Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, born January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York, is an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter whose career pivoted from Australian blockbusters to Hollywood stardom. After relocating to Sydney at age twelve and studying acting, Gibson rose to fame with "Mad Max" and "Lethal Weapon" franchises. He then directed and starred in "Braveheart," earning an Academy Award. In 2004, he stirred controversy with "The Passion of the Christ," depicting Christ's crucifixion, which proved both critically divisive and commercially successful.