The Tumultuous Life Of Mel Gibson

Plenty of celebrities have long made a name for themselves in Hollywood, but none have quite earned a reputation like Mel Gibson. While his career speaks for itself, it appears there’s one thing always standing in his way: himself. That’s right; the actor knows how to get people talking for all the wrong reasons.

The tumultuous life of Mel Gibson goes to show just how much the star has been his own biggest obstacle over the years despite his string of successful movies. The question is, will he ever be able to recover from his own downfall?

Mel Gibson was arrested in 2006 for driving while under the influence

It’s not uncommon for celebrities to find themselves on the wrong side of the law now and then, but everything changed for Mel Gibson when he was arrested in the early hours of the morning on July 28, 2006. Initially, the actor was pulled over along the Pacific Coast Highway for driving while under the influence.

TMZ reported Mel was traveling 87 mph in a 45 zone, but that wasn’t all. As well as being over the legal limit, it was Mel’s anti-Semitic comments that made him front-page news. Apparently, the actor initially tried to run before asking the officer, “Are you a Jew?” and claiming they were “responsible for all the wars in the world.”

The encounter with the police has haunted the actor ever since

Of course, driving while over the legal limit in California and speeding alone were enough to see Mel Gibson booked and taken down the station. However, his offensive comments were about to act as a constant reminder for the actor. Why? Everything was recorded once they got to the police station - and released to the public.

Although Mel has since apologized for it all, he has also stated he was also a victim. Mel spoke to ‘Playback’ - Variety’s podcast - in 2016, where he remarked he was “loaded and angry and arrested.” He claimed he was “recorded illegally by an unscrupulous police officer” who was never disciplined and instead tried to “profit” off the encounter.

Mel Gibson ultimately asked for help from Jewish leaders to help him heal

The only way Mel Gibson stood a chance of making it out the other side of his offensive comments and DUI charge was if he pulled something big out of the bag. The result? A half-hearted apology tour where the actor reached out to Jewish leaders for their help in his healing process. Of course, not everyone was amused.

To make matters worse, the arresting officer claimed they were forced to take the offensive language out of the report by higher-ups and to put it in a sealed report that wouldn’t be released. Apparently, his refusal saw him refused for promotions and eventually fired. The officer later sued the department for an undisclosed amount and was reportedly rehired.

It wasn’t the first time Mel Gibson was arrested for driving while under the influence

It turns out drinking might have been more of a part of Mel Gibson’s life than many people ever realized. According to a documentary he shot for the National Institute of Dramatic Art, the actor began drinking when he was just 13 years old, adding he had “really good highs but some very low lows” throughout that time.

In 1984, Mel’s drinking saw him rear-end a car while in Toronto, and he was banned from driving for three months. Eventually, Mel fled to Australia for more than a year to recover, but he continued to drink. Even though he had an excellent reputation for his work ethic in Hollywood, Mel confessed he was drinking five beverages for breakfast.

His drinking was so bad that he once considered taking his own life

It appeared that no matter what he did, Mel Gibson’s drinking was a demon he was always going to battle. Eventually, things got so bad that the actor allegedly thought about taking his own life in his mid-30s. That was until Mel relied on meditation and his Christianity to find a way to push forward.

In 1991, Mel stepped back from acting to focus on his recovery, eventually starting AA meetings. Sadly, the actor failed to block the Sunday Mirror from reporting what was said inside these meetings. However, the actor began funding Hollywood’s Recovery Center the following year, claiming his drinking issues “[run] in my family,” but “People do come back from it.”

The arrest isn’t the only time Mel Gibson has made anti-Semitic comments

While he might have tried to brush it off, Mel Gibson’s 2006 anti-Semitic comments were far from the last time the actor caused offense. Winona Ryder later told GQ in 2010 that she was at a party with Mel when he had been drinking, where he asked if she was an “oven dodger,” referring to the horrific acts of WWII.

Things got worse once more in 2015 when Fox News reported that Mel had been questioning how many Jewish people lost their lives in the war. Apparently, the actor was talking to Reader’s Digest, where he said the number of total victims continually went down over the years, stating it was “that kind of numbers game.”

