10 fun and interesting Mel Gibson facts

1. The Most Beautiful Man of the 1990s

In the 90's, Mel Gibson was a regular on People magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" list, appearing multiple times throughout the decade. His good looks and charm made him a fan favorite, and his star power only continued to rise as he went on to star in some of the most iconic films of the era, such as Braveheart, Lethal Weapon, and The Patriot.

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2. Mel Gibson & Geoffrey Rush: Close Friends

After graduating from the National Institute of Dramatic Art, Mel Gibson and Geoffrey Rush became roommates, beginning a lifelong friendship. The two actors have since gone on to become two of the most successful and recognizable stars in Hollywood, with Gibson starring in iconic films such as Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ, and Rush winning an Academy Award for his performance in Shine. Despite their success, the two remain close friends to this day.

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3. Iconic Actor and Director

Mel Gibson is a renowned actor and director, best known for his iconic roles in the Lethal Weapon and Mad Max series. He has also achieved critical acclaim for his directorial work on the Academy Award-winning Braveheart, in which he also starred. His performances in these films have cemented his place in Hollywood history, and his influence on the industry is still felt today.

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4. Mel Gibson Loves "The Three Stooges"

Mel Gibson is a renowned actor, director, and producer, best known for his action-packed movies. However, his favorite television show of all time is the classic comedy series, "The Three Stooges". Gibson has often cited the show as a major influence on his comedic timing and style, and has even gone so far as to say that it is his favorite show of all time. He has also been known to quote lines from the show in his own films, as a tribute to the classic comedy.

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5. Living with a 'horseshoe kidney'

Mel Gibson recently revealed that he has a rare medical condition known as a "horseshoe kidney". This occurs when two kidneys are fused together, forming a U-shape around the lower spine. This condition affects approximately 1 in 500 people, and can cause a variety of health issues, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure. Gibson has been living with this condition for many years, and is now raising awareness about it in order to help others who may be suffering from it.

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6. Mel Gibson Sets Record for Highest-Paid Australian Actor

Mel Gibson made history when he became the first Australian actor to receive a seven-figure salary for a film role. His breakthrough came in 1995 when he was paid an unprecedented $14 million for his role in the movie Braveheart. This was a huge milestone for the Australian film industry, and it opened the door for other Australian actors to receive similar paydays. Gibson's success has paved the way for other Australian actors to receive the recognition and financial compensation they deserve.

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7. Mel Gibson's controversial film project becomes a success

Mel Gibson's film project, "The Passion of the Christ", was so controversial that it was difficult to find anyone willing to finance it. In the end, Gibson had to use his own money, a whopping 25 million dollars, to produce and complete the film. Surprisingly, it was a huge success, particularly among the Christian community.

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8. Mel Gibson Almost Played James Bond

In 1995, Mel Gibson was in the running for the iconic role of James Bond in the movie "GoldenEye". Unfortunately, the part eventually went to Pierce Brosnan, but Gibson's name was certainly in the mix for the part of the suave British secret agent. This would have been Gibson's first foray into the world of espionage, and it's a shame that he didn't get the chance to bring his own unique style to the role.

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9. Success Despite Batman Rejection

When Tim Burton was casting for the lead role of Bruce Wayne in the 1989 blockbuster "Batman", he initially considered Mel Gibson for the part. Unfortunately, the role eventually went to Michael Keaton, who went on to become one of the most iconic portrayals of the character. Despite not getting the part, Mel Gibson's career has gone on to be incredibly successful, with him starring in and directing a number of critically acclaimed films.

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10. Mel Gibson's life revealed: bipolar disorder

Mel Gibson's life has been filled with controversy and legal troubles, but it was recently revealed that his erratic behavior was due to a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. This mental health condition is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, and can lead to impulsive and reckless behavior. Gibson has since been open about his struggles with the disorder, and has been vocal about the importance of seeking help and support for mental health issues.