Mel Gibson

A gifted and rather complicated performer who became one of the biggest stars in the world, only to struggle with legal and anger issues, actor-director Mel Gibson rode the wave of his 20-plus years of popularity to become one of the industry's most bankable stars. After finding fame in Australia with only his second film, "Mad Max" (1979), Gibson vaulted onto the international scene with the superior sequel, "The Road Warrior" (1981). Following an excellent performance in "The Year of Living Dangerously" (1982), Gibson staked his claim in Hollywood by starring in "Lethal Weapon" (1987), a highly successful buddy comedy by which all others would be measured. Gibson actively sought to usurp his action hero image with a wider range of roles, including playing the titular "Hamlet" (1990) and a reclusive burn victim in "The Man without a Face" (1993). He transformed himself from action star to Oscar-winning director with the historical epic "Braveheart" (1995) and sparked controversy for his "The Passion of the Christ" (2003), an intense look at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Following a handful of small acting roles, Gibson's comeback film, World War II drama "Hacksaw Ridge" (2016), received positive reviews and a handful of Academy award nominations, including one for Best Director, completing his rise and fall and rise story.