The actor publicly feuded with Joe Eszterhas over his offensive comments and thoughts

Screenwriter Joe Eszterhas has brought some incredible movies and franchises to life, including the neo-noir thriller 'Basic Instinct' series and the romantic drama 'Flashdance.' Apparently, there was once a time when Joe was meant to team up with Mel Gibson on a film, but the screenwriter claims the actor sabotaged the project before it even got started.

It's said the pair were working on a movie called 'The Maccabees' that was meant to follow the Jewish revolt against the Ancient Romans. However, Joe wrote a letter to Mel stating he had "the ugliest possible" reason for not making the movie: "You hate Jews." Although Joe claimed the actor constantly used offensive language, Mel denies all the accusations.

People thought The Passion of the Christ would be offensive before it was released

Of course, the epic biblical drama ‘The Passion of the Christ’ might be Mel Gibson’s most famous work to date. The star co-wrote, produced, and directed the 2004 movie, but people were far from impressed with the final result. The world knew it would always raise some hackles merely through the subject of the film alone.

However, the Anti-Defamation League stated the copy of the script they received before it was released was “One of the most troublesome texts” in regards to “anti-Semitic potential” that anyone there had “seen in 25 years.” They added the filmmakers needed to “do justice” and not “disparage and attack Jews and Judaism” with their portrayal of the religion.

Reviewers were less than impressed with Mel Gibson's portrayal of Jewish people in the movie

Even with so much backlash before 'The Passion of the Christ' was even released, Mel Gibson stood behind his creation and continued to go on press tours and premieres around the world. The problem? Many critics who were already worried about the final result felt as though their fears were confirmed when it finally hit the big screen.

Reviewers were quick to point out how Mel relied on harmful stereotypes in the movie to portray Jewish people. One scene in particular spoke about the archaic accusation of blood libel, the idea that Jewish people would use the blood of Christian boys in religious rituals. Although the subtitles were removed during this scene, the dialogue remained.

The DUI arrest also marked the end of Mel Gibson’s marriage

Mel Gibson’s career was just getting off the ground when he met and fell for Robyn Moore Gibson. He was still an up-and-coming star when he met the dental nurse, with the couple making it down the aisle in 1980. Throughout the years, the pair welcomed seven children: Hannah, Edward, Christian, William, Louis, Milo, and Thomas.

Somehow, Mel and Robyn even kept their relationship relatively private throughout the years, but everything changed in 2006. Not only was the actor accused of being highly offensive and arrested for driving under the influence, but the day after the charges were filed, Robyn left her husband for good. Mel’s life was truly about to start crumbling down.

It took years for the couple to finalize the divorce due to a lack of prenup

Even though the pair separated in July 2006, Robyn Gibson didn’t actually file for a divorce from Mel Gibson until almost three years later, in April 2009. Here, “irreconcilable differences” were listed as the reason why, with the pair releasing a joint statement that they wanted to “maintain the privacy and integrity of our family.”

The problem? Things weren’t finalized until 2001. It’s believed the pair never signed a prenup when they walked down the aisle, meaning Robyn was technically entitled to a host of Mel’s earnings and property. In the end, it’s believed Robyn was awarded $425 million - half of Mel’s earnings since their wedding and around half of his net worth.

Some women claim to have been having affairs with the actor during his marriage

Just because someone wants to keep their life private doesn’t mean that’s always going to be the case. Being one of the biggest actors of the time meant Mel Gibson was always in the headlines, with people making all kinds of accusations about him. Apparently, that had been happening for years throughout his marriage to Robyn Gibson.

Some women claimed to have been having affairs with Mel throughout his marriage, with The Things reporting stand-up comedian Diana Alouise was involved in a “four-month affair with the actor back in 2004.” Apparently, actress Suzanne Somers’ stepdaughter, Leslie Hamel, also had “a secret relationship” with Mel during his marriage, but the actor has never confirmed the rumors.

Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva appeared to have everything they could need

Getting accused of being anti-Semitic is one thing, but what about accusations that you have abused your partner? That was enough to see Mel Gibson’s career truly hit rock bottom - and it was a place he had to get used to for years. Mel and Robyn Gibson had been separated for three years when they filed for a divorce.

