Mel Gibson is creating controversy with his film "The Passion," which stars James Caviezel as Christ and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. The production's dialogue will be in Latin and Aramaic only, with no English subtitles. Gibson says the movie is meant to "inspire, not offend. ... My intention in bringing it to the screen is to create a lasting work of art and engender serious thought among audiences of diverse faith backgrounds."
Early years: Gibson was born Jan. 3, 1956, in Peekskill, N.Y., to a large Irish Catholic family. They moved to Australia in 1968. Gibson developed an Australian accent after friends teased him about sounding like a Yankee.
He first thought he wanted to be a journalist, but decided to study drama at the National Institute of Dramatic Art in Sydney. After graduating, he played small roles with the South Australia Theatre Company.
Career: In 1979, Gibson starred in "Tim" and "Mad Max," two roles that made him a star in Australia. He claimed global popularity after "Mad Max 2" and "The Year of Living Dangerously" in 1983.
Gibson made his Hollywood debut in 1984 in "The Bounty." Later that year he returned to Australia to play in "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome." He made a strong showing with the "Lethal Weapon" series. In the early 1990s, Gibson founded ICON Productions and made his directorial debut with "The Man Without a Face." His film "Braveheart" won several 1995 Oscars.
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Gibson has since contributed to a variety of films, including "The Patriot," "Sixth Sense" and "Signs."
Family: Gibson and his wife, Robyn, have seven children.
In his words: "I love women. They're the best thing ever created. If they want to be like men and come down to our level, that's fine."
Web link: www.amctv.com
Compiled by Carol Bradley Bursack
Sources: Associated Press, Amusingquotes.com, Imdb.com
