}</ref> Gibson's roles in the "Mad Max" series of films, [[Peter Weir]]'s ''[[Gallipoli (1981 film)|Gallipoli]]'', and the "Lethal Weapon" series of films earned him the label of "action hero".<ref name="Cagle">{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,998731-1,00.html|title=Cinema: A Softer Side of Mel|last=Cagle|first=Jess|date=December 11, 2000|work=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> Later, Gibson expanded into a variety of acting projects including human dramas such as ''[[Hamlet]]'', and comedic roles such as those in ''[[Maverick (film)|Maverick]]'' and ''[[What Women Want]]''. He expanded beyond acting into directing and producing, with: ''[[The Man Without a Face]]'', in 1993; ''[[Braveheart]]'', in 1995; ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'', in 2004; and ''[[Apocalypto]]'', in 2006. Jess Cagle of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' has compared Gibson to [[Cary Grant]], [[Sean Connery]], and [[Robert Redford]].<ref name="Cagle" /> Connery once suggested Gibson should play the next [[James Bond]] to Connery's [[M (James Bond)|''M'']]. Gibson turned down the role, reportedly because he feared being [[Typecasting (acting)|typecast]].<ref>Clarkson, Wensley. ''Mel Gibson: Living Dangerously''. pages 170–171.</ref> === Stage === Gibson studied at the [[National Institute of Dramatic Art]] (NIDA) in Sydney. The students at NIDA were [[History of theater#Western theatre history|classically]] trained in the British-theater tradition rather than in preparation for [[film|screen]] acting.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23746638-16947,00.html | title = Youth with stars in their eyes | author = Graeme Blundell | publisher = [[The Australian]] | date = 2008-05-24}}</ref> As students, Gibson and actress [[Judy Davis]] played the [[leading actor|leads]] in ''[[Romeo and Juliet]]'', and Gibson played the role of [[Titania|Queen Titania]] in an [[experimental theatre|experimental]] production of ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]].''<ref>"A Night on Mount Edna," December 15, 1990</ref> After graduation in 1977,<ref name="Huong">{{cite web|url=http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Entertainment/Movies/2006/8/50652/|title=Mel Gibson Convicted on Drink-driving|last=Huong|first=Nhu|date=August 18, 2006|work=[[Sài Gòn Giải Phóng]]|accessdate=23 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson immediately began work on the filming of ''[[Mad Max]]'', but continued to work as a [[Stage (theatre)|stage]] actor, and joined the [[State Theatre Company of South Australia]] in [[Adelaide]]. Gibson’s theatrical credits include the character [[Estragon]] (opposite [[Geoffrey Rush]]) in ''[[Waiting for Godot]]'', and the role of [[Biff Loman]] in a 1982 production of ''[[Death of a Salesman]]'' in Sydney. Gibson’s most recent theatrical performance, opposite [[Sissy Spacek]], was the 1993 production of ''[[Love Letters (play)|Love Letters]]'' by [[A. R. Gurney]], in [[Telluride, Colorado]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Welcome to Telluride&nbsp;– Now Go Away | author = Robert Weller | agency = Associated Press | date = 1993-07-17}}</ref> === Australian television and cinema === While a student at [[National Institute of Dramatic Art|NIDA]], Gibson made his film debut in the 1977 film ''[[Summer City]]'', for which he was paid $400.<ref name="SunTSA">{{cite news|url=http://www.timeslive.co.za/sundaytimes/article73313.ece|title=Gibson blushes as first screen kiss surfaces|date=July 10, 2005|work=[[The Sunday Times (South Africa)|The Sunday Times]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson then played the title character in the film ''[[Mad Max]]'' (1979). He was paid $15000 for this role.<ref name="SunTSA" /> Shortly after making the film he did a season with the [[State Theatre Company of South Australia|South Australian Theatre Company]]. During this period he shared a $30 a week apartment in [[Adelaide, South Australia|Adelaide]] with his future wife Robyn. After ''Mad Max'' Gibson also played a mentally slow youth in the film ''[[Tim (film)|Tim]]''.<ref name="Atterton, Margot 1984. p 86">Atterton, Margot. (Ed.) ''The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Australian Showbiz'', Sunshine Books, 1984. ISBN 0-86777-057-0 p 86</ref> During this period Gibson also appeared in Australian television series guest roles. He appeared in serial ''[[The Sullivans]]'' as naval lieutenant Ray Henderson,<ref>Mercado, Andrew. ''Super Aussie Soaps'', Pluto Press Australia, 2004. ISBN 1-86403-191-3 p 111</ref> in [[police procedural]] ''[[Cop Shop]]'',<ref name="Atterton, Margot 1984. p 86" /> and in the pilot episode of prison serial ''[[Punishment (TV series)|Punishment]]'' which was produced in 1980, screened 1981.<ref>Mercado, Andrew. ''Super Aussie Soaps'', Pluto Press Australia, 2004. ISBN 1-86403-191-3 p 154-156</ref><ref>Moran, Albert. Moran's Guide to Australian TV Series, Allen & Unwin, 1993. ISBN 0-642-18462-3 p 371-2</ref> Gibson joined the cast of the [[World War II]] action film ''[[Attack Force Z]]'', which was not released until 1982 when Gibson had become a bigger star. Director [[Peter Weir]] cast Gibson as one of the leads in the critically acclaimed [[World War I]] drama ''[[Gallipoli (1981 film)|Gallipoli]]'', which earned Gibson another Best Actor Award from the [[Australian Film Institute]].<ref name="autogenerated1">The Australian Film Institute. [http://www.afi.org.au/Past_Winners2/AM/ContentManagerNet/ContentDisplay.aspx?ContentID=6460&Section=Past_Winners Past Winners]</ref> The film ''[[Gallipoli (1981 film)|Gallipoli]]'' also helped to earn Gibson the reputation of a serious, versatile actor and gained him the Hollywood agent [[Ed Limato]]. The sequel ''[[Mad Max 2]]'' was his first hit in America (released as ''The Road Warrior''). In 1982 Gibson again attracted critical acclaim in [[Peter Weir]]’s romantic thriller ''[[The Year of Living Dangerously]]''. Following a year hiatus from film acting after the birth of his twin sons, Gibson took on the role of [[Fletcher Christian]] in ''[[The Bounty]]'' in 1984. Playing [[Max Rockatansky]] for the third time in ''[[Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome]]'', in 1985, earned Gibson his first million dollar salary.<ref>{{cite web |first=Joe |last=Valdez |title=Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985) |url=http://thisdistractedglobe.com/2007/12/20/mad-max-beyond-thunderdome-1985/ |work=This Distracted Globe |date=2007-12-20}}</ref> === Hollywood === ==== Early Hollywood years ==== Mel Gibson's first American film was [[Mark Rydell]]’s 1984 drama ''[[The River (1984 film)|The River]]'', in which he and [[Sissy Spacek]] played struggling [[Tennessee]] farmers. Gibson then starred in the gothic romance ''[[Mrs. Soffel]]'' for Australian director [[Gillian Armstrong]]. He and [[Matthew Modine]] played condemned convict brothers opposite [[Diane Keaton]] as the warden's wife who visits them to read the [[Bible]]. In 1985, after working on four films in a row, Gibson took almost two years off at his Australian [[cattle station]].<ref name="Morris">{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2000/jul/16/comment.features|title=Mel Gibson: Proud or prejudiced?|last=Morris|first=Mark|date=July 16, 2000|work=[[The Observer]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> He returned to play the role of [[Martin Riggs]] in ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'', a film which helped to cement his status as a Hollywood "leading man".<ref name="Adler">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1547464/20061206/story.jhtml|title=From 'Mad Max' To His Infamous Rant: Mel Gibson's Highs And Lows|last=Adler|first=Shawn|date=December 7, 2006|work=[[MTV.com]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson's next film was [[Robert Towne]]’s ''[[Tequila Sunrise (film)|Tequila Sunrise]]'', followed by ''[[Lethal Weapon 2]]'', in 1989. Gibson next starred in three films back-to-back: ''[[Bird on a Wire (film)|Bird on a Wire]]'', ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]'', and ''[[Hamlet (1990 film)|Hamlet]]''; all were released in 1990. ==== 1990s ==== During the 1990s, Gibson alternated between commercial and personal projects. His films in the first half of the decade were ''[[Forever Young (film)|Forever Young]]'', ''[[Lethal Weapon 3]]'', ''[[Maverick (film)|Maverick]]'', and ''[[Braveheart]]''. He then starred in ''[[Ransom (1996 film)|Ransom]]'', ''[[Conspiracy Theory (film)|Conspiracy Theory]]'', ''[[Lethal Weapon 4]]'', and ''[[Payback (film)|Payback]]''. Gibson also served as the speaking and singing voice of [[John Smith (explorer)|John Smith]] in [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]’s ''[[Pocahontas (1995 film)|Pocahontas]]''. ==== After 2000 ==== In 2000, Gibson acted in three films that each grossed over $100 million: ''[[The Patriot (2000 film)|The Patriot]]'', ''[[Chicken Run]]'', and ''[[What Women Want]]''.<ref name="Cagle" /> In 2002, Gibson appeared in the [[Vietnam War]] drama ''[[We Were Soldiers]]'' and [[M. Night Shyamalan]]’s ''[[Signs (film)|Signs]]'', which became the highest-grossing film of Gibson’s acting career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=melgibson.htm |title=Mel Gibson |work=Box Office Mojo accessdate=2009-05-24}}</ref> While promoting ''[[Signs (film)|Signs]]'', Gibson said that he no longer wanted to be a movie star and would only act in film again if the script were truly extraordinary. In 2010, Gibson appeared in ''[[Edge of Darkness (2010 film)|Edge of Darkness]]'', which marked his first starring role since 2002<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117984773.