Mel Gibson is the explosive action star who plunged straight into Mad Max’s Wasteland and straight into insanity. Molded by a violent childhood and an early taste for alcohol, his reputation as a thrill-hungry lunatic extends from movie sets to the director’s chair, where he’s unflinchingly recreated scene of bone-crushing torture and human sacrifice. His ability to fly off the handle at a moment’s notice made him Hollywood’s most in-demand actor for playing wildcards and antiheroes. That is, until life imitated art, and Mel was caught spitting slurs and playing the supervillain in real life.

This episode contains themes that may be disturbing to some listeners, including depictions of domestic violence and suicide. If you're thinking about suicide or are worried about a friend or loved one, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

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