However, it was around this latest revelation in their split that Mel started dating Russian songwriter Oksana Grigorieva. The couple didn’t wait around in their relationship, welcoming a daughter in October 2009. To the rest of the world, they seemed to have everything they could need. Unfortunately, that was far from the case behind closed doors.

The songwriter later filed a restraining order, claiming Mel Gibson had been violent

Almost as soon as they had gone public with their relationship, Oksana Grigorieva was in court filing for a restraining order against Mel Gibson. Here, serious accusations were made that had people wondering if the Hollywood star was really the person many believed he was. According to Oksana, she was punched repeatedly by the actor.

The songwriter also claimed that Mel broke her tooth and gave her a concussion during the altercation. To make matters worse, Oksana secretly recorded many of their phone calls during their split, where Mel was supposedly heard making derogatory comments, using threatening language, and using offensive slurs toward his former girlfriend and the mother of his child.

The actor initially tried to pay Oksana Grigorieva to keep quiet about their fallout

What happens when you don’t want the rest of the world to learn about what’s been going on behind closed doors? If you’re anything like Mel Gibson - and you have several million dollars to spare - you allegedly offer Oksana Grigorieva $15 million to keep the tape recordings of your phone calls private. Sadly, the songwriter refused.

Some people assumed that meant Mel was guilty, but the actor claimed that he merely slapped Oksana to “bring her back to reality.” The actor claimed she was having a meltdown and could have harmed their daughter. The pair entered a bitter custody battle, with Mel eventually paying Oksana $750,000, stating she couldn’t speak or write about their relationship.

The leaked tapes between the two revealed some horrific language and accusations

Just because Oksana Grigorieva agreed not to talk or write about her relationship with Mel Gibson didn’t mean it would stay that way. In fact, it wasn’t long before communications between the pair were leaked to the media, with many thinking it was just another notch in the belt against Mel and proved even more of his bad behavior.

The actor already had anti-Semitic comments and abuse against him. Now, he was being accused of being offensive toward people’s race and gender. In emails, texts, and phone calls, Mel could be seen and heard talking about Oksana’s breast augmentation and appearance, telling his ex-girlfriend that she looked like a lady of the night working in Las Vegas.

The audio recordings also revealed another offensive side to Mel Gibson

Some of the worst comments appeared to be from recorded phone calls that were alleged to be between Oksana Grigorieva and Mel Gibson. On one tape, Mel can supposedly be heard talking about the way his ex-girlfriend dressed, stating it would be “your fault” if she were assaulted by a “pack” of people of color, adding Oksana “provoked it.”

This was far from the first time Mel had spoken down to a woman, with his 2006 arrest stating the actor used offensive terms when talking to a female sergeant. Then, there was an interview with Playboy in 1995. Here, the actor was asked about feminists, with Mel claiming he didn’t like them because “I don’t get their point.”

Mel Gibson broke his silence over it all in April 2011

It wasn’t until the case was through that Mel Gibson spoke up about what was going on with the accusations. However, the actor claimed when talking to Deadline Hollywood in April 2011 that everything was completely untrue. He said he had “never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way” due to their religion, race, gender, or preferences.

Mel continued to add that he “[didn’t] blame some people” for thinking he was a bad person after hearing the tapes as they had “been edited.” The actor called his time with Oksana Grigorieva an “unhealthy relationship,” adding that everything was taken out of context as the pair were in an “irrationally, heated discussion at the height of a breakdown.”

He admitted to taking a plea deal, but Oksana Grigorieva wasn’t happy

Eventually, Mel Gibson entered a no contest plea to the assault charges, meaning someone doesn’t admit guilt, but they aren’t disputing the charges. During his interview with Deadline Hollywood, Mel claimed it’s “not something that prosecutors normally allow” but that everyone “agreed that it was the right thing to do.” Apparently, Mel believed he would have won the case.

However, the actor claimed he wanted to put things to one side because of his family. Ultimately, Oksana Grigorieva was awarded her $750,000, a house in California, and joint custody of their daughter until her 18th birthday. Sadly, Oksana sued her attorneys in 2013, stating they told her to sign a bad agreement during the separation.