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |first=Michael |last=Fleming |title=Mel Gibson returns for 'Darkness' |work=Variety |date=2008-04-28 |accessdate=2009-03-29}}</ref> and was an adaptation of the BBC miniseries, ''[[Edge of Darkness]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/VR1117984773.html |title=Mel Gibson returns for 'Darkness'&nbsp;– Entertainment News, Gotham, Media&nbsp;– Variety |publisher=Variety.com |author=By |date= 2008-04-28|accessdate=2008-10-22}}</ref> In 2010, following an outburst at his ex-girlfriend that was made public, Gibson was dropped from the talent agency of [[William Morris Endeavor]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/07/10/2010-07-10_mel_gibsons_agency_drops_actor_after_racist_and_sexist_rant_alleged_attack_again.html |title=Mel Gibson's agency drops actor after racist and sexist rant, alleged attack against ex-girlfriend|publisher=NYdailynews|accessdate=2010-07-11}}</ref> === Producer === {{main|Icon Productions}} After his success in Hollywood with the ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'' series, Gibson began to move into producing and directing. With partner [[Bruce Davey]], Gibson formed [[Icon Productions]] in 1989 in order to make ''[[Hamlet (1990 film)|Hamlet]]''.<ref name="NewsMaxIP">{{cite web|url=http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/9/22/100824.shtml|title=Gibson to Get Hollywood Producer of the Year Award|last=the NewsMax.com Staff|date=September 22, 2004|work=[[NewsMax.com]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> In addition to producing or co-producing many of Gibson's own star vehicles, Icon has turned out many other small films, ranging from ''[[Immortal Beloved (film)|Immortal Beloved]]'' to ''[[An Ideal Husband (1999 film)|An Ideal Husband]]''. Gibson has taken supporting roles in some of these films, such as ''[[The Million Dollar Hotel]]'' and ''[[The Singing Detective (film)|The Singing Detective]]''. Gibson has also produced a number of projects for television, including a biopic on [[The Three Stooges]] and the 2008 [[PBS]] documentary ''[[Carrier (documentary)|Carrier]]''. Icon has grown from being just a production company to also be an international distribution company and film exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand.<ref name="PBSPR">{{cite web|url=http://www.pbs.org/aboutpbs/news/20071025_iconproductions.html|title=PBS, ICON PRODUCTIONS AND CARRIER PROJECT GRANTED UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO U.S. AIRCRAFT CARRIER TO FILM REVEALING 10-PART SERIES, CARRIER|last=Press release|date=October 25, 2007|work=[[PBS.org]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> === Director === Mel Gibson has credited his directors, particularly [[George Miller (filmmaker)|George Miller]], [[Peter Weir]], and [[Richard Donner]], with teaching him the craft of filmmaking and influencing him as a director. According to [[Robert Downey, Jr.]], studio executives encouraged Gibson in 1989 to try directing, an idea he rebuffed at the time.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23622562-5003420,00.html | title = Robert Downey Jr. has irons in the fire | author = Erin McWhirter| publisher = The Courier Mail | date = 2008-05-01}}</ref> Gibson made his directorial debut in 1993 with ''[[The Man Without a Face]]'', followed two years later by ''[[Braveheart]]'', which earned Gibson the [[Academy Award for Best Director]]. Gibson had long planned to direct a remake of ''[[Fahrenheit 451 (1966 film)|Fahrenheit 451]]'', but in 1999 the project was indefinitely postponed because of scheduling conflicts.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117490809.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 | title = Gibson in talks for 'Patriot' | author = Dan Cox and Michael Fleming| publisher = [[Daily Variety]] | date = 1999-02-01}}</ref> Gibson was scheduled to direct [[Robert Downey, Jr.]] in a Los Angeles stage production of ''[[Hamlet]]'' in January 2001, but Downey's drug relapse ended the project.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/935383.stm| title = Gibson Downey Jr becomes Hamlet | publisher = BBC | date = 2000-09-21}}</ref> In 2002, while promoting ''[[We Were Soldiers]]'' and ''[[Signs (film)|Signs]]'' to the press, Gibson mentioned that he was planning to pare back on acting and return to directing.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/film-and-tv/features/mel-gibson-i-think-im-mellowing-in-my-old-age-642396.html | title = Mel Gibson: 'I think I'm mellowing in my old age' | author = Tiffany Rose | publisher = [[The Independent]] | date = 2002-09-08 | location=London}}</ref> In September 2002, Gibson announced that he would direct a film called ''[[The Passion of the Christ|The Passion]]'' in [[Aramaic]] and [[Latin]] with no subtitles because he hoped to "transcend language barriers with filmic storytelling."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/?q=node/13351 |title=Jesus Christ!! What&nbsp;– Ain't It Cool News: The best in movie, TV, DVD, and comic book news |publisher=Aintitcool.com |date= |accessdate=2008-10-22}}</ref> In 2004, he released the controversial film ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]'', with subtitles, which he co-wrote, co-produced, and directed. Gibson directed a few episodes of ''[[Complete Savages]]'' for the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network. In 2006, he directed the action-adventure film ''[[Apocalypto]]'', his second film to feature sparse dialogue in a non-English language. == Honors == On July 25, 1997, Gibson was named an honorary [[Officer of the Order of Australia]] (AO), in recognition of his "service to the Australian film industry". The award was honorary because substantive awards are made only to Australian citizens.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.itsanhonour.gov.au/honours/honour_roll/search.cfm?aus_award_id=869892&search_type=simple&showInd=true |title=It's an Honour&nbsp;— Honours&nbsp;— Search Australian Honours |publisher=Itsanhonour.gov.au |date=1997-07-25 |accessdate=2010-07-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Daniel Vidoni |url=http://www.theorderofaustralia.asn.au/ |title=Order of Australia Association |publisher=Theorderofaustralia.asn.au |date= |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref> In 1985, Gibson was named "[[Sexiest Man Alive|The Sexiest Man Alive]]" by [[People (magazine)|''People'']], the first person to be named so.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.people.com/people/quiz/answer/0,,1113192_1113194_,00.html |title=Think You Know Sexy? |publisher=People.com |date=2005-11-03 |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref> Gibson quietly declined the [[Ordre des Arts et des Lettres|Chevalier des Arts et Lettres]] from the French government in 1995 as a protest against France's resumption of nuclear testing in the Southwest Pacific.<ref>Galloway, Stephen. ''The Hollywood Reporter''. October 30, 1995. "It was a definite decision to make a protest against the nuclear tests", said Gibson, who is mad at French President Jacques Chirac for deciding to detonate some bombs in the Pacific.</ref> ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine chose Mel Gibson and Michael Moore as [[Person of the Year|Men of the Year]] in 2004, but Gibson turned down the photo session and interview, and the cover went instead to [[George W. Bush]].<ref>[http://www.riskybusinessblog.com/2006/09/michael_moore_d.html Michael Moore Defends Cruise, Slags Gibson] September 16, 2006</ref> == Landmark films == === ''Mad Max'' series === {{Main|Mad Max}} Gibson got his breakthrough role as the leather-clad post-apocalyptic survivor in [[George Miller (filmmaker)|George Miller]]'s ''[[Mad Max]]''. The independently financed blockbuster helped to make him an international star everywhere but in the United States, where the actors' Australian accents were dubbed with American accents.<ref name="Gilbey">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=201887|title=Been to hear any good films lately?|last=Gilbey|first=Ryan|date=July 25, 2001|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> The original film spawned two sequels: ''[[Mad Max 2]]'' (known in North America as ''The Road Warrior''), and ''[[Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome|Mad Max 3]]'' (known in North America as ''Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome''). A fourth movie, ''[[Mad Max 4: Fury Road]]'', is in development, but both Gibson and [[George Miller (filmmaker)|George Miller]] have indicated that the starring role would go to a younger actor.