Mel Gibson Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Mel Gibson Net Worth (Money & Salary)
February 4, 2025
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What Is Mel Gibson’s Net Worth?
Mel Gibson, an Australian/American actor, screenwriter, director, producer, and investor, possesses a net worth of $425 million. Looking back at the early ’80s, it appeared there was no challenge this American-born, Australian actor couldn’t conquer. With his charm, talent, and ambition, Mel quickly made a name for himself as both a theater performer in Australia and a film star. He featured in major films like the “Mad Max” series, the “Lethal Weapon” franchise, and “The Year of Living Dangerously.” Among his other notable works are “The Bounty,” “Hamlet,” “Bird on a Wire,” “The Patriot,” and “Signs.” Beyond acting, he ventured into writing, producing, and directing, ultimately securing an Oscar for Best Director with his 1995 film, “Braveheart.” The horizon appeared promising for the actor/director as he seemed to be enjoying a top-tier status in the industry.
However, things took a turn for the worse. Marital difficulties emerged, followed by struggles with alcohol, and bizarre outbursts recorded on tape… on multiple occasions. At one point, a public feud erupted between him and director Joe Eszterhas. Their dispute became public after private correspondence was leaked to an entertainment site, fueled by Gibson’s multiple anti-semitic comments and Eszterhas’s rage over them. Subsequent dubious film choices led to him being dropped by his agency and pulled from several projects. While he has made partial comebacks over the years, for some fans and industry executives, Gibson remains a controversial figure.
Early Life
Born Mel Colmcille Gerard Gibson on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York, Mel is the sixth of eleven siblings, son to Anne Patricia Reilly and writer Hutton Gibson. Anne passed away in 1990, while Hutton died in 2020, aged 101. When Mel turned 12, the family relocated to Australia, his grandmother’s homeland, for various economic reasons. He received his education from the Christian Brothers and later attended the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney, where he began his stage career before making a transition to Australian cinema.
Acting Career
Mel Gibson’s significant roles emerged in the “Mad Max” series, which he immediately commenced after his college graduation in 1977. He earned his first $1 million paycheck for “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” the franchise’s third installment, in 1985. Simultaneously, Gibson continued to act on stage, participating in various productions with the State Theatre Company of South Australia in Adelaide. He performed in several acclaimed plays, including “Waiting for Godot” and “Death of a Salesman.”
His entry into American cinema began with “The River” in 1984, where he portrayed a struggling farmer from Tennessee alongside Sissy Spacek. After a two-year hiatus from acting, he returned as Martin Riggs in the 1987 film “Lethal Weapon,” followed by roles in “Tequila Sunrise” in 1988 and “Lethal Weapon 2” in 1989. During the first half of the ’90s, he starred in major action blockbusters such as “Maverick,” “Braveheart,” “Ransom,” and “Payback.” The early 2000s showcased Gibson in films that each surpassed $100 million in box office earnings, including “The Patriot,” “Chicken Run,” and “What Women Want.” He also featured in M. Night Shyamalan’s “Signs,” which became a tremendous success and marked the highest-grossing film of his career.
Additionally, his significant film appearances include starring roles in the other four “Mad Max” sequels, “We Were Soldiers,” “Edge of Darkness,” “The Beaver,” and “The Expendables 3.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Director and Producer
In 1989, Gibson transitioned into producing and directing by establishing Icon Productions and creating his first film, “Hamlet.” He made his directorial debut with “The Man Without a Face” in 1993. Two years afterward, he filmed “Braveheart,” which won him an Oscar for Best Director. Gibson wrote, directed, and financed the contentious film, “The Passion of the Christ,” in 2004, which became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever, amassing over $370 million at the U.S. box office. In 2016, he directed “Hacksaw Ridge,” a film that received 14 award nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Achievement in Directing as well as a Golden Globe for Best Director – Motion Picture. For this film, Gibson secured six awards, such as a Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Director and a Hollywood Film Award for Director of the Year. Over his career, Gibson has also been involved in directing and producing numerous television projects as well.
Mel Gibson Salary Highlights | |
Signs | $25,000,000 |
We Were Soldiers | $25,000,000 |
The Patriot | $25,000,000 |
Chicken Run | $1,550,000 |
Lethal Weapon 4 | $25,000,000 |
Conspiracy Theory | $20,000,000 |
Ransom | $20,000,000 |
Maverick | $15,000,000 |
Lethal Weapon 3 | $10,000,000 |
Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome | $1,200,000 |
The River | $500,000 |
Attack Force Z | $918/week |
Gallipoli | $32,147 |
Mad Max | $15,000 |
Summer City | $400 |
Total | $168,298,465 |
“The Passion of the Christ” Earnings
For years, Mel sought funding for his ambitious project, “The Passion of the Christ.” Ultimately, with frustration mounting, he opted to invest $30 million of his own funds into the project. Additionally, he contributed another $15 million for marketing, resulting in a total investment of $45 million.
Gibson retained 50% of the profits from the film, while the remaining 50% went to the distributor, Newmarket Films. After accounting for all revenues, Mel’s personal share amounted to $300 million.