The actor has been known to make comments against the LGBTQ community

As the news of Mel Gibson's tumultuous life hit the headlines throughout the 2000s and 2010s, it wasn't long before people started digging into old interviews with the actor. Sadly for Mel, it appeared that offending people had long been a part of his personality, with one 1991 interview now seeing him take on members of the LGBTQ community.

The moment came when the actor was speaking to Spanish newspaper El Pais, where Mel started making comments about LGBTQ members being intimate with one another. He also asked who was going to "think" that he was a member, adding he doesn't "lend [himself] to that type of confusion" with his wardrobe and the way he talks and moves.

Winona Ryder claims to have first-hand experience of his anti-LGBTQ comments

Apparently, others also had plenty to say about Mel Gibson. Winona Ryder has been open about the alleged interactions she’s had with the actor, telling GQ in 2010 that after the supposed anti-Semitic comments were made at the party, Mel apparently started making disrespectful comments toward her friend. Winona states her friend is a part of the LGBTQ community.

The actress continued they were at “a crowded party” where she was hanging out with “one of my good friends” when Mel had something to say. She says her friend was using an adult product when Mel asked if he could have some. The issue? Before taking some, Mel supposedly asked if he was going to “get” acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Mel Gibson has always denied the accusations made against him

While Winona Ryder claims that everything she has said about Mel Gibson is true, the actor is adamant that everything is entirely made up and that Winona is lying about everything. In 2020, one of his representatives used Entertainment Tonight to release a statement, stating Mel “did reach out” to Winona “many years ago” to “confront her about her lies.”

According to the rep, Winona “refused to address it with him.” However, the comments weren’t the only issue, as Mel has also been accused of using a “typical” anti-LGBTW “caricature” for one of his characters in the 1995 historical drama ‘Braveheart.” The accusation came from the non-profit organization GLAAD, with Mel later meeting to discuss the issues.

The actor eventually blamed his drinking as the reason behind the comments

For years, Mel Gibson was in the camp that he didn’t say anything wrong in the first place, and there was nothing to apologize for. Still, there have been plenty of receipts people have dug up when it comes to his offensive comments, such as his 1995 interview with Playboy. Here, Mel stated that GLAAD suggested he apologize.

The issue? The actor replied that he would say sorry to the LGBTQ community for any offense caused “when hell freezes over.” In 1999, Mel was called out for his comments, and this time, he had an excuse. According to the actor, his drinking was the thing to blame for everything he had ever said.

He went from one of the most popular actors to barely appearing on the big screen

For years, Mel Gibson was the one to watch in Hollywood. Like so many of his co-stars, the actor became a household name throughout the 1980s and ‘90s, but that all changed when the 2006 legal charges hit and the videos emerged. From that year, Mel only appeared in six movies for the next decade.

Even so, people were calling for Mel to make a comeback. Allison Weiner is a journalist who wrote an essay for Deadline in 2014. Here, she asked that Hollywood learn how to forgive Mel, using ‘The Passion of the Christ’ as her example. Allison stated it was about an “innocent man,” claiming “that it’s time to forgive Mel Gibson,” too.

Mel Gibson questions if he ever did anything wrong in the first place

Allison Weiner isn't the only one to defend Mel Gibson in recent years. Shane Black was the writer behind the buddy cop comedy 'Lethal Weapon' - which just so happened to star Mel - and told Business Insider in 2016 the actor was a "god guy" who had still "essentially been blacklisted in the industry." That wasn't all.

Shane continued to add that Mel shouldn't be held "accountable" for something he said while under the influence of drink. The actor was quick to thank the writer, but he had a different take on it all. Apparently, he didn't understand why he had been banished from Hollywood at all, saying, “can you please forgive me for what?”

The actor has been making a Hollywood comeback in recent years

Just because it seemed as though Mel Gibson had been banished from working in pretty much Hollywood production for years, things really started to change ten years after the incident that really saw the actor’s life take a downturn. In 2016, Mel stepped back behind the camera lens for the biographical war movie ‘Hacksaw Ridge.’

It was such a hit that the film ended up with six nominations at the Oscars, ultimately winning for best sound mixing and best film editing. It appeared the movie was all Hollywood needed to let Mel back into the inner circle. In fact, by 2022, Mel appeared in seven movies, showing the world his career was far from over.