<ref>{{cite web |title = Exclusive Exclusive: Writer-Director George Miller Announces 'Mad Max' As First Game From Creative Alliance With God of War II Director Cory Barlog |author = N'Gai Croal |date = 2008-03-12 |url = http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/levelup/archive/2008/03/12/filmmaker-george-miller-announces-mad-max-game-collaboration-with-cory-barlog.aspx}}</ref> === ''Gallipoli'' === {{Main|Gallipoli (1981)}} Gibson played the role of the cynical Frank Dunne alongside co-star [[Mark Lee (actor)|Mark Lee]] in the 1981 [[Peter Weir]] film. ''Gallipoli'' is about several young men from rural [[Western Australia]] who enlist in the [[Australian Army]] during the First World War. They are sent to [[Turkey]], where they take part in the [[Gallipoli Campaign]]. During the course of the movie, the young men slowly lose their innocence about the purpose of war. The climax of the movie occurs on the [[Australian and New Zealand Army Corps|ANZAC]] battlefield at [[Gallipoli]] and depicts the brutal attack at [[Battle of the Nek|the Nek]]. According to Gibson, “[[Gallipoli Campaign|Gallipoli]] was the birth of a nation. It was the shattering of a dream for Australia. They had banded together to fight the Hun and died by the thousands in a dirty little trench war."<ref>{{cite news | title = An American from Kangaroo-land hops to the top | author = Davin Seay | publisher = Ampersand |date=February 1983}}</ref>{{Verify source|date=March 2010}} The critically acclaimed film helped to further launch Gibson's career.<ref>Davies, Greg. [http://cineleet.com/2009/03/02/5-films-about-australia-better-than-australia/ Five Films about Australia better than ‘Australia’], Cinelet, March 2, 2009. Retrieved July 16, 2010.</ref> He won the award for [[Australian Film Institute Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role|Best Actor in a Leading Role]] from the [[Australian Film Institute]].<ref name="autogenerated1"/> === ''The Year of Living Dangerously'' === {{Main|The Year of Living Dangerously}} Gibson played a naïve but ambitious journalist opposite [[Sigourney Weaver]] and [[Linda Hunt]] in [[Peter Weir]]’s atmospheric 1982 film ''[[The Year of Living Dangerously]]'', based on the novel of the same name by [[Christopher Koch]]. The movie was both a critical and commercial success, and the upcoming Australian actor was heavily marketed by [[MGM]] studio. In his review of the film, Vincent Canby of the [[New York Times]] wrote, "If this film doesn't make an international star of Mr. Gibson, then nothing will. He possesses both the necessary talent and the screen presence."<ref>{{cite news | title = Year of Living Dangerously | author = Vincent Canby | publisher = New York Times | date = 1983-01-21}}</ref> According to John Hiscock of [[The Daily Telegraph]], the film did, indeed, establish Gibson as an international talent.<ref name="Hiscock">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/7044121/Mel-Gibson-interview.html|title=Mel Gibson interview|last=Hiscock|first=John|date=January 21, 2010|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson was initially reluctant to accept the role of Guy Hamilton. "I didn't necessarily see my role as a great challenge. My character was, like the film suggests, a puppet. And I went with that. It wasn't some star thing, even though they advertised it that way."<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite news | title = Mel’s Movies | author = Michael Fleming | publisher = Movieline |date=July 2000}}</ref> Gibson saw some similarities between himself and the character of Guy. "He's not a silver-tongued devil. He's kind of immature and he has some rough edges and I guess you could say the same for me."<ref name="autogenerated2" /> Gibson has cited this screen performance as his personal favorite.{{When|date=March 2010}} === ''The Bounty'' === {{Main|The Bounty}} Gibson followed the footsteps of [[Errol Flynn]], [[Clark Gable]], and [[Marlon Brando]] by starring as [[Fletcher Christian]] in a cinematic retelling of the [[mutiny on the Bounty]]. The resulting 1984 film ''[[The Bounty]]'' is considered to be the most historically accurate version. However, Gibson thinks that the film's revisionism did not go far enough. He stated that his character should have been portrayed as more of a villain and described [[Anthony Hopkins]]'s performance as [[William Bligh]] as the best aspect of the film.<ref name="autogenerated3" /> === ''Lethal Weapon'' series === {{Main|Lethal Weapon}} Gibson moved into more mainstream commercial filmmaking with the popular [[buddy cop]] ''Lethal Weapon'' series, which began with the 1987 original. In the films he played [[Los Angeles Police Department|LAPD]] Detective [[Martin Riggs]], a recently widowed [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]] veteran with a death wish and a penchant for violence and gunplay. In the films, he is partnered with a reserved family man named [[Roger Murtaugh]] ([[Danny Glover]]). Following the success of ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'', director [[Richard Donner]] and principal cast revisited the characters in three sequels, ''[[Lethal Weapon 2]]'' (1989), ''[[Lethal Weapon 3]]'' (1993), and ''[[Lethal Weapon 4]]'' (1998). With its fourth installment, the ''Lethal Weapon'' series embodied "the quintessence of the [[Buddy cop film|buddy cop pic]]".<ref name="Klady">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117477677.html?categoryid=31&cs=1|title=Lethal Weapon 4 Review|last=Klady|first=Leonard|date=July 8, 1998|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> === ''Hamlet'' === {{Main|Hamlet (1990 film)}} Gibson made the unusual transition from the action to classical genres, playing the melancholic Danish prince in [[Franco Zeffirelli]]'s [[Hamlet (1990 film)|''Hamlet'']]. Gibson was cast alongside such experienced [[Shakespearean]] actors as [[Ian Holm]], [[Alan Bates]], and [[Paul Scofield]]. He described working with his fellow cast members as similar to being "thrown into the ring with [[Mike Tyson]]".<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1582308/Paul-Scofields-career-highlights.html Paul Scofield's career highlights], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', March 20, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2010.</ref> === ''Braveheart'' === {{Main|Braveheart}} Mel Gibson directed, produced, and starred in ''[[Braveheart]]'', an epic telling of the legend of Sir [[William Wallace]], a 13th century Scottish patriot. Gibson received two [[Academy Award]]s, [[Academy Award for Best Director|Best Director]] and [[Academy Award for Best Picture|Best Picture]] for his second directorial effort. In winning the Academy Award for Best Director, Gibson became only the sixth actor-turned-filmmaker to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmsite.org/aa95.html |title=1995 Academy Awards |publisher=Filmsite.org |date= |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref> ''[[Braveheart]]'' influenced the Scottish nationalist movement and helped to revive the film genre of the historical epic. The [[Battle of Stirling Bridge]] sequence in ''[[Braveheart]]'' is considered by critics to be one of the all-time best directed battle scenes.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/29/movie.battles/] The best&nbsp;– and worst&nbsp;– movie battle scenes April 2, 2007</ref> === ''The Passion of the Christ'' === {{Main|The Passion of the Christ}} Gibson directed, produced, co-wrote, and self-funded the 2004 film ''[[The Passion of the Christ]],'' which chronicled the [[Passion (Christianity)|passion]] and death of Jesus Christ. The cast spoke the languages of [[Aramaic language|Aramaic]], [[Latin]], and [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]]. Although Gibson originally announced his intention to release the film without subtitles; he relented on this point for theatrical exhibition. The highly controversial film sparked divergent reviews, ranging from high praise to criticism of the violence and charges of anti-Semitism. Gibson also sparked controversy with his statements regarding ''New York Times'' writer [[Frank Rich]], "I want to kill him. I want his intestines on a stick.... I want to kill his dog" in response to Rich's suggestion that the film could fuel anti-Semitism.<ref name =gibsonquotes/><ref name =waywithwords>{{cite news |title= Gibson's way with words |url=http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2006-07-31-gibson-remarks_x.htm |first= |last= |work=USA Today |date=2006-08-01}}</ref> The movie grossed [[US Dollar|US$]]611,899,420 worldwide and $370,782,930 in the US alone,<ref name="PassionBOM">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=passionofthechrist.htm|title=The Passion ofthe Christ (2004) - Box office Mojo|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> surpassing any motion picture starring Gibson.<ref>http://boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=melgibson.htm</ref> In US box offices, it became the eighth (at the time) highest-grossing film in history<ref name="ADBOM">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic.htm|title=All Time Domestic Box Office Results|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> and the highest-grossing [[Motion Picture Association of America film rating system|rated R]] film of all time.<ref name="RRBOM">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/alltime/domestic/mpaa.htm?page=R&p=.htm|title=Top Grossing R Rated Movies at the Box Office|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> The film was nominated for three [[Academy Award]]s<ref name="PassionOscars">{{cite web|url=http://awardsdatabase.oscars.org/ampas_awards/DisplayMain.jsp;jsessionid=86059BC1A7439D517EB23CCF7024E0F2?curTime=1279484685836|title=The Passion of the Christ&nbsp;— Academy Awards Database|work=Oscars.org|publisher=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> and won the [[People's Choice Award]] for Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture.