He’s an action hero, he can do comedy, and he has starred in many riveting dramas. This Sunday you get to see him take on the Bandit. Here are some cool facts about the amazing Mel Gibson.
He’s a prankster on set
It's rumoured Mel loves to play pranks on his co-stars. Apparently, Mel once made them wear red noses while reciting serious lines. One thing’s for sure, there are loads of laughs to be had with this great actor.
He’s an Australian citizen
Gibson was born in New York, United States but his family relocated to Australia when he was 12. He also went on to study there. He used to talk like an Aussie, but after moving back to the States reverted to his first accent.
Acting runs in the family
His younger brother Donal Gibson was also an actor. You would have seen him in two of Mel's movies:Â Maverick and Braveheart.Â
Mel was a '90s heartthrob
Mel was considered a hunk back in the '90s and often made People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" list. Here he is on the set of the 1992 movie, Forever Young. You can see why he made that list!
He boasts great directing skills
He’s not only a great and versatile actor, but he has also directed many movies, including Braveheart, The Man Without a Face, and The Passion of the Christ. All three movies had garnered big success at the box office and became classics. Watch him deliver his Oscar acceptance speech for Best Director for Braveheart:
He's a man of faith
He is a devout Catholic, which is what inspired him to direct the award-winning movie The Passion of the Christ. He has spoken many times about his faith and says it's what keeps him grounded.Â
He is hounoured by other actors
Robert Downey Jr honoured Mel at the 25th Annual American Cinematheque Awards. He gave a speech describing how Mel Gibson helped him through some of his most difficult times. Mel’s most memorable line of advice to him was, “Stop hugging the cactus". Wise words to live by.Â
Watch that touching speech here:
Get ready to watch Gibson go full action mode in the Bandit. Airing on 16 July at 20:05 on M-Net.
Watch the trailer below.
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