Mel Gibson has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for almost five decades, showcasing his versatile talents as an actor, film director, and producer. He has gained widespread recognition for his outstanding performances and gripping portrayals in thrillers. Notably, in 1995, Gibson took on the role of producer, director, and lead actor in Braveheart’s epic historical drama, which became a massive box office hit, raking in an impressive $213.2 million globally.
For Braveheart, Gibson was bestowed with multiple prestigious awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Director and Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture. At the peak of his success, he amassed a whopping fortune of $850 million. He went on to direct and produce another highly talked about film, The Passion of the Christ, which was financially successful but controversial. But Gibson did not always make the top dollar.
Mel Gibson Got Just $20 For His Debut Film
Mel Gibson kicked off his acting career with the ultra-low-budget film Summer City, for which he received a meager payment of $20. Two decades later, Gibson emerged as the highest-paid actor in Hollywood history, raking in a staggering $25 million for his lead role in The Patriot.
The late Heath Ledger also appeared in a film centered around the America Revolutionary War, directed by Roland Emmerich, known for directing the blockbuster Independence Day. In The Patriot, Gibson portrays Benjamin Martin, a valiant South Carolina farmer who joins the colonial side, driven by his burning desire to avenge the cruel atrocities inflicted by British soldiers on his family. Gibson’s salary for the role shattered the previous record of $22 million paid to Arnold Schwarzenegger for his performance in End of Days.
Gibson could’ve boosted this number had he not turned down the lead role in Ridley Scott’s Gladiator. Gibson was Scott’s initial choice to play the lead role of Maximus in the movie. But Gibson turned down the Roman gladiator’s role because he believed he was too old for it. The part eventually went to Russell Crowe, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance.
Also Read: “You found someone crazier”: Mel Gibson Was Happy $526M Franchise Replaced Him With Tom Hardy
Mel Gibson’s Divorce Affected His Net Worth
In the late 1970s, Gibson crossed paths with Robyn Denise Moore, who worked as a dental nurse while he was still an aspiring actor. They tied the knot in 1980 and have a daughter and six sons. The couple has also been blessed with three grandchildren.
Following a 26-year-long marriage, the couple decided to part ways in 2006. They made a joint announcement stating that they aimed to preserve the privacy and dignity of their family during and after their separation. The couple filed for divorce after photos surfaced in March 2009, showing Mel Gibson allegedly kissing Russian songwriter and pianist Oksana Grigorieva on a beach.
Since the couple had no prenuptial agreement, the court ordered Mel Gibson, with an estimated net worth of $850 million, to pay his ex-wife Robyn a hefty sum of $400 million. The couple spent two and a half years negotiating the terms of their divorce settlement.
Braveheart is available for streaming on HBO Max. It can also be rented or purchased on Google Play.
Source: The Things