<ref name="PC05">{{cite web|url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2005|title=People's Choice Awards Nominees & Winners: 2005|work=PeoplesChoice.com|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> === ''Apocalypto'' === {{Main|Apocalypto}} Gibson received further critical acclaim for his directing of the 2006 action-adventure film ''[[Apocalypto]]''.<ref name="Tallerico">{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/ugo/html/article/?id=16241|title=Apocalypto Review|last=Tallerico|first=Brian|work=[[UGO.com]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson's fourth directorial effort is set in [[Mesoamerica]] during the early 16th century against the turbulent [[end time]]s of a [[Maya civilization]]. The sparse dialogue is spoken in the [[Yucatec Maya language|Yucatec]] [[Mayan languages|Maya]] language by a cast of [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] descent.<ref name="BOP">{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/tickermaster/listing.cfm?tmID=2835|title=Prophets-Apoc|work=Box Office Prophets|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="WAM">{{cite web|url=http://www.wildaboutmovies.com/movies/ApocalyptoMovieTrailerPosterMelGibson.php|title=Apocalypto First Look|work=Wild About Movies|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> == Future films == In March 2007, Gibson told a screening audience that he was preparing another script with [[Farhad Safinia]] about the writing of the ''[[Oxford English Dictionary]]'' (OED).<ref>Event Report: [http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Event-Report-Mel-Gibson-Goes-Mad-At-CSU-4744.html] "Mel Gibson Goes Mad At CSU"&nbsp;– CinemaBlend.com&nbsp;– March 23, 2007</ref> Gibson's company has long owned the rights to ''[[The Surgeon of Crowthorne|The Professor and the Madman]]'', which tells the story of the creation of the OED.<ref>{{cite news|last = Gussow|first = Mel|title = The Strange Case of the Madman With a Quotation for Every Word |publisher = New York Times|date= 1998-09-07|url = http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F06E7DF153EF934A3575AC0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink |accessdate = 2007-11-07}}</ref> Gibson has dismissed the rumors that he is considering directing a film about Spanish explorer [[Vasco Núñez de Balboa]].<ref>[http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Saturday/National/20070901081824/Article/index_html] 10 minutes with Mel Gibson: "When going green comes naturally"&nbsp;– ''The New Straits Times''&nbsp;– September 1, 2007&nbsp;– accessed September 9, 2007</ref><ref>[http://news.opodo.co.uk/articles/2007-03-07/18081178-Mel-Gibson.php] "Mel Gibson to film in Panama?"&nbsp;– Opodo Travel News&nbsp;– March 7, 2007</ref><ref>[http://defamer.com/hollywood/mel-gibson/mel-gibson-thinking-about-setting-next-splatter-film-in-panama-241983.php Mel Gibson Thinking About Setting Next Splatter Film In Panama] March 6, 2007</ref> Asked in September 2007 if he planned to return to acting and specifically to action roles, Gibson said: "I think I’m too old for that, but you never know. I just like telling stories. Entertainment is valid and I guess I’ll probably do it again before it's over. You know, do something that people won’t get mad with me for."<ref>[http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/10/movies/18807086&sec=movies Enter the eco warrior] ''[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]]'' (Malaysia)&nbsp;– September 10, 2007&nbsp;– accessed September 10, 2007</ref> In 2005, the film ''Sam and George'' was announced as the seventh collaboration between director [[Richard Donner]] and Gibson. In February 2009, Donner said that this [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] project was “dead,”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/interviews/richarddonner/donnerinterview.html|title= Inside Man: Richard Donner on Inside Moves |author= Adam Jahnke |date= February 27, 2009 }}</ref> but that he and Gibson were planning another film based on an original script by [[Brian Helgeland]] for production in fall 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40175|title= Richard Donner And Mr. Beaks Talk INSIDE MOVES! |publisher=Aint It Cool News |author= Mr. Beaks |date= February 19, 2009 }}</ref> It was reported, in 2009, that Gibson would star in ''[[The Beaver (film)|The Beaver]]'', a film directed by former ''Maverick'' co-star, [[Jodie Foster]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.variety.com/VR1118005842.html |title=Mel Gibson to star in 'Beaver' |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=2009-07-09 |accessdate=2009-10-01 | first=Sharon | last=Swart}}</ref> He has also expressed an intention to direct a movie set during the [[Viking Age]], starring [[Leonardo DiCaprio]]. The as-yet untitled film, like ''The Passion of the Christ'' and ''Apocalypto'', will feature dialogue in period languages.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.france24.com/en/node/4948325|title=Mel Gibson to direct DiCaprio in Viking movie: report|date=14 December 2009|work=[[France 24]]|accessdate=18 January 2010}}</ref> However, some sources have speculated that DiCaprio might opt out of the project.<ref>http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/07/source-dicaprio-pulling-out-mel-gibson-movie</ref> In June 2010, Gibson was in [[Brownsville, Texas]], filming scenes for another movie, tentatively titled ''How I Spent My Summer Vacation'', about a career criminal put in a tough prison in Mexico.<ref>[http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/font-113032-gibson-mel.html Hollywood Hits Home: Mel Gibson, film crew shoot scenes in Brownsville] ''The Brownsville Herald''</ref> == Personal life == {{Inappropriate tone|date=July 2010}} {{subsections|Personal life|Controversy|date=August 2010}} === Family === Gibson met Robyn Denise Moore in the late 1970s soon after filming ''[[Mad Max]]'' when they were both tenants at a house in [[Adelaide]]. At the time, Robyn was a dental nurse and Mel was an unknown actor working for the [[State Theatre Company of South Australia|South Australian Theatre Company]].<ref>{{cite news |first=REBEKAH |last=DEVLIN |title=Star's family farewell father |date=2007-10-16 |work=The Advertiser |url=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,22591118-2682,00.html |accessdate=2009-06-06}}</ref> On June 7, 1980, they were married in a Catholic church in [[Forestville, New South Wales]].<ref>Mel Gibson: Living Dangerously, Wensley Clarkson, Thunder's Mouth Press, New York, 1993, page 125.</ref> The couple have one daughter, six sons. Their seven children are Hannah (born 1980), twins Edward and Christian (born 1982), William (born 1985), Louis (born 1988), Milo (born 1990), and Thomas (born 1999). They also have two grandchildren.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jones |first=Oliver |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20273928,00.html |title=INSIDE STORY: Meet Mel Gibson's Children&nbsp;— Mel Gibson |publisher=People.com |date=2009-04-21 |accessdate=2010-07-18}}</ref> Daughter Hannah Gibson married [[blues]] musician [[Kenny Wayne Shepherd]] on September 16, 2006.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hannah Gibson marrying Shepherd |work=CBS News |date=2006-09-18 |url=http://www.showbuzz.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/09/18/people_milestones/main2020113.shtml}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1535906,00.html |title=Mel Gibson's Daughter Marries Guitarist |work=People |date=2006-09-18}}</ref> After 26 years of marriage, the couple separated in August 2006.<ref name="People1">{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20272589,00.html|title=Source: Tension Between Mel Gibson and Wife Was Obvious|date=April 15, 2009|work=[[People (magazine)|People]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> Nearly three years after the separation began, Robyn Gibson filed for divorce on April 13, 2009, citing irreconcilable differences. In a joint statement, the Gibsons declared, "Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so."<ref name="filed">{{cite web |title=Mel Gibson's Wife Files for Divorce |url=http://www.tmz.com/2009/04/13/mel-gibson-divorce/ |publisher=TMZ.com |date=2009-04-13 |accessdate=2009-04-13}}</ref> The divorce filing followed the March 2009 release of photographs appearing to show him on a beach embracing another woman.<ref name="Telegraph09">{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/5151901/Mel-Gibsons-marriage-ends-after-28-years-and-beach-embrace-pictures.html|title=Mel Gibson's marriage ends after 28 years and beach embrace pictures|date=April 14, 2009|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> On April 28, 2009, the woman in the photographs was revealed to be [[Oksana Grigorieva]], a Russian Pianist and an artist on Gibson's record label. Grigorieva has a son (born 1997) with actor [[Timothy Dalton]]. Gibson and Grigorieva had been together for three years, at the time, and she was pregnant.