Moreover, “Passion” proved to be a merchandising phenomenon. Merchandise sales generated an extra $50-$100 million for Mel. Furthermore, the DVD sales, which peaked around 2004, brought Mel an impressive $75 million.
In total, when all figures are compiled, Mel Gibson’s earnings from “The Passion of the Christ” range between $400 – $475 million.
In January 2023, it was announced that filming for the sequel, “The Passion of the Christ: Resurrection,” was set to commence later that year.
(Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Real Estate
Throughout his career, Mel Gibson has acquired numerous remarkable homes and properties. Over several decades, he has owned various locations, including Malibu, Los Angeles, Costa Rica, Fiji, and across Australia.
Greenwich, Connecticut:
In 1994, Mel Gibson purchased a 75+ acre estate known as Old Mill Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut, for $9 million. He sold the property in July 2007 for a whopping $40 million. Check out this video tour of Old Mill Farm:
Malibu:
In 2008, Mel invested $11.5 million into a 5.5-acre residence in Malibu from then-married couple David Duchovny and Tea Leoni. He once listed the home for $17.5 million, and again in March 2019 for $14.5 million. After removing the listing in July 2019, he continues to own the property to this day.
The Malibu compound measures 5,403 square feet, featuring 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. Amenities include two offices, a detached gym, an open-air garden cabana/entertainment pavilion with a vaulted ceiling, a built-in barbecue and fireplace, alongside 3 guest houses and staff quarters. On the grounds, you’ll find an oversized chessboard laid out on the lawn, organic gardens, fruit orchards, shaded trees and terraces, a tennis court, and a swimming pool. Watch the video tour here:
In April 2007, he purchased a 400-acre ranch in Costa Rica for a staggering $26 million. He has attempted to sell this mansion at various times for as much as $35 million. Here’s a video tour of Gibson’s Costa Rican estate, known as Playa Barrigona:
In December 2004, Mel sold a property in Australia for $6 million. Later that same month, he spent $15 million on a private island in Fiji named Mago Island.
Personal Life
In 1980, Gibson wed Robin Moore and the couple welcomed seven children before their divorce in 2011. Subsequently, Gibson began a relationship with Russian musician Oksana Grigorieva, and the two have a daughter together. Oksana later accused Mel of domestic violence, leading to a settlement in August 2011, where Gibson agreed to pay Grigorieva $750,000, joint legal custody, and provide her with a house in Sherman Oaks, California, until their daughter Lucia turned 18.
In 2014, Gibson entered a relationship with former champion equestrian vaulter and writer Rosalind Ross. The couple welcomed their son, Lars Gerard, in January 2017, making him Gibson’s ninth child.
Divorce Settlement
During his divorce from Robin Gibson, Mel reportedly settled on a $400 million agreement. At that time, it was recognized as the largest celebrity divorce settlement in history.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Controversies and Legal Issues
In 2010, a restraining order was filed by Oksana Grigorieva against Gibson to prevent him from being around their child. Subsequently, Gibson also sought a restraining order against her. She accused him of domestic violence, leading to an investigation by the LA County police. A July 2010 leak of an audio recording revealed a violent and racist tirade from Gibson during a phone conversation with Grigorieva. Gibson ultimately pled no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge, settling with Grigorieva, who received $750,000 and their Sherman Oaks home as compensation.
Gibson’s history includes various incidents of anti-Semitic remarks and anti-LGBTQ opinions. His controversial remarks led to a near decade-long blacklist by numerous producers, directors, agencies, and fellow actors in Hollywood. It wasn’t until the release of “Hacksaw Ridge” that he began to gain favor in the industry once more.
Throughout many interviews, Gibson has discussed his struggles with alcohol addiction and subsequent recovery. In 1984, he was banned from driving in Canada for three months after rear-ending a vehicle while under the influence. On July 28, 2006, Gibson faced arrest for a DUI while speeding with an open container of alcohol in his car. He pled no contest and received a three-year probation sentence.
Photo by Matej Divizna/Getty Images
Philanthropy
Gibson has contributed millions to the charity Healing the Children, which provides life-saving medical assistance to disadvantaged children globally. During a 2007 business trip to Singapore, he made significant donations to a local charity that supports children with terminal illnesses. He has also backed various arts initiatives, including the restoration of Renaissance artwork. Additionally, Gibson donated millions to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Among his charitable acts, he allocated $500,000 to the El Mirador Basin project, which aims to protect the remaining virgin rainforest in Central America. Furthermore, in July 2007, he traveled to Central America to meet with the president of Costa Rica and to offer support to the indigenous communities. That same year, he provided financial backing to Green Rubber Global for the establishment of a tire recycling facility in Gallup, New Mexico.
Accolades
Mel Gibson has achieved a total of seven Academy Awards, including five for “Braveheart” and two for “Hacksaw Ridge.” He also received a Golden Globe for best director for “Braveheart,” in addition to nominations for a BAFTA and several other awards.
The data presented includes information from 2023 and 2024, with projections extending into 2025 and 2026. Additionally, we broaden our forecasts to cover 2027 and 2028.
* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:
Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Mel Gibson Net Worth (Money & Salary)
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