**Mel Gibson** (Peekskill, New York, 1956) is an Australian-American actor, director, and producer, known for his versatility and iconic roles in action and drama films.

He achieved global fame in the 1980s as the protagonist of the post-apocalyptic *Mad Max* saga and cemented his star status with the action series *Lethal Weapon*, playing the charismatic and tormented Sergeant Martin Riggs.

In 1995, Gibson showcased his directorial and acting talents with *Braveheart*, winning Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director. He continued his career behind the camera with visually bold and controversial works such as *The Passion of the Christ* (2004) and *Apocalypto* (2006). More recently, *Hacksaw Ridge* (2016) earned him another Best Director nomination.

His typical roles include intense characters, often tormented, rebellious, or "anti-heroes," capable of great emotional depth and spectacular action.