Mel Gibson
Actor, director, producer
Born
January 3, 1956
Birthplace
Peekskill, New York, USA
Nationality
American-Australian
Net Worth
$425 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Mad Max series; Lethal Weapon franchise; Braveheart; The Passion of the Christ; Hacksaw Ridge
Mel Gibson Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1956 |
| Age | 70 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Peekskill, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American-Australian |
| Profession | Actor, director |
| Years Active | 1976-present |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to Robyn Moore (1980-2011); engaged to Rosalind Ross |
| Children | 9 |
| Net Worth | ~$425 million |
| Known For | Action franchises, epic historical dramas, high-profile controversies |
Early Life & Background
Gibson moved from New York to Sydney at age 12. He studied at Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art alongside Geoffrey Rush, landing stage roles before starring in George Miller's Mad Max (1979) and Peter Weir's Gallipoli (1981), which made him an international star.
Career Journey
Action Stardom
Gibson's charismatic toughness anchored the Mad Max trilogy and Richard Donner's Lethal Weapon franchise (1987-1998) as Martin Riggs. He balanced action with comedies like What Women Want and dramas such as The Man Without a Face (1993), his directorial debut.
Directing Triumphs
He directed and starred in Braveheart (1995), winning Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director. The Passion of the Christ (2004) was a box-office phenomenon despite controversy. Gibson returned to directing with Apocalypto (2006) and the acclaimed WWII drama Hacksaw Ridge (2016), which earned six Oscar nominations.
Controversies & Comeback
Gibson's career stalled after multiple incidents, including a 2006 DUI arrest featuring anti-Semitic remarks and a 2010 domestic dispute. He later apologized and gradually returned with films like The Beaver, Get the Gringo, Blood Father, and Daddy's Home 2. Hollywood re-embraced him after Hacksaw Ridge's success.
Recent Projects
Gibson has acted in streaming thrillers (Boss Level), indie dramas (Force of Nature), and the Peacock series The Continental (2023). In 2026 he is directing Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg, and co-writing The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Mad Max | Max Rockatansky | Breakthrough role |
| 1987 | Lethal Weapon | Martin Riggs | Franchise launch |
| 1995 | Braveheart | William Wallace | Best Picture winner |
| 2000 | The Patriot | Benjamin Martin | Historical epic |
| 2004 | The Passion of the Christ | Director | Global hit |
| 2016 | Hacksaw Ridge | Director | Oscar-nominated comeback |
| 2020 | Force of Nature | Ray | Action thriller |
| 2026 | Flight Risk | Director | In production |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Academy Awards | Best Picture | Braveheart | Won |
| 1996 | Academy Awards | Best Director | Braveheart | Won |
| 2017 | Academy Awards | Best Director | Hacksaw Ridge | Nominated |
| 1996 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Director | Braveheart | Won |
| 2017 | BAFTA Awards | Best Director | Hacksaw Ridge | Nominated |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$425 million (2026)
Gibson amassed wealth from Mad Max and Lethal Weapon, paydays for Braveheart and The Patriot, and profit participation on The Passion of the Christ, which grossed over $600 million. He owns properties in Malibu, Costa Rica, and Sydney, plus a stake in production company Icon Films.
Personal Life
Gibson has nine children from multiple relationships. He is engaged to writer/director Rosalind Ross, with whom he shares a young son. He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Ireland and spends time on his Costa Rican ranch when not filming.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Gibson has donated millions to children's hospitals, the El Mirador Basin conservation project, Mending Kids International, and First Peoples' cultural centers. He also supports wildfire relief in California and funds Catholic charities.
Social Media Presence
Gibson keeps a low digital profile; updates about his projects appear via production partners, talent agencies, and entertainment press.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Gibson once considered becoming a journalist before discovering acting.
- He speaks Gaelic and helped fund restoration of Ireland's Holy Family Church.
- He reportedly turned down Gladiator and Batman Forever due to scheduling conflicts.
- Gibson is an avid cook who makes his own Costa Rican coffee blends.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Gibson is filming Flight Risk with Lionsgate, finalizing the script for The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection, and negotiating a streaming deal for a Lethal Weapon legacy series he would direct. He is also guest lecturing at the Australian Film Television and Radio School on action choreography.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Mel Gibson?
Mel Gibson is an American-Australian actor and director known for Mad Max, Lethal Weapon, Braveheart, and The Passion of the Christ.
What is Mel Gibson most famous for?
He is most famous for playing iconic action heroes and for directing Oscar-winning epics like Braveheart and Hacksaw Ridge.
Is Mel Gibson active on social media?
No. Gibson avoids personal social media; official announcements come through studios and press releases.