Mel Gibson Reveals the Lifelong Bond with Robert Downey Jr That Saved Their Careers

Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr need each other to exist

Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr Charley Gallay/Getty /Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic

Mel Gibson has confessed that he and fellow actor Robert Downey Jr have always managed to save themselves from being “nonexistent and blacklisted”. They both have a history of struggling with personal issues, such as Gibson's battle with alcoholism and Downey Jr's well-known struggles with substance abuse.

Gibson credits their survival and success in Hollywood to their unwavering support for each other. The 68-year-old actor-director, known for his role in Braveheart, praised his friend Downey, 59, for being a constant source of strength in his life. Despite facing various career-threatening scandals, including a well-known arrest in July 2006 in Malibu, California, Downey has always been there for Gibson.

In a recent incident, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy reported that the Braveheart star used anti-Semitic slurs against him, including statements like, “F-g Jews… the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world,” as per TMZ.

During a conversation with Esquire that was published on Monday, April 8, in a profile about Downey, who recently won an Academy Award for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, Gibson reflected on a past mistake. He mentioned, “One time, I got into a bit of a sticky situation where it kind of ended my career. I was drunk in the back of a police car and I said some stupid stuff, and all of a sudden, blacklisted. I’m the poster boy for canceled.”

Robert downey and Mel Gibson need each other to exist

Robert Downey and Mel Gibson have had infamous run-ins with law enforcement Kypros/Getty Images/Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department via Getty Images /

The Passion of the Christ filmmaker and Oscar-winner did not appear in any movies until the 2010 thriller Edge of Darkness after his 2006 arrest.

However, in late 2010, he faced controversy again when recordings were leaked of him using racial slurs and making violent threats towards his ex-girlfriend.

Following the scandal, Gibson was removed from a role in The Hangover 2 due to protests from the cast and crew. During the 25th American Cinematheque Awards on October 14, 2011, Downey, who has Jewish heritage, used his acceptance speech to advocate for giving Gibson a second chance.

Downey urged his colleagues to give Gibson the same forgiveness and opportunity for redemption that they had given him. He emphasized the importance of allowing Gibson to continue making valuable contributions to the film industry without being held back by past mistakes.

He added: “Unless you are completely without sin, in which case you picked the wrong f***ing industry,” and that Gibson should be forgiven and working again.

Robert Downey jr and Mel Gibson

Downey also thanked Gibson for his support during his struggles with drug addiction and legal issues. He shared that Gibson encouraged him to not lose hope and helped him find his faith.

I couldn't find a job, but then he gave me the main role in a movie that was originally meant for him. The movie was the 2003 musical comedy called The Singing Detective, where I starred alongside Gibson, Robin Wright, Katie Holmes, and Adrien Brody.

Gibson was also named a producer for the film, and he paid for the insurance bond for me since no company was willing to provide insurance for me, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Gibson praised Downey's 2011 speech to Esquire, saying he was not prominent in Hollywood at the time. He appreciated Downey's bold, generous, and kind gesture, and expressed his gratitude for it.

According to Gibson, he and Downey Jr had a unique dynamic where one would be struggling with sobriety while the other was doing well. Despite this, they have both managed to stay sober for years. They continue to maintain a close bond and offer each other emotional support.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the resilience of Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. in overcoming personal challenges and career setbacks. Gibson's struggles with alcoholism and Downey's battles with substance abuse could have led to their downfall in Hollywood. However, their unwavering support for each other has been instrumental in their survival. Downey's advocacy for Gibson during a controversial time, despite Gibson's past mistakes, demonstrates the power of forgiveness and the importance of second chances.

The article also emphasizes the transformative effect that Gibson had on Downey's life. Gibson provided Downey with a role in "The Singing Detective" when no one else would, and he also helped him find faith. This act of kindness played a significant role in Downey's recovery and his subsequent success. The bond between Gibson and Downey is a testament to the power of friendship and the importance of standing by those who are struggling. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and redemption are possible with the support of others.