Donal Gibson is the younger brother of Mel Gibson. Despite being a few years younger than his brother, both the stars have a lot in common when it comes to their appearance and voice. But the name of Donal Gibson may not resonate as widely as his famous brother Mel Gibson. Both the Gibson brothers carved their way into the industry. The Gibson brothers not only maintained a healthy family relationship but also developed a professional relationship as the duo collaborated on various projects.
One notable collaboration between Mel and Donal Gibson was in the 1995 film, Braveheart, which won several accolades including the Oscars. However, it was after the release of Apocalypto star’s 2004 film The Passion of the Christ that both brothers found themselves embroiled in a steamed controversy, and the following events spoiled their healthy relationship. The Maverick actor claims that this controversy resulted in him being blacklisted from the industry.
Donal Gibson Shared That Fame Changed His Brother
In an interview, the younger brother of Mel Gibson opened up about a bitter rift that has torn their family apart. The younger Gibson brother reminisces about his close relationship with his brother, highlighting the days when they shared a bedroom and did everything together. He even followed Mel to Los Angeles, describing them as best friends. Donal Gibson felt no jealousy towards his brother’s fame and success, instead felt proud of his brother’s accomplishments. However, he asserts that fame changed Mel Gibson, resulting in him becoming a different person.
“‘Mel and I were once so close that I find it unbelievable that we’re not talking, that we’re not in touch. When we were kids we shared a bedroom, we did everything together… When he came to LA, I followed. He’s only two years older than me so he was my big brother, my best friend. When he became famous there was no jealousy. I was happy for him, proud that he’d made it. Fame changed him. He started believing in his publicity. The Mel I knew disappeared. Hollywood ate him up and spat him out. To me, the fame, the money, it all went to his head and created a monster. I hate what he has become.”
Donal Gibson On Being Blacklisted By The Industry
Donal Gibson believes that his own Hollywood career took a nosedive following the release of the film, blaming it on the “sins of my brother.” He claims that he was “blacklisted” because people perceived his brother as an anti-Semite and associated him with those views as well. The 2004 film, The Passion of the Christ, followed the life of Jesus Christ in his last 12 hours. Mel Gibson, who directed and co-wrote the film, faced significant backlash from many, who claimed the film was anti-Semitic.
Donal Gibson started to lose work as many presumed that both the brothers were hostile towards the Jews community. The younger Gibson brother shared that he kept losing his projects while his older brother enjoyed the money from his co-productions.
“I was getting regular work before Passion of the Christ, but I think people thought Mel was an antisemite, so they thought I was too. I believe I was blacklisted. Mel was OK because he had millions pouring into the bank.”
Going ahead both the brothers had their struggles, while the older one was caught up for drunk driving and alleged anti-Semitic remarks. The younger brother struggled financially as he got turned down from work. The rift between Mel and Donal Gibson is surely saddening. It looks like one controversial incident turned the entire relationship of two brothers upside down.
Source: Daily Mail
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