| Full Name | Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson |
| Age | 67 |
| Birthday | January 3, 1956 |
| Born | United States |
| Height | 5′ 10′′ |
| Net Worth | $425M |
| Social |
An American actor and director known for action roles, particularly Max in Mad Max and Martin Riggs in Lethal Weapon.
Early Life
Born on January 3, 1956 in Peekskill, New York, Gibson was the sixth of eleven children born to parents Hutton and Anne Gibson, who were Irish Catholic immigrants that moved to Australia in 1968 when Gibson was 12 years old. It was there that one of his sisters submitted an application on Gibson‘s behalf to the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, sparking his initial entry into acting.
Rise to Fame in the 80s and 90s
Gibson‘s breakthrough came with 1979‘s Mad Max, an acclaimed dystopian action thriller that catapulted the then little-known Gibson to stardom. This proved to be the start of an incredibly successful period for Gibson, delivering memorable performances throughout the 1980s in films like Gallipoli, The Road Warrior, The Year of Living Dangerously, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and the Lethal Weapon series alongside Danny Glover.
Gibson‘s crowning achievement in the 90s was 1995‘s Braveheart, which he directed, produced and starred in as the 13th century Scottish warrior William Wallace. The film was a massive critical and commercial hit, winning 5 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Gibson.
Transition to Acclaimed Director
Gibson expanded his focus to directing following his success with Braveheart, forming Icon Productions and going on to direct 2004‘s controversial yet commercially successful The Passion of the Christ. This was followed by the ambitious Mayan civilization epic Apocalypto in 2006, which Gibson directed and produced. His 2016 World War II drama Hacksaw Ridge cemented Gibson as a proficient director, earning 6 Oscar nominations including Best Picture and Best Director.
Why We Love Mel Gibson
Dynamic Actor: Few actors can match Gibson‘s raw intensity and on-screen gravitas. Gibson disappears into even the most hardened characters, imbuing them with a vulnerability and humanity that leaps off the screen.
Visionary Storyteller: As a director, Gibson displays a unique ability to transport audiences into fully realized worlds, whether it‘s the battlefields of Scotland, Mayan jungles or WWII Okinawa. He tackles heady and philosophical themes with visual flair.
Generous Spirit: Though Gibson maintains privacy around his extensive charity work, his longtime support of pediatric research hospitals and children‘s wish organizations reveals his big heart.
5 Fascinating Mel Gibson Facts
- Has dual Irish and American citizenship
- Was People‘s 1st "Sexiest Man Alive" in 1985
- Owns a $15 million private island in Fiji
- Named most powerful Christian figure in Hollywood
- Earned $210 million in 2004 for #10 spot on Forbes Celebrity 100
Mel Gibson FAQs
How old is Mel Gibson?
Mel Gibson was born on January 3, 1956. He is currently 67 years old.
What is Mel Gibson‘s net worth?
Mel Gibson‘s net worth is estimated to be $425 million as of 2023. His wealth comes from acting, directing, producing, and investments.
What was Mel Gibson‘s first major movie role?
Mel Gibson‘s first major movie role was playing Max Rockatansky in the 1979 Australian post-apocalyptic action film Mad Max. This breakout role catapulted him to stardom.
How many Oscars did Mel Gibson win for Braveheart?
Mel Gibson won two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for the 1995 film Braveheart, which he directed, produced, and starred in.
What recent nomination did Mel Gibson receive for directing?
Mel Gibson was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for the 2016 war drama Hacksaw Ridge, affirming his directing talent.