Mel Gibson's complex legacy: Between stardom and controversy

Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross were leaving a restaurant in Malibu when paparazzi appeared nearby. They took several photos of the actor, his partner, and their son together, who is just 7 years old. The boy was born in 2017. Gibson was then 61 years old, and Ross was only 27. Do they make a happy, close-knit family? Previously, Mel Gibson was considered to be abusive.

Mel Gibson is a well-known Australian-American actor and director who gained worldwide fame thanks to his role in the "Mad Max" film series and as Martin Riggs in the "Lethal Weapon" series. His acting career began in the 1970s, and his breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of "Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior." At that time, Mel was considered charming and handsome—the truth about his behaviour, which came out years later, shocked fans.

When Gibson was at the height of his popularity, his current partner wasn't even born yet. Rosalind Ross was born in 1990. When she met the actor and director, he was 58 years old, she only 24. Despite the huge age difference and everything that was said about the star's explosive, brutal behavior, Ross got together with Mel.

It has been 10 years since that time. Recently, paparazzi "caught" the couple coming out of a restaurant after sharing a meal. Neither Mel nor his beloved seemed happy. But maybe it's just for appearances?

Check out the photos!

On April 23, Mel, Rosalind, and Lars spent some time together at a restaurant in Malibu. The blond boy and his parents left the place looking rather glum. They didn't walk together. Only the 7-year-old seemed to be relaxed. Lars' mom and dad, on the contrary.

Looking at the two of them, it's hard not to get the impression that the partners only smile brightly at each other and reporters during official red carpet appearances.

In many photos taken secretly, Gibson and Ross seem to be arguing, and their grim expressions might suggest a lot. However, the actor has been with his partner, who is 34 years younger, for a decade, and they are raising a son together. Rosalind, like Mel, works in the film industry, though she doesn't act; she creates film productions. The star has been an inspiration and authority for her for years.

- He was my mentor and a huge inspiration. "Braveheart" is still my favorite movie - Ross said in 2022 in an interview with AV Club.

Ross collaborated with Mark Wahlberg on the production of "Father Stu". In interviews, she explains that although Gibson is her guru, she wants to carve out and show her own identity as a filmmaker.

Gibson has a rich history - both professional and personal.

Mel, who is currently approaching his seventies, is known for roles full of action that required great physical agility and personal charm. This combination made him one of the most popular actors of the 80s and 90s.

But Mel Gibson is also a recognized director. His most famous directorial projects are "Braveheart," which won the Oscar for Best Picture and Director, and "The Passion of the Christ," a controversial film depicting the last hours of Jesus Christ's life. Gibson is known for his attention to detail and commitment to his projects, which means his films are usually spectacular and full of emotion.

When Gibson got involved with a woman younger than his own children, he said: - When it comes to age and relationships, it's just a number.

The actor has fathered as many as nine children. He has two daughters and seven sons. His children are Hannah, Lucia, Christian, Edward, William, Louis, Milo, Thomas, and Lars. Seven of his children are from his relationship with Robyn Moore, who was by his side for as many as 29 years. The entire group of seven is now adult. Mel's oldest daughter is 10 years older than his current partner - she is 44 years old. The youngest of the bunch is Thomas, who is 25 years old.

The next partner of the superstar was Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of Lucia, who was born in 2009, which means she is now a teenager. Oksana accused the actor of abuse. She claimed he beat her so severely that she lost her front teeth. Gibson was also said to have been violent towards Lucia and his partner's son from a previous relationship. For this, he was sentenced in 2011 to a three-year probation.

When that ended, he met Rosalind. He helped her in her career; later, sparks flew between them in their private lives. Their youngest son, Lars, was born when his father had been in a relationship with Ross for three years.

Mel Gibson had a problem with the law due to domestic violence against his partner, but that's not the end of controversies related to the star. In Hollywood, the actor is also regarded as an anti-Semite and judging by the statements of his industry acquaintances, he does not hide it.

The director also has made statements that were offensive to the LGBT+ community. The first accusations of homophobia and racism date back to the 90s. Despite this, the star keeps getting more chances and returns with new film projects. However, for many people, Gibson's name means the production is doomed.