<ref name="Tedmanson">{{cite news|url=http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/celebrity/article6189904.ece|title=Mel Gibson debuts Russian girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva|last=Tedmanson|first=Sophie|date=April 29, 2009|work=[[The Sunday Times]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> Grigorieva gave birth to their daughter Lucia on October 30, 2009.<ref>{{cite news | author=Gina DiNunno| title=Mel Gibson's Girlfriend Gives Birth to Baby Girl| url=http://www.tvguide.com/News/Mel-Gibsons-Girlfriend-1011468.aspx| work=TVGuide.com}}</ref><ref name="baby">{{cite web |last=Leonard |first=Elizabeth |url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20280980,00.html |title=Rep: Mel Gibson and Girlfriend Are Expecting! |work=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=2009-05-25 |accessdate=2009-05-25}}</ref> In April 2010, it was made public that Gibson and Grigorieva had split.<ref>{{cite news | author=Elizabeth Leonard| title=Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva Split| url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20360970,00.html| work=People.com}}</ref> Amid claims of domestic violence during Gibson and Grigorieva's relationship, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department launched a domestic violence investigation.<ref name="abuseinvestigation">{{cite news | first = Sophie | last = Barnett | url = http://www.mtv.com.au/news/435bd315-mel-abuse-claims-mtv-classic/ | title = Mel Faces Abuse Claims | date = July 7, 2010 | work = MTV | accessdate = July 9, 2010}}</ref><ref name="abuseinvestigation2">{{cite news | first = | last = | url = http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/Gibson+investigated+domestic+violence/3252404/story.html | title = Mel Gibson investigated for domestic violence | date = July 8, 2010 | work = Vancouver Sun | accessdate = July 9, 2010}}</ref> Gibson filed for a restraining order against Grigorieva,<ref>{{cite news |title=Mel Gibson Files Restraining Order Against Baby Mama Oksana Grigorieva |url=http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2010/06/25/mel-gibson-files-restraining-order-baby-mama-oksana-grigorieva/ |publisher=Fox News |date=June 25, 2010 |accessdate=June 25, 2010}}</ref><ref name="nydailynews20100625"/> after she had previously filed a restraining order against him to keep him away from her and their child. The restraining order was modified the next day regarding Gibson's contact with their child.<ref name="nydailynews20100625">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/06/25/2010-06-25_oksana_grigorieva_files_domestic_violence_restraining_order_against_ex_mel_gibso.html |title=Oksana Grigorieva files domestic violence restraining order against ex Mel Gibson |publisher=Nydailynews.com |date=2010-06-25 |accessdate=2010-07-18}}</ref> === Investments === Gibson is a property investor, with multiple properties in [[Malibu, California|Malibu]], California, several locations in [[Costa Rica]], a private island in [[Fiji]] and properties in Australia.<ref>[http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20050117/ai_n9497657 Mel Gibson denied bid to reclassify estate as farm] Jan 17, 2005</ref><ref>[http://extratv.warnerbros.com/v2/news/0806/04/1/text.html Mel Gibson: Hollywood Takes Sides] August 4, 2006</ref> In December 2004, Gibson sold his {{convert|300|acre|km2|sing=on}} Australian farm in the [[Kiewa River|Kiewa Valley]] for $6 million.<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/goulburnmurray/stories/s1200331.htm Mel Gibson selling up] September 16, 2004</ref> Also in December 2004, Gibson purchased [[Mago Island]] in Fiji from [[Tokyu Corporation]] of Japan for $15 million. Descendants of the original native inhabitants of Mago, who were displaced in the 1860s, have protested the purchase. Gibson stated it was his intention to retain the pristine environment of the undeveloped island.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Displaced-Fijians-sue-islandbuying-Mel-Gibson/2005/03/02/1109700545809.html | title = Displaced Fijians may sue island-buying Mel Gibson | publisher = Sydney Morning Herald | date = 2005-05-03 | accessdate = 2007-09-14 }}</ref> In early 2005, he sold his {{convert|45000|acre|km2|sing=on}} [[Montana]] ranch to a neighbor.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20050228/ai_n11834606| title = Gibson's neighbor buys his Beartooth Ranch | publisher = [[Deseret News]] | date = 2005-02-28 | accessdate = 2007-09-14 }}</ref> In April 2007 he purchased a {{convert|400|acre|km2|sing=on}} ranch in [[Costa Rica]] for $26 million, and in July 2007 he sold his {{convert|76|acre|m2|adj=on}} Tudor estate in [[Connecticut]] (which he purchased in 1994 for $9 million) for $40 million to an unnamed buyer.<ref>[http://www.bergproperties.com/blog/mel-gibson-reportedly-listing-his-greenwich-ct-estate-for-395m-status-of-his-malibu-properties-is-uncertain/1260/celebrities Mel Gibson reportedly listing his Greenwich, CT estate for $39.5M; status of his Malibu properties is uncertain] July 12, 2007</ref> Also that month, he sold a [[Malibu, California|Malibu]] property for $30 million that he had purchased for $24 million two years before.<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20042556 Mel Gibson sells Malibu home for $30 million: Star bought the property two years ago for $24 million] July 30, 2007</ref> In 2008, he purchased the [[Malibu, California|Malibu]] home of [[David Duchovny]] and [[Téa Leoni]].<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/latinamerica/la-hm-hotprop20-2008sep20,0,4116201.story| title = Mel Gibson buys Malibu home of David Duchovny and Téa Leoni| publisher = [[Los Angeles Times]] | date = 2008-09-20 | accessdate = 2008-09-27 | first=Ann | last=Brenoff}}</ref> === Religious and political views === ==== Faith ==== Gibson was raised a [[Traditionalist Catholic]].<ref name="Grossman" /> When asked about the Catholic doctrine of "''[[Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus]]''", Gibson replied, "There is no salvation for those outside the Church ... I believe it. Put it this way. My wife is a saint. She's a much better person than I am. Honestly. She's... Episcopalian, Church of England. She prays, she believes in God, she knows Jesus, she believes in that stuff. And it's just not fair if she doesn't make it, she's better than I am. But that is a pronouncement from the chair. I go with it."<ref name =gibsonquotes>{{cite news |title= Mel Gibson: 'I Am Deeply Ashamed' |url=http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20059176,00.html |first=Allison |last=Adato |work=People.com |date=2006-08-14}}</ref><ref name=pboyer>Boyer, Peter J. ''The New Yorker''. September 15, 2003</ref> When he was asked whether [[John 14:6]] is an intolerant position, he said that "through the [[Merit (Catholicism)|merits]] of Jesus' sacrifice... even people who don't know Jesus are able to be saved, but ''through'' him."<ref>[http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/feature/2004/01/27/passion/index1.html?pn=3 "Inside Mel Gibson's "Passion"."] ''Salon''. January 27, 2004.</ref> Acquaintance Father [[William Fulco]] has said that Gibson denies neither the [[Pope]] nor [[Vatican II]].<ref name=Fulco>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whq--qLzP9w “Whose Passion? Media, Faith & Controversy”] panel discussion video, time 1:05</ref> Gibson told [[Diane Sawyer]] that he believes non-Catholics and non-Christians can go to heaven.<ref name=2004prime>{{cite news|url= http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/sixtyminutes/stories/2004_02_22/story_1034.asp |archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20050716090130/http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/sixtyminutes/stories/2004_02_22/story_1034.asp |archivedate= 2005-07-16 |title=Transcript of February 2004 Primetime |accessdate=2006-07-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url= http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/afa/202004b.asp |title=Gibson's Words Fuel Controversy Already Sparked By 'Passion'| author=Martin, Allie and Jenni Parker| publisher=Agape Press| date=2004-02-20}}</ref> Gibson's traditionalist Catholic beliefs have been the target of criticism, especially during the controversy over his film ''The Passion of the Christ''. Gibson stated in the Diane Sawyer interview that he feels that his "human rights were violated" by the often vitriolic attacks on his person, his family, and his religious beliefs which were sparked by ''The Passion''.<ref name=2004prime/> ==== Politics ==== Gibson has been called variously “ultraconservative”<ref name = "time.com-Apocalytpo">Padgett/Veracruz, Tim. [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1174684-2,00.html "Apocalypto Now."] ''Time''. March 19, 2006.</ref> and “politically very liberal” (by acquaintance [[William Fulco]]).<ref name=Fulco/> Gibson complimented filmmaker [[Michael Moore]] and his documentary ''[[Fahrenheit 9/11]]'' when he and Moore were recognized at the 2005 [[People's Choice Awards]].<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,143924,00.html "Moore, Gibson: I Love His Work."] Fox News. January 10, 2005.</ref> Gibson's [[Icon Productions]] originally agreed to finance Moore's film, but later sold the rights to [[Miramax Films]]. Moore said that his agent [[Ari Emanuel]] claimed that "top Republicans" called Mel Gibson to tell him, "don’t expect to get more invitations to the White House".