Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Mel
director	Joey Travolta
writer	Richard CohenDaniel Sarokin
starring	Ernest BorgnineJulie HagertyGreg Evigan
music	Chris White
cinematography	Brian Cox
editing	Joey TravoltaWill Wuorinen
released	10 October 1998
runtime	97 min.
country
language	English
gross	}}

''Mel'' is a 1998 film directed by Joey Travolta, starring Ernest Borgnine, Julie Hagerty and Greg Evigan.

Plot Synopsis

Bonnie and Peter are working on their marriage while dealing with a difficult teen-aged son. Her father takes the boys (Roger and Travis) in for the summer at his farm. It is apparent early on that he's fighting with developers that want his land while he wants to preserve his family's legacy. The developers had taken over a prior farm and turned it into an amusement park, something that Grandpa does not approve of. The boys explore as children will and find their grandfather is harboring a large turtle-like creature called Mel. Mel is a legend of local Swanson Lake and is known as Swannie to the general populace (shades of 'Nessie'). The boys are helped to adjust to their small town 'exile' by getting to know him. While going around with a girl (Susie) one day, Roger (the elder boy) accidentally causes an explosion on the developer's property with his grandfather's tractor. When the sheriff comes by to arrest Grandpa, Roger tells them he was the one who caused the wreck but they still put Grandpa in jail. Bonnie and Peter (the boys' parents) come to stay at the farm when Grandpa is jailed. The boys end up staging a break out for Mel from the amusement park and with the help of Susie and her brother try to get him back to the lake, setting a tiger loose and creating mayhem in the process.

References

Mel (1998) at the Internet Movie Database

External links

Category:1998 films

Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Mel Gibson
birth date	January 03, 1956
birth place	Peekskill, New York, U.S.
birth name
nationality
religion	Roman Catholicism
occupation	Actor, film director, producer, screenwriter
years active	1976–present
parents	Hutton GibsonAnne Patricia(née Reilly, deceased)
children	6 sons, 2 daughters
spouse	Robyn Moore Gibson(m. 1980–present) }}

Mel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson, AO (born 3 January 1956) is an Australian-American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter. Born in Peekskill, New York, Gibson moved with his parents to Sydney, Australia when he was 12 years old and later studied acting at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art.

After appearing in the ''Mad Max'' and ''Lethal Weapon'' series, Gibson went on to direct and star in the Academy Award-winning ''Braveheart''. In 2004, he directed and produced ''The Passion of the Christ'', a controversial, yet successful, film portraying the last hours in the life of Jesus. In recent years, remarks by Gibson have generated accusations of homophobia, antisemitism, racism, and misogyny; he has apologised repeatedly for the statements and denied that they represent his real opinions.

Early life

Gibson was born in Peekskill, New York, the sixth of 11 children, and the second son of Hutton Gibson and Irish-born Anne Patricia (née Reilly, died 1990). His paternal grandmother was the Australian opera soprano, Eva Mylott (1875–1920). One of Gibson's younger brothers, Donal, is also an actor. Gibson's first name comes from Saint Mel, fifth-century Irish saint, and founder of Gibson's mother's native diocese, Ardagh, while his second name, Colm-Cille, is also shared by an Irish saint and is the name of the parish in County Longford where Gibson's mother was born and raised. Because of his mother, Gibson holds dual Irish and American citizenship.

Soon after being awarded US$145,000 in a work-related-injury lawsuit against New York Central Railroad on 14 February 1968, Hutton Gibson relocated his family to West Pymble, Sydney, Australia. Mel Gibson was 12 years old at the time. The move to Hutton's mother's native Australia was for economic reasons, and because Hutton thought the Australian Defence Forces would reject his oldest son for the draft during the Vietnam War.

Gibson was educated by members of the Congregation of Christian Brothers at St Leo's Catholic College in Wahroonga, New South Wales, during his high school years.

