Mel Gibson rose to prominence by playing action-hero roles but continued to diversify his portfolio by working in several genres. He also made quite a name for himself as a director and producer which eventually expanded his status. Back in the 2000s, he starred in The Patriot alongside Heath Ledger which is how the duo developed a great friendly bond.
Mel Gibson Parted His Ways With Heath Ledger After He Took Brokeback Mountain Role
Brokeback Mountain turned out to be a massive step in the film industry for the advancement of queer cinema. The film starred the late Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, depicting the complex romantic relationship between two cowboys, Ennis Del Mar, and Jack Twist. While the film was subject to major controversy at the time especially due to the sexuality of the main characters, it has emerged as one of the best films of all time.
A major Hollywood producer informed private investigator, Paul Barresi about Ledger’s relationship with Mel Gibson after the former accepted to star in the film.
It was reported that the filmmaker was against the role but The Dark Knight actor did otherwise.
“Ledger asked Gibson whether he should take the role of Ennis Del Mar in ‘Brokeback,'” the investigator reported. “Gibson strongly counseled against it. The role apparently ran counter to Gibson’s morality. And he felt that it would ruin Heath’s career.”
Due to going against his wishes, he eventually parted ways with the late actor.
“When Gibson parted ways with Heath, it broke his heart.”
Despite Gibson’s skeptical thoughts about the role, it turned out to be a critical success as the film grossed over $178 million worldwide. Many critics especially praised the lead actors for their impeccable performance.
Mel Gibson’s Controversial Comments on Gay Men
Mel Gibson made headlines in the 1990s due to his homophobic remarks as he told the Spanish daily paper El Pais about his thoughts on gay men.
“They take it up the a*s,” before he gestured to his backside, “This is only for taking a s**t.”
He further commented on once showing fear of getting seen as gay due to his acting profession.
“They were good people, kind, I like them. But their thing is not my thing. Do I sound like a homosexual? Do I talk like them? Do I move like them? What happens is when you’re an actor, they stick that label on you.”
In a 1995 Playboy interview, he was asked his opinion about apologizing to the LGBTQ+ community, as GLAAD suggested he should, he commented,
“I’ll apologize when hell freezes over. They can f**k off.”
He has been surrounded by strings of controversies in his acting career but still was considered a mentor by the late actor. Ledger, on the other hand, has passed on tremendous work that continues to be an exemplary example in the acting industry.
Brokeback Mountain is available on Netflix.
Source: NY Daily News
