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Mel Gibson Once Dropped $15 Million to Own a Massive Volcanic Paradise Private Island

Mel Gibson is an actor, director, and screenwriter, who rose to fame in the ’80s for his work in the fan-favorite series Lethal Weapon. In the ’90s, Gibson received acclaim for his skills as a director and storyteller, with his film Braveheart earning significant critical praise. It seemed as though Gibson was well on his …

Mel Gibson is an actor, director, and screenwriter, who rose to fame in the ’80s for his work in the fan-favorite series Lethal Weapon. In the ’90s, Gibson received acclaim for his skills as a director and storyteller, with his film Braveheart earning significant critical praise.

It seemed as though Gibson was well on his way to becoming one of the all-time great superstars — still, Gibson has had some very public struggles, and these days, he remains mostly out of the spotlight. By the early 2000s, Gibson had accrued fabulous wealth and decided to treat himself to a truly extravagant purchase, one worthy of his movie-star status. 

What is Mel Gibson best known for?

Mel Gibson arrives at the UK Premiere of 'Daddy's Home 2' at Vue West End on November 16, 2017 in London, England.
Mel Gibson | John Phillips/Getty Images

Gibson might be known as an American actor, but he spent many of his formative years in Australia, where some members of his family originated. As a young man, Gibson was drawn to acting and studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. He gained early, valuable experience by acting on stage, and by the late ’70s, he had made the transition to television and film roles.

The first role to start earning Gibson notice from critics and fans was the 1979 apocalyptic drama film Mad Max. Gibson became closely associated with the role of the road warrior Max, and he went on to appear in the film’s two sequels, Mad Max 2 and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. By the early ’80s, Gibson had made the move to Hollywood, originating the role of Martin Riggs in the blockbuster movie Lethal Weapon. The film shot Gibson to fame, and from there, it was a short ride to the top for the young star. 

What is Mel Gibson’s net worth?

Gibson appeared in some of the most popular movies of the ’80s and ’90s, including Braveheart, Payback, The Patriot, and Conspiracy Theory. He also lent his voice to several high-profile animated projects, including Disney’s Pocahontas.

After establishing himself as a dramatic star, Gibson decided to tackle other roles in the movie industry and started directing and producing. His 2004 biblical drama The Passion of the Christ was well-received by fans, but it was also the start of a troubling time for Gibson in Hollywood, as a string of personal issues started to plague the talented star. 

In spite of the fact that Gibson is no longer as public as he once was, he is still a very wealthy man. Celebrity Net Worth estimates that Gibson is worth around $425 million, a sum accrued from his decades in the film business. 

When did Mel Gibson buy a private island?

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In 2005, Gibson was one of the world’s biggest names, riding high from the success of his film The Passion of the Christ. Gibson decided to invest some of his wealth by dropping some serious cash.

According to People, that was the year that Gibson purchased the island of Mago, one of the world’s largest private islands. Reportedly, Gibson paid $15 million for the island, which features 5,400 acres of stunning volcanic scenery, including “powder-white beaches and turquoise lagoons.”

Although it is not known just how much time Gibson spends on the island these days, it seems as though he still owns the South Pacific property. At some point, the actor might decide to open it up for tours or visits, but for now, the actor is keeping it for private use only.