Career

Gibson gained very favorable notices from film critics when he first entered the cinematic scene, as well as comparisons to several classic movie stars. In 1982, Vincent Canby wrote that “Mr. Gibson recalls the young Steve McQueen... I can't define "star quality," but whatever it is, Mr. Gibson has it.” Gibson has also been likened to “a combination Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart.” Gibson's roles in the "Mad Max" series of films, Peter Weir's ''Gallipoli'', and the "Lethal Weapon" series of films earned him the label of "action hero". Later, Gibson expanded into a variety of acting projects including human dramas such as ''Hamlet'', and comedic roles such as those in ''Maverick'' and ''What Women Want''. He expanded beyond acting into directing and producing, with: ''The Man Without a Face'', in 1993; ''Braveheart'', in 1995; ''The Passion of the Christ'', in 2004; and ''Apocalypto'', in 2006. Jess Cagle of ''TIME'' has compared Gibson to Cary Grant, Sean Connery, and Robert Redford. Connery once suggested Gibson should play the next James Bond to Connery's ''M''. Gibson turned down the role, reportedly because he feared being typecast.

Stage

Gibson studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. The students at NIDA were classically trained in the British-theater tradition rather than in preparation for screen acting. As students, Gibson and actress Judy Davis played the leads in ''Romeo and Juliet'', and Gibson played the role of Queen Titania in an experimental production of ''A Midsummer Night's Dream.'' After graduation in 1977, Gibson immediately began work on the filming of ''Mad Max'', but continued to work as a stage actor, and joined the State Theatre Company of South Australia in Adelaide. Gibson’s theatrical credits include the character Estragon (opposite Geoffrey Rush) in ''Waiting for Godot'', and the role of Biff Loman in a 1982 production of ''Death of a Salesman'' in Sydney. Gibson’s most recent theatrical performance, opposite Sissy Spacek, was the 1993 production of ''Love Letters'' by A. R. Gurney, in Telluride, Colorado.

Australian television and cinema

While a student at NIDA, Gibson made his film debut in the 1977 film ''Summer City'', for which he was paid $400.

Gibson then played the title character in the film ''Mad Max'' (1979). He was paid $15000 for this role. Shortly after making the film he did a season with the South Australian Theatre Company. During this period he shared a $30 a week apartment in Adelaide with his future wife Robyn. After ''Mad Max'' Gibson also played a mentally slow youth in the film ''Tim''.

During this period Gibson also appeared in Australian television series guest roles. He appeared in serial ''The Sullivans'' as naval lieutenant Ray Henderson, in police procedural ''Cop Shop'',

Gibson joined the cast of the World War II action film ''Attack Force Z'', which was not released until 1982 when Gibson had become a bigger star. Director Peter Weir cast Gibson as one of the leads in the critically acclaimed World War I drama ''Gallipoli'', which earned Gibson another Best Actor Award from the Australian Film Institute. The film ''Gallipoli'' also helped to earn Gibson the reputation of a serious, versatile actor and gained him the Hollywood agent Ed Limato. The sequel ''Mad Max 2'' was his first hit in America (released as ''The Road Warrior''). In 1982 Gibson again attracted critical acclaim in Peter Weir’s romantic thriller ''The Year of Living Dangerously''. Following a year hiatus from film acting after the birth of his twin sons, Gibson took on the role of Fletcher Christian in ''The Bounty'' in 1984. Playing Max Rockatansky for the third time in ''Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome'', in 1985, earned Gibson his first million dollar salary.

Hollywood

Early Hollywood years

Mel Gibson's first American film was Mark Rydell’s 1984 drama ''The River'', in which he and Sissy Spacek played struggling Tennessee farmers. Gibson then starred in the Gothic romance ''Mrs. Soffel'' for Australian director Gillian Armstrong. He and Matthew Modine played condemned convict brothers opposite Diane Keaton as the warden's wife who visits them to read the Bible. In 1985, after working on four films in a row, Gibson took almost two years off at his Australian cattle station. He returned to play the role of Martin Riggs in ''Lethal Weapon'', a film which helped to cement his status as a Hollywood "leading man". Gibson's next film was Robert Towne’s ''Tequila Sunrise'', followed by ''Lethal Weapon 2'', in 1989. Gibson next starred in three films back-to-back: ''Bird on a Wire'', ''Air America'', and ''Hamlet''; all were released in 1990.

