Mel GibsonMel GibsonMel Gibson (born January 3, 1956) is an American-born Australian-reared actor, director and producer best known for either acting in Mad Max movie series, the Lethal Weapon series, Braveheart and directing The Passion of the Christ. OverviewHe was born Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson in Peekskill, New York, the sixth child of eleven born to Hutton Gibson and Ann. Mel was born with a rare physical anomaly called "Horseshoe kidney." His two kidneys are fused at the base into a U shape. This fusion anomaly occurs in about one of every 400 people. Although he maintained his United States citizenship, he was raised in Australia from the age of twelve. Following a victory on the TV game show Jeopardy!, Gibson's father, Hutton, moved his family to Australia in 1968 in protest of the Vietnam War and because he believed that changes in American society were immoral. Some people have attacked Hutton Gibson for religious views that he says are based on traditional Catholicism, and on his political opinions. A Roman Catholic, Mel Gibson has donated money to finance the construction of a traditional Catholic chapel in Malibu, California, called Holy Family. He has been married to Robyn for twenty-four years, with whom he has six sons and one daughter. Gibson and the MoviesAfter graduating from NIDA in 1977, Gibson's acting career began in Australia with appearances in the television series The Sullivans. He made his Australian movie debut as the leather-clad post-apocalyptic survivor in George Miller's Mad Max, which later became a cult hit and launched two of its own sequels. His international profile increased through Peter Weir's anti-war First World War film Gallipoli. In 1984, he made his U.S. movie debut, starring as Fletcher Christian in The Bounty. Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins played opposite Gibson as Captain Bligh. Lethal Weapon and HamletGibson moved to more mainstream filmmaking with the popular Lethal Weapon series, where he starred as a maverick and violent cop, Martin Riggs, in a buddy relationship with his older and more conservative partner played by Danny Glover. Gibson surprisingly moved to the classical genre, playing the melancholy Danish prince in Franco Zeffirelli's movie of Shakespeare's Hamlet (1990). Gibson has been equally successful as a comedy actor, in movies such as Maverick (1994) and What Women Want (2000). Academy AwardsIn 1996, Gibson received two Academy Awards (Best Director and Best Picture) for Braveheart (1995), based on the life of Sir William Wallace, a thirteenth century Scottish warlord who fought the English. The Passion of the ChristMel Gibson recently completed The Passion of the Christ, a movie in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, which recounts what Gibson describes as the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ. The movie has received praise from many Christians and a number of politically conservative Jews (e.g., Michael Medved, David Horowitz, Steven Waldman). The movie has been criticised by some liberal Christian and Jewish scholars, some of whom have claimed it may promote anti-Semitism, as it relies on passion-play images that have traditionally incited anti-Semitic incidents. The movie has been criticised by many Christian scholars for taking liberties with the New Testament storylines; a significant number of scenes and details in the movie are original ideas from an 19th century Catholic nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, in her book "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ." Gibson was asked if his movie would be offensive to Jews today; his response was "It's not meant to. I think it's meant to just tell the truth. I want to be as truthful as possible. But when you look at the reasons Christ came, he was crucified—he died for all mankind and he suffered for all mankind. So that, really, anyone who transgresses has to look at their own part or look at their own culpability." He also stated in an interview in The New Yorker, that he trimmed a scene from The Passion of the Christ involving the Jewish high priest Caiaphas because if he did not, "they'd be coming after me at my house, they'd come to kill me." For a further discussion, see a separate article on The Passion of Christ. When the Carmelite nuns at the convent in Coimbra, Portugal got word out that they wanted to see a copy of the film before it was released on DVD, Gibson personally arranged for a special digital screening off of one inch tape and shipped in a projector and screens to view it and introduced the film in person. Later, he stopped by again to have a private meeting with the convent's most famous nun, Sister Lucia who is 98 and who is one of the three children who saw the vision of the Virgin Mary and were said to have been given secrets by her, known as the Fatima Secrets. Gibson's politics and opinionsGibson's political viewpoints, while lauded by middle America, have been described by some liberal groups variously as "conservative" and "far right." Some gay rights groups have accused him of homophobia for his alleged conservative Catholic views of homosexuality, and for allegedly depicting homosexuals as villains (The Man without a Face, Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ). However, Mel