Mel Gibson has been in the spotlight for over 40 years, first rising to fame as the titular character in 1979’s Australian film Mad Max. The actor had several starring roles during the late ‘80s and ‘90s, working on films like Bird on a Wire, the Lethal Weapon franchise, and Braveheart.
Along with his contributions to acting, Gibson has made headlines for controversial comments over the years, as well as his political views and relationships.
The father of nine separated from his wife in 2006 and started dating Russian pianist Oksana Grigorieva in 2009, their split one year later spawning allegations of domestic abuse.
After taking some time out from Hollywood, where his image was left severely compromised, Gibson started a relationship with former equestrian vaulter Rosalind Ross in 2014.
But how did they meet? Keep reading to find out how and where Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross fell in love.
Who Is Rosalind Ross?
Rosalind Ross first rose to prominence as a professional equestrian. According to Closer Weekly, Ross competed at the World Equestrian Games in 2010, winning a gold medal, and is honored in the AVA Hall of Fame.
Outside her equestrian career, Ross is a successful screenwriter. She has screenwriting credits on several well-known films, including Matador, The Contract, Escaping North Korea, and Black Sam.
She has also dabbled in acting but mostly sticks to behind-the-scenes roles in the world of filmmaking. Her position as a screenwriter is actually how she first crossed paths with Mel Gibson.
How Mel Gibson Met Rosalind Ross
Gibson and Ross met when the latter was signed on to co-write a script for the former’s production company. They started dating in 2014 after meeting through work when Ross visited Gibson’s 500-acre ranch in Costa Rica.
Ross, who was 24 years old at the time, had majored in literature at Emerson College finding work in Hollywood.
The two went on a romantic getaway to Panama, according to the Daily Mail, after leaving Costa Rica.
They then seemed to be inseparable, with Ross accompanying Gibson to Sydney for a vacation and then visiting on set while filming Hacksaw Ridge.
Mel Gibson And Rosalind Ross Welcomed A Child In 2017
In 2017, Gibson and Ross welcomed a child together. Their son, Lars Gerard, was born on January 20, the first child for Gibson and Ross together.
The actor also has eight other children between ex-wife Robyn and former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva.
How Mel Gibson Feels About Being A Dad
One of eleven children, Mel Gibson grew up in a large family and was thus naturally excited about becoming a father himself one day.
He has always spoken positively about his role as a father, and his family and friends have vouched for his love of parenthood.
“Mel loves being a dad and he and Rose can’t wait to be parents together,” a source close to the couple said before Ross gave birth to their son (via People). “The last two years have been some of his happiest years he’s ever had.”
Mel Gibson's Other Children
Seven of Gibson’s children were the product of his relationship with ex-wife Robyn, whom he married in 1980 in New South Wales, Australia.
They welcomed their first child, Hannah, that year, before welcoming six sons between 1982 and 1999: Edward, Christian, William, Louis, Milo, and Thomas.
Gibson and his ex-wife split in 2006, after 26 years as a married couple. Their divorce was finalized in 2011.
In 2009, Gibson was romantically linked to the Russian painter Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he had daughter Lucia on October 30 of that year. The couple split in 2010, with Grigorieva filing a restraining order against the actor in June.
Later that month, Gibson filed a restraining order against Grigorieva. In July, Grigorieva accused Gibson of domestic violence, and an audio recording of Gibson reportedly ranting at her was released.
What Mel Gibson Has Said About His Relationship With Rosalind Ross
The age difference between Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross has been the subject of media interest since the two have been together. With approximately 34 years between them, some have questioned the gap.
But Gibson has always defended his relationship with Ross, stating that age is just a number.
In a November 2016 interview with the Mirror in the U.K., the actor said, “Regarding age and relationships, it’s just a number. She is an adult, and we dig each other. It might cause a problem [if someone] has a trepidation about these things, but it’s working out great. She is a really special person.”
Overall, Gibson chooses to keep his personal life private so not a lot of details about his relationship with Ross are known.