Mel Gibson (born Mel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson in Peekskill, New York on January 3, 1956) is an American actor and filmmaker. Twelve years after his birth the actor moved to Sydney, Australia with his parents. The actor made his film debut in 1977, the same year he graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts in Sydney. After appearing in Summer City, Mel went on to accept the lead role in the 1979 film Mad Max.