himself has never openly expressed homophobic views, any assessment of his views are pure speculation. It must be mentioned that the actor joked that he was a homosexual to repel an infatuated woman, played by Marisa Tomei in the 2001 hit, What Women Want - hardly the behaviour of a man with anti-gay views. His so-called conservative political views and support of "Traditional Catholic" beliefs have led to charges of anti-Semitism by Jewish leaders, charges that increased following his making of the Gospel-based movie The Passion of the Christ. One scene in the movie, that some Jews did not like, after seeing a stolen version before its release, was the one where the Jewish crowd expressed support for the crucifixion of Christ by shouting His blood be on us and on our children! (Matthew 27:25), a verse that has been historically used to justify hatred towards Jews. Jewish leaders also did not like the various scenes which they believe portray Jews as bloodthirsty people. In response to criticism, Gibson removed the subtitle for this line, but left the line itself in the movie. Not everyone agrees that the movie is anti-Semitic. Reviewer Michael Medved, who is Jewish, commented after viewing a rough cut that "the film seemed to me so obviously free of anti-Semitic intent." Even some liberals have come out in support for Gibson, claiming that traditional Catholicism is not in itself anti-Semitic, and Gibson has no record of intolerance towards Jews or other ethnic groups. Many Evangelical Christian pastors who have seen the film have applauded Gibson's film as being faithful to the text. For more information, see The Passion of the Christ. Quotes
Selected Filmography
Awards & Accomplishments
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For more information, see The Passion of the
Christ. In response to criticism, Gibson removed the subtitle for this line, but left the line itself in the movie. In a long and varied career, which began with an advert for Mackeson stout and a bit part in Dad's Army, his most famous roles were as Sir Humphrey Appleby in the TV series Yes, Minister (and its sequel Yes, Prime Minister), and as George III in the film adaptation of Alan Bennett's The Madness of King George, for which he was nominated for an Oscar and awarded the Olivier Award. Jewish leaders also did not like the various scenes which they believe portray Jews as bloodthirsty people. He returned to the UK in the 1950s. One scene in the movie, that some Jews did not like, after seeing a stolen version before its release, was the one where the Jewish crowd expressed support for the crucifixion of Christ by shouting His blood be on us and on our children! (Matthew 27:25), a verse that has been historically used to justify hatred towards Jews. He was born in Coventry, Warwickshire, in England, although he spent some of his formative years in South Africa. His so-called conservative political views and support of "Traditional Catholic" beliefs have led to charges of anti-Semitism by Jewish leaders, charges that increased following his making of the Gospel-based movie The Passion of the Christ. Sir Nigel Hawthorne (April 5, 1929 - December 26, 2001) was a renowned British actor. It must be mentioned that the actor joked that he was a homosexual to repel an infatuated woman, played by Marisa Tomei in the 2001 hit, What Women Want - hardly the behaviour of a man with anti-gay views. Roy Jenkins. However, Mel himself has never openly expressed homophobic views, any assessment of his views are pure speculation. Wilson's Diary (1969) (TV) ... Gibson's political viewpoints, while lauded by middle America, have been described by some liberal groups variously as "conservative" and "far right." Some gay rights groups have accused him of homophobia for his alleged conservative Catholic views of homosexuality, and for allegedly depicting homosexuals as villains (The Man without a Face, Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ). Mrs. When the Carmelite nuns at the convent in Coimbra, Portugal got word out that they wanted to see a copy of the film before it was released on DVD, Gibson personally arranged for a special digital screening off of one inch tape and shipped in a projector and screens to view it and introduced the film in person. Later, he stopped by again to have a private meeting with the convent's most famous nun, Sister Lucia who is 98 and who is one of the three children who saw the vision of the Virgin Mary and were said to have been given secrets by her, known as the Fatima Secrets. Major. For a further discussion, see a separate article on The Passion of Christ. Alma Mater (1971) (TV) ... So that, really, anyone who transgresses has to look at their own part or look at their own culpability." He also stated in an interview in The New Yorker, that he trimmed a scene from The Passion of the Christ involving the Jewish high priest Caiaphas because if he did not, "they'd be coming after me at my house, they'd come to kill me.". Boer Sentry. But when you look at the reasons Christ came, he was crucified—he died for all mankind and he suffered for all mankind. Young Winston (1972) (uncredited) ... I want to be as truthful as possible. Croft. I think it's meant to just tell the truth. S*P*Y*S (1974) ... Gibson was asked if his movie would be