1990s

During the 1990s, Gibson alternated between commercial and personal projects. His films in the first half of the decade were ''Forever Young'', ''Lethal Weapon 3'', ''Maverick'', and ''Braveheart''. He then starred in ''Ransom'', ''Conspiracy Theory'', ''Lethal Weapon 4'', and ''Payback''. Gibson also served as the speaking and singing voice of John Smith in Disney’s ''Pocahontas''.

After 2000

In 2000, Gibson acted in three films that each grossed over $100 million: ''The Patriot'', ''Chicken Run'', and ''What Women Want''. In 2002, Gibson appeared in the Vietnam War drama ''We Were Soldiers'' and M. Night Shyamalan’s ''Signs'', which became the highest-grossing film of Gibson’s acting career. While promoting ''Signs'', Gibson said that he no longer wanted to be a movie star and would only act in film again if the script were truly extraordinary. In 2010, Gibson appeared in ''Edge of Darkness'', which marked his first starring role since 2002 and was an adaptation of the BBC miniseries, ''Edge of Darkness''. In 2010, following an outburst at his ex-girlfriend that was made public, Gibson was dropped from the talent agency of William Morris Endeavor.

Producer

After his success in Hollywood with the ''Lethal Weapon'' series, Gibson began to move into producing and directing. With partner Bruce Davey, Gibson formed Icon Productions in 1989 in order to make ''Hamlet''. In addition to producing or co-producing many of Gibson's own star vehicles, Icon has turned out many other small films, ranging from ''Immortal Beloved'' to ''An Ideal Husband''. Gibson has taken supporting roles in some of these films, such as ''The Million Dollar Hotel'' and ''The Singing Detective''. Gibson has also produced a number of projects for television, including a biopic on The Three Stooges and the 2008 PBS documentary ''Carrier''. Icon has grown from being just a production company to also be an international distribution company and film exhibitor in Australia and New Zealand.

Director

Mel Gibson has credited his directors, particularly George Miller, Peter Weir, and Richard Donner, with teaching him the craft of filmmaking and influencing him as a director. According to Robert Downey, Jr., studio executives encouraged Gibson in 1989 to try directing, an idea he rebuffed at the time. Gibson made his directorial debut in 1993 with ''The Man Without a Face'', followed two years later by ''Braveheart'', which earned Gibson the Academy Award for Best Director. Gibson had long planned to direct a remake of ''Fahrenheit 451'', but in 1999 the project was indefinitely postponed because of scheduling conflicts. Gibson was scheduled to direct Robert Downey, Jr. in a Los Angeles stage production of ''Hamlet'' in January 2001, but Downey's drug relapse ended the project. In 2002, while promoting ''We Were Soldiers'' and ''Signs'' to the press, Gibson mentioned that he was planning to pare back on acting and return to directing. In September 2002, Gibson announced that he would direct a film called ''The Passion'' in Aramaic and Latin with no subtitles because he hoped to "transcend language barriers with filmic storytelling." In 2004, he released the controversial film ''The Passion of the Christ'', with subtitles, which he co-wrote, co-produced, and directed. The film went on to become the highest grossing rated R film of all time with $370,782,930 in U.S. box office sales. Gibson directed a few episodes of ''Complete Savages'' for the ABC network. In 2006, he directed the action-adventure film ''Apocalypto'', his second film to feature sparse dialogue in a non-English language.

Honors

On 25 July 1997, Gibson was named an honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), in recognition of his "service to the Australian film industry". The award was honorary because substantive awards are made only to Australian citizens. In 1985, Gibson was named "The Sexiest Man Alive" by ''People'', the first person to be named so. Gibson quietly declined the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres from the French government in 1995 as a protest against France's resumption of nuclear testing in the Southwest Pacific. ''TIME'' magazine chose Mel Gibson and Michael Moore as Men of the Year in 2004, but Gibson turned down the photo session and interview, and the cover went instead to George W. Bush.