<ref>Keough, Peter. [http://www.bostonphoenix.com/boston/movies/documents/03931494.asp "Not so hot: Fahrenheit 9/11 is more smoke than fire."] ''Boston Phoenix''. June 25, 2004.</ref> Icon's spokesman dismissed this story, saying "We never run from a controversy. You'd have to be out of your mind to think that of the company that just put out ''[[The Passion of the Christ]]''."<ref>Stein, Ruthe. [http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/05/06/MNGIH6GI6C1.DTL "'Fahrenheit 9/11' too hot for Disney."] ''San Francisco Chronicle''. May 6, 2004.</ref> In a July 1995 interview with ''[[Playboy]]'' magazine, Gibson said President [[Bill Clinton]] was a "low-level opportunist" and someone was "telling him what to do". He said that the [[Rhodes Scholarship]] was established for young men and women who want to strive for a "[[new World Order (conspiracy theory)|new world order]]" and this was a campaign for Marxism.<ref name = pb>Grobel, Lawrence. "Interview: Mel Gibson". ''[[Playboy]]''. July 1995. Vol. 42, No. 7, Pg. 51. Retrieved May 17, 2006.</ref> Gibson later backed away from such conspiracy theories saying, "It was like: 'Hey, tell us a conspiracy'... so I laid out this thing, and suddenly, it was like I was talking the gospel truth, espousing all this political shit like I believed in it."<ref name = "NutTeKoha">Nui Te Koka. "Did I say that?" ''The Daily Telegraph''. January 30, 1999, pg 33.</ref> In the same 1995 ''Playboy'' interview, Gibson argued that men and women are unequal as a reason against women priests.<ref name = pb/><ref>Grobel, Lawrence. [http://books.google.com/books?client=firefox-a&id=ygBlAAAAMAAJ&dq=%22I%27ll+get+kicked+around+for+saying+it%2C+but+men+and+women+are+just+different.+They%27re+not+equal.+The+same+way+that+you+and+I+are+not+equal.+%22&q=%22I%27ll+get+kicked+around+for+saying+it%2C+but+men+and+women+are+just+different.+They%27re+not+equal.%22&pgis=1#search_anchor Grobel, Lawrence. ''The art of the interview: lessons from a master of the craft''.] Three Rivers Press, 2004. ISBN 1400050715. p. 151.</ref><ref name="deangelis">DeAngelis, Michael. [http://books.google.com/books?id=aZkshPsocwgC&pg=PA165 ''Gay Fandom and Crossover Stardom''.] [[Duke University Press]], 2001. ISBN 0822327384p. 166.</ref> In 2004, he publicly spoke out against taxpayer-funded [[Stem cell|embryonic stem-cell research]] that involves the cloning and destruction of human embryos.<ref>[http://www.nationalreview.com/interrogatory/gibson200411010950.asp "Braveheart Stands Athwart a Brave New World."] ''National Review''. November 1, 2004.</ref> In March 2005, he condemned the outcome of the [[Terri Schiavo case]], referring to Schiavo's death as "state-sanctioned murder".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/10/opinion/10rich.html?pagewanted=all&position=|title=A Culture of Death, Not Life|last=Rich|first=Frank|date=10 April 2005|work=New York Times|accessdate=10 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson questioned the [[Iraq War]] in March 2004.<ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/18/1079199319258.html "Mel Gibson joins stars to question Iraq war."] ''Sydney Morning Herald''. March 18, 2004.</ref> In 2006, Gibson said that the "fearmongering" depicted in his film ''Apocalypto'' "reminds me a little of President Bush and his guys."<ref name = "time.com-Apocalytpo"/> === Allegations of homophobia === {{Main|Braveheart#Accusations of anti-gay depictions}} The [[Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation]] (GLAAD) accused Gibson of homophobia after a December 1991 interview in the Spanish newspaper ''[[El País]]''.<ref name="deangelis"/><ref name="sfbay">Wockner, Rex. [http://www.sfbaytimes.com/index.php?sec=article&article_id=5399 "Mel Gibson, Circa 1992, "Refuses to Apologize to Gays"."] ''San Francisco Bay Times''. August 17, 2006. Quote: Asked what he thought of gay people, he said, "They take it up the ass." Gibson then proceeded to point at his posterior and said: "This is only for taking a shit." When reminded that he had worked closely with gay people at drama school, Gibson said, "They were good people, kind, I like them. But their thing is not my thing." When the interviewer asked if Gibson was afraid that people would think he is gay because he's an actor, Gibson replied, "Do I sound like a homosexual? Do I talk like them? Do I move like them? What happens is when you're an actor, they stick that label on you."</ref> Gibson later defended his comments<ref name="sfbay"/> and rejected calls to apologise.<ref name=pb/> However, Gibson joined GLAAD in hosting 10 lesbian and gay filmmakers for an on-location seminar on the set of the movie ''[[Conspiracy Theory (film)|Conspiracy Theory]]'' in January 1997.<ref>[http://www.glaad.org/media/archive_detail.php?id=181 "Mel Gibson to Meet Up-and-Coming Lesbian and Gay Filmmakers."] glaad.org.</ref> In 1999 when asked about the comments to ''El País'', Gibson said, "I shouldn't have said it, but I was tickling a bit of vodka during that interview, and the quote came back to bite me on the ass."<ref name = "NutTeKoha"/> === Allegations of sexism and domestic violence === In July 2010, it was alleged that Gibson had been recorded during a phone call with Oksana Grigorieva suggesting that if she got "raped by a pack of niggers," she would be to blame.<ref name="guardianjuly2">{{cite news | first = Ed | last = Pilkington | url = http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2010/jul/02/mel-gibson-racist-rant | title = Mel Gibson faces flak again after alleged racist rant | date = July 2, 2010 | work = [[The Guardian]] | accessdate = July 2, 2010}}</ref><ref name="telegraphjuly15">{{cite news | first = | last = | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/7891640/Mel-Gibson-threatens-to-burn-house-down-in-new-tape.html | title = Mel Gibson 'threatens to burn house down in new tape' | date = July 15, 2010 | work = [[The Daily Telegraph]] | accessdate = July 15, 2010}}</ref><ref name="hitting">{{cite news | first = Anthony | last = McCartney | url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/12/AR2010071202673.html | title = Gibson tape mentions alleged hitting of girlfriend | date = July 12, 2010 | agency = Associated Press | publisher = Washington Post |accessdate = July 12, 2010}}</ref> Gibson was barred from coming near Grigorieva or her daughter due to a domestic violence [[restraining order]].<ref name="guardianjuly2"/> [[Gloria Allred]] stated, "As an attorney who has represented many sexual assault victims and as a woman who is a survivor of rape myself, I want you to know how deeply offensive, appalling and harmful your reported statements are."<ref name="mtvjuly2">{{cite news | first = Gil | last = Kaufman | url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1642912/20100702/story.jhtml | title = Mel Gibson Condemned For Alleged Racist, Sexist Rant Against Ex | date = July 2, 2010 | work = [[MTV]] | accessdate = July 2, 2010}}</ref> The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched a domestic violence investigation against Gibson.<ref name="abuseinvestigation2"/> Gibson's estranged wife, Robyn Gibson, has filed a court statement declaring that she never experienced any abuse from Gibson,<ref>McCartney, Anthony. [http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gXTC6v6kUo4qsqFuoEUdOMWoVBOwD9GVRB8O0 Source: Gibson's wife says no signs of abuse].</ref> while forensic experts have questioned the validity of the tapes in question.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/people/mel-gibsons-ex-backs-him-as-experts-point-to-tampering-on-tapes-20100716-10d9h.html |title=Mel Gibson Tape Fabricated: Claims &#124; Robyn Gibson Supports Mel |publisher=Smh.com.au |date=2010-07-16 |accessdate=2010-07-21}}</ref> === Allegations of racism === On July 8, 2010, Gibson was alleged to have made a racial slur against Latinos using the term "[[wetback (slur)|wetbacks]]" as he suggested turning in one of his employees to immigration authorities.<ref name="recordingspostedandtalentagency">{{cite news | first = | last = | url = http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/ktla-mel-gibson-domestic-violence,0,4501825.story | title = Website Posts Recording of Gibson's Racist Rant, Actor Dropped by Talent Agency | date = July 9, 2010 | work = [[Los Angeles Times]] | accessdate = July 9, 2010}}</ref> On July 9, 2010, some audio recordings alleged to be of Gibson were posted on the internet.<ref name="recordingspostedandtalentagency"/> The same day Gibson was dropped by his agency, William Morris Endeavor.<ref name="recordingspostedandtalentagency"/> The July 2010 reports of voicemail recordings also included alleged racist remarks, with Gibson using the word "niggers".<ref name="guardianjuly2"/> Civil rights activists commented that Gibson had shown patterns of racism, sexism and anti-Semitism and called for a boycott of Gibson's movies.<ref name="mtvjuly2"/> === Allegations of anti-semitism in ''The Passion of the Christ'' === {{Main|The Passion of the Christ#Allegations of anti-Semitism}} Gibson's 2004 film ''The Passion of the Christ'' sparked a fierce debate over alleged anti-semitic imagery and overtones. Gibson denied that the film was anti-semitic, but critics remained divided. Some agreed that the film was consistent with the [[Gospel]]s and traditional Catholic teachings, while others argued that it reflected a selective reading of the Gospels.