offensive to Jews today; his response was "It's not meant to. Floater, The (1975) (TV). The movie has been criticised by many Christian scholars for taking liberties with the New Testament storylines; a significant number of scenes and details in the movie are original ideas from an 19th century Catholic nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, in her book "The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.". Pastor De Ruiter. The movie has been criticised by some liberal Christian and Jewish scholars, some of whom have claimed it may promote anti-Semitism, as it relies on passion-play images that have traditionally incited anti-Semitic incidents. Hiding Place, The (1975) ... The movie has received praise from many Christians and a number of politically conservative Jews (e.g., Michael Medved, David Horowitz, Steven Waldman). Eleanor Marx: Tussy (1977) (TV). Mel Gibson recently completed The Passion of the Christ, a movie in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Latin, which recounts what Gibson describes as the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus Christ. Eleanor Marx: Eleanor (1977) (TV). In 1996, Gibson received two Academy Awards (Best Director and Best Picture) for Braveheart (1995), based on the life of Sir William Wallace, a thirteenth century Scottish warlord who fought the English. Pierre Curie. Gibson has been equally successful as a comedy actor, in movies such as Maverick (1994) and What Women Want (2000). "Marie Curie" (1977) (mini) TV Series ... Gibson surprisingly moved to the classical genre, playing the melancholy Danish prince in Franco Zeffirelli's movie of Shakespeare's Hamlet (1990). Campion. Gibson moved to more mainstream filmmaking with the popular Lethal Weapon series, where he starred as a maverick and violent cop, Martin Riggs, in a buddy relationship with his older and more conservative partner played by Danny Glover. Watership Down (1978) (voice) ... Welsh actor Anthony Hopkins played opposite Gibson as Captain Bligh. Destiny (1978) (TV). movie debut, starring as Fletcher Christian in The Bounty. Oldendorf. In 1984, he made his U.S. "Holocaust" (1978) (mini) TV Series ... His international profile increased through Peter Weir's anti-war First World War film Gallipoli. Dilke. He made his Australian movie debut as the leather-clad post-apocalyptic survivor in George Miller's Mad Max, which later became a cult hit and launched two of its own sequels. Sweeney 2 (1978) ... After graduating from NIDA in 1977, Gibson's acting career began in Australia with appearances in the television series The Sullivans. Catus Decianus. He has been married to Robyn for twenty-four years, with whom he has six sons and one daughter. "Warrior Queen" (1978) TV Series ... A Roman Catholic, Mel Gibson has donated money to finance the construction of a traditional Catholic chapel in Malibu, California, called Holy Family. Fosse. Some people have attacked Hutton Gibson for religious views that he says are based on traditional Catholicism, and on his political opinions. Mr. Following a victory on the TV game show Jeopardy!, Gibson's father, Hutton, moved his family to Australia in 1968 in protest of the Vietnam War and because he believed that changes in American society were immoral. Sailor's Return, The (1978) ... Although he maintained his United States citizenship, he was raised in Australia from the age of twelve. Wilson. Mel was born with a rare physical anomaly called "Horseshoe kidney." His two kidneys are fused at the base into a U shape. This fusion anomaly occurs in about one of every 400 people. "Thomas and Sarah" (1979) TV Series ... He was born Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson in Peekskill, New York, the sixth child of eleven born to Hutton Gibson and Ann. Burgess. Mel Gibson (born January 3, 1956) is an American-born Australian-reared actor, director and producer best known for either acting in Mad Max movie series, the Lethal Weapon series, Braveheart and directing The Passion of the Christ. Mr. Named as the world's most powerful celebrity by US business magazine Forbes (2004). Knowledge, The (1979) (TV) ... People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (2004). Walter Monkton. People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (2003). Simpson (1980) (mini) TV Series ... Australian Film Institute: Global Achievement Award (2002). Edward & Mrs. Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Actor - Drama, THE PATRIOT (2001). Sir Humphrey Appleby. People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (2001). Yes, Minister (1980) TV Series ... People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Star in a Drama (2001). Stephano. Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Actor - Suspense, CONSPIRACY THEORY (1998). The Tempest (1980/I) (TV) ... Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Favorite Actor - Suspense, RANSOM (1997). CJ Stryver. Hasty Pudding Theatricals: Man of the Year (1997). Mr. People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1997). A Tale of Two Cities (1980) (TV) ... Academy Awards: Best Picture, BRAVEHEART (1996). Edmonds. Academy Awards: Best Director, BRAVEHEART (1996). Mr. Golden Globe Awards: Best Director, BRAVEHEART (1996). Jessie (1980) (TV) ... Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: Best Director, BRAVEHEART (1996). Brinsley Jukes. ShoWest Award: Director of the Year (1996). Jukes of Piccadilly (1980) TV Series ... American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: American Cinematheque Award (1995). Porter on the Road to Eldorado (1981) (TV). National Board of Review: Special Achievement in Filmmaking, BRAVEHEART (1995). A Brush with Mr. ShoWest Award: Male Star of the Year (1993). Citizen Official. MTV Movie Awards: Best On-Screen Duo, LETHAL WEAPON 3 (1993) - shared with Danny Glover. History of the World: Part I (1981) ... MTV Movie Awards: Best Action Sequence, LETHAL WEAPON 3 (1993). Victorian Father. People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1991). Memoirs of a Survivor (1981) ... Australian Film Institute: Best Actor in a Lead Role, GALLIPOLI (1981). Magistrate at Esmeralds's trial. Best Actor in a Lead Role, TIM (1979). The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1982) (TV) ... Summer City (1977). King Abdullah. Tim (1979). A Woman Called Golda (1982) (TV) ... Mad Max (1979). Pyotr Baranovich. Gallipoli (1981). Firefox (1982) ... Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981). Robert Boycott. The Year of Living Dangerously (1982). Dr. Attack Force Z (1982). The Plague Dogs (1982) (voice) ... The River (1984). Kinnoch. Soffel (1984). Gandhi (1982) ... Mrs. The World Cup: A Captain's Tale (1982) (TV). The Bounty (1984). Dead On Time (1982). Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985). The Critic (1982) (TV). Lethal Weapon (1987). Man walking by Crimson Insurance building as anchor is raised. Tequila Sunrise (1988). The Meaning of Life (1983) ... Lethal Weapon 2 (1989). Orgon. Hamlet (1990). The Tartuffe or Imposter (1983) (TV) ... Bird on a Wire (1990). Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski. Air America (1990). Pope John Paul II (1984) (TV) ... Lethal Weapon 3 (1992). The House (1984) (TV). Forever Young (1992). Thorn. The Man Without a Face (1993, also directed). Mr. Maverick (1994). The Chain (1984) ... Pocahontas (1995, voice). Archdeacon Grantly. Braveheart (1995, also directed). The Barchester Chronicles (1984) (mini) TV Series ... Ransom (1996). Georgie Pillson. Father's Day (1997, uncredited). Mapp & Lucia (1985) TV Series ... Fairy Tale: A True Story (1997, uncredited). The Black Cauldron (1985) (voice) .... Fflewddur Fflam. Conspiracy Theory (1997). The Publisher. Lethal Weapon 4 (1998). Turtle Diary (1985) ... PayBack (1999). Jenny's War (1985) (TV) .... Colonel. What Women Want (2000). Sir Humphrey Appleby. The Patriot (2000). Yes, Prime Minister (1986) TV Series ... The Million Dollar Hotel (2000). Rarg (1988) (voice). Chicken Run (2000). Jonathan Guerdon (segment "From Sleep and Shadow"). We Were Soldiers (2002). Rev. Signs (2002). Spirit of Man (1989) (TV) ... The Passion of the Christ (2004, produced and directed). Achmet. The New Yorker, September 15, 2003. King of the Wind (1989) ... But, man, if I included that in there, they'd be coming after me at my house, they'd come kill me." - On his removal of a scene showing a Jewish mob proclaiming "His blood be on us and on our children." Who exactly "they" are is unclear. Ted Walker. It happened; it was said. En Håndfull tid (1990) ... My brother said I was wimping out if I didn't include it. Philip Carter. "I wanted it in.. Relatively Speaking (1990) (TV) ... The New Yorker, September 15, 2003. Brian Leary. I mean, he's my father." - On allegations that his father is a Holocaust denier. The Trials of Oz (1991) (TV) ... I don't want them having me dissing my father. Flea Bites (1991) (TV) .... Kryst. He never denied the Holocaust; he just said there were fewer than six million. Brigadier G. "That's bullshit...I don't want to be dissing my father. Freddie as F.R.O.7 (1992) (voice) ... The New Yorker, September 15, 2003. Raymond Cocteau. And they've been working on that one for a while." - On criticism of Anne Catherine Emmerich, a nineteenth-century nun whose writings influenced his portrayal of Jesus' death and also featured heavy anti-Semitic overtones. Dr. And it's revisionism. Demolition Man (1993) ... Because modern secular Judaism wants to blame the Holocaust on the Catholic Church. And it's a lie. The Madness of King George (1994) .... George III. "Why are they calling her a Nazi? .. George, Duke of Clarence. Look at the main fruits: dwindling numbers and pedophilia." - Time, January 27, 2003. Richard III (1995) ... "[Vatican II] corrupted the institution of the church. Colonel Kruger. Inside (1996) (TV) ... Twelfth Night: Or What You Will (1996) .... Malvolio. Edgar Pascoe. Fragile Heart (1996) (TV) ... Ellis. Dr. Murder in Mind (1997/I) ... Martin Van Buren. Amistad (1997) ... David Livingstone. Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone (1997) (TV) ... The Object of My Affection (1998) .... Rodney Fraser. Lord Covington (segment "Lord Cucuface"). Madeline (1998) ... At Sachem Farm (1998) .... Uncle Cullen. Arthur Winslow. The Winslow Boy (1999) ... Kim Mennaker. The Big Brass Ring (1999) ... Porter. Tarzan (1999) (voice) ... Judge Wendon. A Reasonable Man (1999) ... Lord Ogleby. The Clandestine Marriage (1999) ... William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne. Victoria & Albert (2001) (TV) ... Nick. Call Me Claus (2001) (TV) ... |