Some have questioned if Mel Gibson has really changed

They say that a leopard can’t change its spots, so can Mel Gibson really change when it comes to the offensive comments and actions he’s made and done throughout the years? While some people think he can, others aren’t ready to see Mel back in the spotlight. There was a lot of talk about Winona Ryder’s comments.

However, sources speaking to Variety claim some people in the industry didn’t think about Winona’s perspective on it all - they merely wondered if Mel could ever change. Apparently, a high-powered publicist told the publication they received a call from a producer asking about whether or not to work with Mel and how they could avoid any controversy.

His role in Chicken Run 2 being recast allegedly had nothing to do with the accusations

One of the more unexpected movie roles that came Mel Gibson’s way was his time as Rocky in the animated movie ‘Chicken Run.’ The film first hit the big screen in 2000, and a sequel is finally on the way in October 2023. However, Mel won’t be returning to the franchise - yet his character will.

Some speculated whether or not Mel’s former behavior and comments were to blame for the recasting, but a source told Variety it had nothing to do with the decision. Aardman Animation - the studios behind the new movie - is yet to comment, but sources state that Mel was told long before he wouldn’t be returning as they wanted younger voice actors.

Others claim it would take something major to bring down Mel Gibson’s career

If making the comments that he has supposedly done throughout the years hasn’t been enough to hold Mel Gibson back, what will? According to some insiders, nothing. Howard Bragman has been in the game for a long time, founding La Brea Media and working as a Hollywood crisis manager, so he knows a thing or two about these situations.

Howard told Variety he doesn’t “think it’s going to affect his career” unless “something new and devastating comes out.” According to him, Winona Ryder’s comments were about a past encounter, not something new. Plus, Howard added he would “never write off somebody who’s a star” as they’re “always” capable of “reaching greatness” again, given the chance.

The actor has been busy rebuilding relationships in Hollywood 

It’s not just experts and those working behind the scenes who think that it’s time Mel Gibson rise back to the top of his fame once again. There are also plenty of stars who stand by the actor, including Robert Downey Jr., Whoopi Goldberg, and Jodie Foster. That moment came in 2011 when Mel won the American Cinematheque award.

Apparently, Mel has also been working on rebuilding other relationships in the industry with people working behind the scenes. It’s said the actor has been rebuilding relationships with his former agent, Ari Emanuel, and Amy Pascal, the former boss of Sony. Working on ‘Hacksaw Ridge’ even saw producer David Permut defend Mel’s corner against the media.

Seth Rogen has continually spoken out against Mel Gibson and his comments

Just because some people think that Mel Gibson has paid the price for his comments and should be welcomed back into the entertainment industry doesn’t mean that everyone feels the same way. Of course, he also has his detractors, such as Seth Rogan. In fact, the actor and comedian has been pretty outspoken about Mel.

When Winona Ryder first spoke about the allegations against the actor, Seth said on social media that the only reason he was “surprised” by Mel’s comments was because “it acknowledges” that events during World War II “actually happened.” Things got even worse, with Seth calling Mel certain names when the actor’s holiday movie ‘Fatman’ was announced.

The actor believes people should move on from the past, as he’s now sober

Things have always been a little mixed when it comes to Mel Gibson’s response to all the claims. Sometimes, he apologizes for what he says and does, while others, he denies ever making the statements in the first place. During the 2016 podcast ‘Playback,’ Mel stated that “Ten years have gone by,” and he was “feeling good.”

The actor continued that he was “sober” and how his drinking was “a dim thinking in the past.” The issue was Mel believed it was “annoying” because people would regularly bring up his DUI, even though it had been so many years. Instead, he blamed everything on the drink and thought holding his actions against him was “really unfair.”

People were quick to question if Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross would last

Even though so much of Mel Gibson’s private life has been fodder for the media for years, the actor has also kept his life behind closed doors pretty private over the years. It seems the actor has no desire to walk back down the aisle following his costly split from his first wife back in 2011.

That’s also why so many people were quick to question if Mel’s latest relationship would last. In 2015, the media was buzzing once more when the actor stepped out with Rosalind Ross, who is 34 years Mel’s junior. Although some critics argued it would be a short-lived romance, it appears the couple has been going strong ever since.