<ref>''[http://www.bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/texts/cjrelations/resources/education/dramatizing_the_death.htm Some criticism of The Passion]''</ref> === Alcohol abuse === Gibson has said that he started drinking at the age of thirteen.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,21062683-5005961,00.html "Rant aftermath a gift, says Gibson."] ''Herald Sun''. January 15, 2007.</ref> In a 2002 interview about his time at [[National Institute of Dramatic Art|NIDA]], Gibson said, "I had really good highs but some very low lows. I found out recently I'm [[bipolar disorder|manic depressive]]."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/stay-in-touch/mel-gibson-talks-about-bipolar-struggle/2008/05/14/1210444527205.html| title=Mel opens up, but ever so fleetingly | author=Murray, Elicia and Garry Maddox| work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] | date=2008-05-15| accessdate=2008-05-15}}</ref> Gibson was banned from driving in Ontario for three months, in 1984, after rear-ending a car, in Toronto, while under the influence of alcohol.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mel Gibson talks about Braveheart, movie stardom, and media treachery |url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/Issues/1995-05-25/film/film_3.html |author=Seitz, Matt Zoller |work=Dallas Observer |date=1995-05-25 |accessdate=2006-07-29}}</ref> He retreated to his Australian farm for over a year to recover, but he continued to struggle with drinking. Despite this problem, Gibson gained a reputation in Hollywood for professionalism and punctuality, so that ''[[Lethal Weapon 2]]'' director [[Richard Donner]] was shocked when Gibson confided that he was drinking five pints of beer for breakfast.<ref name=2004prime /> Reflecting in 2003 and 2004, Gibson said that despair in his mid-30s led him to contemplate suicide, and he meditated on Christ's Passion to heal his wounds.<ref name=pboyer /><ref name=2004prime /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archives.starbulletin.com/2004/02/22/news/index2.html |title=Mel Gibson's Passion |author=Ryan, Tim |work=Honolulu Star-Bulletin |date=2004-02-22}}</ref> He took more time off acting in 1991 and sought professional help.<ref name="Wright">{{cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/youre-not-a-jew-are-you/2006/08/04/1154198332750.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2|title=You're not a Jew, are you?|last=Wright|first=Gerard|date=August 5, 2006|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|accessdate=20 July 2010}}</ref> That year, Gibson's attorneys were unsuccessful at blocking the ''[[Sunday Mirror]]'' from publishing what Gibson shared at [[Alcoholics Anonymous|AA]] meetings.<ref>''The Advertiser''. September 22, 1991</ref>{{Clarify|date=February 2009}} In 1992, Gibson provided financial support to Hollywood's Recovery Center, saying, "Alcoholism is something that runs in my family. It's something that's close to me. People do come back from it, and it's a miracle."<ref>Higgins, Bill. ''Los Angeles Times''. December 14, 1992.</ref> ==== DUI incident with antisemitic remarks ==== {{Main|Mel Gibson DUI incident}} On July 28, 2006, Gibson was arrested for [[Driving under the influence|DUI]] while speeding in his vehicle with an open container of alcohol. A leaked report revealed that during Gibson's July 28, 2006 arrest for driving under the influence he made anti-semitic remarks to arresting officer James Mee, who is Jewish, saying "Fucking Jews...the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/us/30gibson.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=%22jews%20are%20responsible%22%20gibson&st=cse ''New York Times'' July 30, 2006]</ref><ref name=tmz>''[http://www.tmz.com/2006/07/28/gibsons-anti-semitic-tirade-alleged-cover-up/] Gibson's Anti-Semitic Tirade&nbsp;– Alleged Cover Up''; [[TMZ.com]]; July 28, 2006</ref> Gibson issued two apologies for the incident through his publicist,<ref name="apology2">{{cite web|url=http://msnbc.msn.com/id/14135592/ |title=Gibson's statement about anti-Semitic remarks |publisher=MSNBC |date=2006-01-08 |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/n/a/2006/07/29/entertainment/e133616D89.DTL |title=Mel Gibson's Statement on His DUI Arrest |publisher=Sfgate.com |date= |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref> and in a later interview with Diane Sawyer, he affirmed the accuracy of the quotations.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,1545484,00.html| title = Mel Gibson Admits He Drank After Arrest| author = Stephen M. Silverman | date = 2006-10-12 | accessdate = 2009-06-04 }}</ref> He admitted to making anti-semitic remarks during his arrest and apologized for his "despicable" behavior, saying the comments were "blurted out in a moment of insanity"<ref name="first role">{{cite news |title=Gibson takes first starring role in six years |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2008/apr/29/news.melgibson |work=Guardian.uk.co |date=2008-04-29 | location=London | accessdate=2010-05-12}}</ref> and asked to meet with Jewish leaders to help him "discern the appropriate path for healing."<ref>{{cite web |title=Gibson Asks Jews For Help To Find "Appropriate Path To Healing"|url=http://www.accesshollywood.com/mel-gibson/gibson-asks-jews-for-help-to-find-appropriate-path-to-healing_article_1069 |date=2006-07-030}}</ref> After Gibson's arrest, his publicist said he had entered a recovery program to battle alcoholism. On August 17, 2006, Gibson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge and was sentenced to three years on probation.<ref name="first role"/> He was ordered to attend self-help meetings five times a week for four and a half months and three times a week for the remainder of the first year of his probation. He was also ordered to attend a First Offenders Program, was fined $1,300, and his license was restricted for 90 days.<ref name="first role"/> At a May 2007 progress hearing, Gibson was praised for his compliance with the terms of his probation, his extensive participation in a self-help program, beyond what was required.<ref>[http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/5/11/153226.shtml "Mel Gibson Praised for Progress in Alcohol Rehab."] ''Newsmax''. May 12, 2007.</ref> === Prankster === Gibson has a reputation for practical jokes, puns, [[The Three Stooges|Stooge]]-inspired physical comedy, and doing outrageous things to shock people. As a director he sometimes breaks the tension on set by having his actors perform serious scenes wearing a red clown nose.<ref>[http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101030127-409570,00.html The Passion of Mel Gibson] Jan. 19, 2003, Time.com Accessed September 9, 2007</ref> [[Helena Bonham Carter]], who appeared alongside him in ''[[Hamlet (1990 film)|Hamlet]]'', said of him, "He has a very basic sense of humor. It's a bit lavatorial and not very sophisticated."<ref>Wensley Clarkson's "Mel Gibson: Living Dangerously", page 287</ref> During the filming of ''Hamlet'', Gibson would relieve pressure on the set by mooning the cast and crew, directly following a serious scene.<ref name="Davis">{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bzIMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=gl8DAAAAIBAJ&pg=4996,3511234&dq=mel-gibson+icon-productions&hl=en|title=Hello, Sweet Prince|last=Davis|first=Ivor|date=January 18, 1991|work=[[St. Petersburg Times]]|accessdate=19 July 2010}}</ref> In addition to inserting several homages to the [[Three Stooges]] in his ''[[Lethal Weapon]]'' movies, Gibson produced a 2000 television movie about the comedy group which starred [[Michael Chiklis]] as [[Curly Howard]]. As a gag, Gibson inserted a single subliminal frame of himself smoking a cigarette into the 2005 teaser trailer of ''[[Apocalypto]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Apple Inc. |url=http://www.apple.com/trailers/touchstone/apocalypto/ |title=Teaser Trailer. Frame 2546. Timecode 01:01:47:03. Time 00:01:46 |publisher=Apple.com |date=2006-12-08 |accessdate=2010-07-12}}</ref> === Philanthropy === [[File:Mel Gibson with Domenica.jpg|right|thumb|Gibson at the Christmas party for charity Mending Kids in 2007. His estranged wife Robyn is the president of the charity.]] Gibson and his former wife are believed to have contributed a substantial amount of money to various charities, one of which is Healing the Children. According to Cris Embleton, one of the founders, the Gibsons gave millions to provide lifesaving medical treatment to needy children worldwide.<ref>[http://www.newsroom.ucla.edu/page.asp?RelNum=5562&menu=fullsearchresults "Actor and Director Mel Gibson Donates $10 Million."] ''UCLA.edu Newsroom''.</ref><ref>[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/13/1097607264626.html?from=storyrhs "Mel's $14m donation."] ''Sydney Morning Herald''. October 13, 2004.</ref> They also supported the restoration of [[Renaissance art]]work<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2003/07/16/wdavid16.xml| title = Mel Gibson and Sting to fund David restoration |publisher = The Daily Telegraph | date =2003-07-16 |accessdate = 2007-09-23 | location=London}}</ref> and giving millions of dollars to NIDA.