The media announced the actor was set to become a new father in his 60s

When Mel Gibson was married to his first wife, Robyn, the couple wasted no time in starting a  family of their own. They wed in 1980 and welcomed their first child later the same year, with the rest of their brood making their way into the world from 1980 to 1999. Then, his daughter with Oksana came in 2009.

Many believed that eight children were where things would end for the actor, but things took another turn in 2016 when it was announced Mel and Rosalind Ross were about to become parents. Sources even told People magazine they “can’t wait to be parents,” and the last two years had been “some of [Mel’s] happiest.”

Insiders claim things have been going well between the couple ever since

Not much is known about Rosalind Ross. All we do know is that she was a champion equestrian calculator and a writer, but that all changed when she met and fell for Mel Gibson. The couple ultimately welcomed their son, Lars Gerard Gibson, in January 2017, meaning the actor was 61 years old when he became a dad again.

An insider spoke to People magazine about the news, stating “Mel is over the moon” and how the new parents were “thrilled.” Even though the couple have decided to keep things pretty private about their lives together and their son ever since, it seems they are both still together in 2023, despite what people initially believed.

It’s taken ten years and several rewrites to create The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection

When it comes to Mel Gibson’s career, his biggest achievement still might be ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ The movie hit the big screen in 2004, and - even though he didn’t star in the film - it stands as one of Mel’s greatest hits. Fans of the movie were in for some good news in Spring 2023.

The film is finally getting a sequel, with ‘Passion of the Christ: Resurrection’ set to see the big screen any time soon, but it’s been a long road. Apparently, the movie has been in the works for ten years and saw Mel team up with Randall Wallace - the screenwriter behind ‘Braveheart’ - as the pair went through six script drafts.

The star of the movie thinks it will be “the biggest film in world history”

It’s reported that filming of ‘Passion of the Christ: Resurrection’ began at the start of 2023, but there’s no telling just yet when it will finally be ready. That hasn’t stopped the people behind the production from hyping it up already, with the original star, Jim Caviezel, set to return as the leading role in the latest production.

Even before they started shooting any scenes, Jim told the world it’s going to be “the biggest film in world history.” He wasn’t alone in his enthusiasm, with Randall Wallace admitting in 2016 that he’s “always wanted to tell the story,” with the first being just “the beginning.” Now, everyone’s dreams are seemingly coming true.

There are plenty of routes that Mel Gibson’s latest movie could take

One thing on many people’s minds right now is what the new movie could possibly be about. The fact it’s called ‘Passion of the Christ: Resurrection’ offers the biggest clue, as it hints the film will follow the story of what happened after the lead lost his life in the first movie. However, it might not be that simple.

Some claim that the story will actually follow the three days between the crucifixion and resurrection, when some Christians believe that he ended up in the afterlife before he came back. After all, the first movie had many scenes that weren’t in the Bible. Perhaps this could be their version of what they think happened?

Plenty of the original cast are rumored to be returning for the next movie

Although we don’t know much about the latest movie, we do know that Mel Gibson has plenty of the original cast lined up to come back for the sequel. Jim Caviezel has enjoyed a lengthy career in the years since the first ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ but it’s arguably his biggest achievement to date.

It’s also reported that Maia Morgenstern will be back as Mary, Francesco De Cito is set to be Peter, and Christo Jikov will be here again as John. However, there’s no news just yet if Rosalinda Celentano or Monica Belluci will be back to reprise their roles or if Mel is set to recast their parts for the latest hit.

Mel Gibson admits making the sequel is going to be a huge undertaking

We now know how long Mel Gibson has been working on a sequel to his biggest movie to date, but it doesn’t look as though we should expect ‘Passion of the Christ: Resurrection’ to hit the big screen any time soon. That comes after Mel spoke to Outstanding Screenplays, where he confessed, “You can’t do it lightly and quickly.”

The actor also said the latest movie is a “massive undertaking,” and bringing it all together has been “a real jigsaw puzzle to do.” Still, Mel is hopeful that the final product will be ready “sooner now” as things start to fall into place. Only time will tell if the sequel will be as successful - or controversial - as the original.