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://quadrant.org.au/php/article_view.php?article_id=783 |title=Meln An Interview with John Clark |publisher=Quadrant Magazine |date=May 2004 |accessdate= 2007-09-23 }}</ref> Gibson donated $500,000 to the [[Mirador Basin|El Mirador Basin]] Project to protect the last tract of virgin rain forest in Central America and to fund archeological excavations in the "cradle of Mayan civilization."<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/10/movies/18807086&sec=movies|title=Enter the eco warrior |publisher = [[The Star (Malaysia)]] | date=2007-09-10 |accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref> In July 2007, Gibson again visited Central America to make arrangements for donations to the indigenous population. Gibson met with [[Costa Rica]]n President [[Óscar Arias]] to discuss how to "channel the funds."<ref>[http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=3361230&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312 "Mel Gibson Meets With Costa Rican Leader."] ''ABC News''. July 10, 2007.</ref> During the same month, Gibson pledged to give financial assistance to a Malaysian company named Green Rubber Global for a tire recycling factory located in [[Gallup, New Mexico]].<ref>[http://www.ecorazzi.com/?p=3296 "Mel Gibson Backs Green Rubber."] EcoRazzi.com. July 12, 2007.</ref> While on a business trip to Singapore in September 2007, Gibson donated to a local charity for children with chronic and terminal illnesses.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mel Gibson makes S$25,000 donation to charity organisation | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/299690/1/.html |publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] |date=2007-09-14 |accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref> == Filmography == {{main|Mel Gibson filmography}} Gibson's acting career began in 1976, with a role on the Australian television series ''[[The Sullivans]]'' and has continued for 34 years. In his career, Gibson has appeared in 43 films, including the ''Mad Max'' and ''Lethal Weapon'' film series. In addition to acting, Gibson has also: directed 4 films, including ''Braveheart'' and ''The Passion of the Christ''; produced 11 films; and written 2 films. Films either starring or directed by Mel Gibson have earned over [[USD|$]]2.5 billion, in the United States alone.<ref name="BOMA">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Actor&id=melgibson.htm|title=Mel Gibson Movie Box Office Results&nbsp;– Actor|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref><ref name="BOMD">{{cite web|url=http://boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?view=Director&id=melgibson.htm|title=Mel Gibson Movie Box Office Results&nbsp;– Director|work=[[Box Office Mojo]]|accessdate=21 July 2010}}</ref> Gibson's filmography includes [[television series]], [[feature film]]s, [[television film]]s, and [[animated film]]s. == Awards and accomplishments == * [[People's Choice Awards]]: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1991,<ref name="PC91">{{cite web|url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=1991|title=People's Choice Awards Nominees & Winners: 1991|work=PeoplesChoice.com|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> 1997,<ref name="PC97">{{cite web|url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=1997|title=People's Choice Awards Nominees & Winners: 1997|work=PeoplesChoice.com|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> 2001,<ref name="PC01">{{cite web|url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2001|title=People's Choice Awards Nominees & Winners: 2001|work=PeoplesChoice.com|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> 2003,<ref name="PC03">{{cite web|url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2003|title=People's Choice Awards Nominees & Winners: 2003|work=PeoplesChoice.com|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> 2004)<ref name="PC04">{{cite web|url=http://www.peopleschoice.com/pca/awards/nominees/index.jsp?year=2004|title=People's Choice Awards Nominees & Winners: 2004|work=PeoplesChoice.com|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Star in a Comedy (2001)<ref name="PC01" /> * ShoWest Award: Male Star of the Year (1993)<ref name="SW93">{{cite news|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=y6AaAAAAIBAJ&sjid=kiwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6150,3605399&dq=showest+1993+male+star+of+the+year&hl=en|title=Star-gazing|date=March 13, 1993|work=[[The Milwaukee Journal]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * ShoWest Award: Director of the Year (1996)<ref name="DeArmond">{{cite news|url=http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/1996/mar/08/travolta-bullock-honored/|title=Travolta, Bullock honored|last=DeArmond|first=Michelle|date=March 8, 1996|work=[[Las Vegas Sun]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: American Cinematheque Award (1995)<ref name="BWW">{{cite web|url=http://movies.broadwayworld.com/article/Matt_Damon_20010101|title=Jennifer Garner and Sarah Silverman Added to All-Star Lineup Honoring Matt Damon|last=BWW News Desk|date=March 25, 2010|work=Broadway World|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * [[Hasty Pudding Theatricals]]: Man of the Year (1997)<ref name="Rush">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/gossip/1997/02/25/1997-02-25_contract_talks_put_sly_on_th.html|title=CONTRACT TALKS PUT SLY ON THE CUTTING EDGE|last=Rush|first=George|coauthors=Molloy, Joanna; Jones, Baird|date=February 25, 1997|work=[[New York Daily News]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * [[Australian Film Institute]]: Global Achievement Award (2002)<ref name="Sams">{{cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/12/07/1038950236382.html|title=Gulpilil leads lesser lights to glory|last=Sams|first=Christine|date=December 9, 2002|work=[[The Sun-Herald]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * Honorary Doctorate Recipient and Undergraduate Commencement Speaker, [[Loyola Marymount University]] (2003)<ref name="LMU">{{cite web|url=http://www.lmu.edu/sites/News___Media/Media/News_Releases/News_Releases_2003/MAY_1003_GIBSON_SPEAKS_AT_LMU_S_UNDERGRADUATE_COMMENCEMENT_PR.htm|title=MAY 1003 GIBSON SPEAKS AT LMU'S UNDERGRADUATE COMMENCEMENT PR|work=lmu.com|publisher=[[Loyola Marymount University]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * World's most powerful celebrity by US business magazine ''[[Forbes]]'' (2004)<ref name="CNNMoney">{{cite web|url=http://money.cnn.com/2004/06/17/news/newsmakers/forbes_stars/?cnn=yes|title=Jesus helps Mel hit No. 1|date=June 18, 2004|work=[[CNNMoney.com]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * [[Hollywood Reporter]] Innovator of the Year (2004)<ref name="Galloway">{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000719418|title=Innovator of the Year: Mel Gibson|last=Galloway|first=Stephen|date=Nov 15, 2004|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * Honorary fellowship in Performing Arts by [[Limkokwing University of Creative Technology|Limkokwing University]] (2007)<ref name="MalStar">{{cite news|url=http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2007/9/23/education/18937265&sec=education|title=Awestruck by ‘Lethal Weapon’|date=September 23, 2007|work=[[Malaysia Star]]|accessdate=18 July 2010}}</ref> * Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the [[Irish Film and Television Awards]] (2008)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/arts/2008/0208/gibsonm.html |title=Mel Gibson to be honoured at IFTA ceremony |publisher=Rte.ie |date= |accessdate=2008-10-22}}</ref> == References == {{Reflist|2}} == Bibliography == * {{cite book | title=The Films of Mel Gibson | last=McCarty | first=John |location=New York | publisher=Citadel | year=2001 | month=September | isbn=0806522267}} * {{cite book | title=Mel Gibson: Man on a Mission | last=Clarkson | first=Wensley | location=London | publisher=John Blake | year=2004 | month=September | isbn=1-85782-537-3}} == External links == {{wikiquote}} {{commons|Mel Gibson}} * {{imdb|0000154}} * {{dmoz|Arts/People/G/Gibson,_Mel/}} * [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1174684,00.html/ "Exclusive: Mel Gibson's Apocalyto Now"] (sic), by Tim Padgett/Veracruz, ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine {{Mel Gibson Films}} {{AcademyAwardBestDirector 1981-2000}} {{Golden Globe Award for Best Director 1991-2015}} {{Persondata |NAME=Gibson, Mel |ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Mel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson |SHORT DESCRIPTION=American film actor, director, producer |DATE OF BIRTH=January 3, 1956 |PLACE OF BIRTH={{city-state|Peekskill|New York}}, United States |DATE OF DEATH= |PLACE OF DEATH= }} {{DEFAULTSORT:Gibson, Mel}} [[Category:1956 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:20th-century actors]] [[Category:21st-century actors]] [[Category:21st-century writers]] [[Category:Actors from New York]] [[Category:American film actors]] [[Category:American film directors]] [[Category:American people of Australian descent]] [[Category:American people of Irish descent]] [[Category:American philanthropists]] [[Category:American Roman Catholics]] [[Category:American screenwriters]] [[Category:American stage actors]] [[Category:American television actors]] [[Category:American television producers]] 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