Films

''Mad Max'' series

Gibson got his breakthrough role as the leather-clad post-apocalyptic survivor in George Miller's ''Mad Max''. The independently financed blockbuster helped to make him an international star everywhere but in the United States, where the actors' Australian accents were dubbed with American accents. The original film spawned two sequels: ''Mad Max 2'' (known in North America as ''The Road Warrior''), and ''Mad Max 3'' (known in North America as ''Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome''). A fourth movie, ''Mad Max 4: Fury Road'', is in development, but both Gibson and George Miller have indicated that the starring role would go to a younger actor.

''Gallipoli''

Gibson played the role of the cynical Frank Dunne alongside co-star Mark Lee in the 1981 Peter Weir film. ''Gallipoli'' is about a group of young men from rural Western Australia who enlist in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. They are sent to the Ottoman Empire, where they take part in the Gallipoli Campaign. During the course of the movie, the young men slowly lose their innocence about the war. The climax of the movie occurs at the brutal attack during Battle of the Nek. According to Gibson, “Gallipoli was the birth of a nation. It was the shattering of a dream for Australia. They had banded together to fight the Hun and died by the thousands in a dirty little trench war." The critically acclaimed film helped to further launch Gibson's career. He won the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role from the Australian Film Institute.

''The Year of Living Dangerously''

Gibson played a naïve but ambitious journalist opposite Sigourney Weaver and Linda Hunt in Peter Weir’s atmospheric 1982 film ''The Year of Living Dangerously'', based on the novel of the same name by Christopher Koch. The movie was both a critical and commercial success, and the upcoming Australian actor was heavily marketed by MGM studio. In his review of the film, Vincent Canby of ''The New York Times'' wrote, "If this film doesn't make an international star of Mr. Gibson, then nothing will. He possesses both the necessary talent and the screen presence." According to John Hiscock of ''The Daily Telegraph'', the film did, indeed, establish Gibson as an international talent.

Gibson was initially reluctant to accept the role of Guy Hamilton. "I didn't necessarily see my role as a great challenge. My character was, like the film suggests, a puppet. And I went with that. It wasn't some star thing, even though they advertised it that way." Gibson saw some similarities between himself and the character of Guy. "He's not a silver-tongued devil. He's kind of immature and he has some rough edges and I guess you could say the same for me." Gibson has cited this screen performance as his personal favorite.

''The Bounty''

Gibson followed the footsteps of Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, and Marlon Brando by starring as Fletcher Christian in a cinematic retelling of the mutiny on the Bounty. The resulting 1984 film ''The Bounty'' is considered to be the most historically accurate version. However, Gibson thinks that the film's revisionism did not go far enough. He stated that his character should have been portrayed as more of a villain and described Anthony Hopkins's performance as William Bligh as the best aspect of the film.

''Lethal Weapon'' series

Gibson moved into more mainstream commercial filmmaking with the popular buddy cop ''Lethal Weapon'' series, which began with the 1987 original. In the films he played LAPD Detective Martin Riggs, a recently widowed Vietnam veteran with a death wish and a penchant for violence and gunplay. In the films, he is partnered with a reserved family man named Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover). Following the success of ''Lethal Weapon'', director Richard Donner and principal cast revisited the characters in three sequels, ''Lethal Weapon 2'' (1989), ''Lethal Weapon 3'' (1993), and ''Lethal Weapon 4'' (1998). With its fourth installment, the ''Lethal Weapon'' series embodied "the quintessence of the buddy cop pic".

''Hamlet''

Gibson made the unusual transition from the action to classical genres, playing the melancholic Danish prince in Franco Zeffirelli's ''Hamlet''. Gibson was cast alongside such experienced Shakespearean actors as Ian Holm, Alan Bates, and Paul Scofield. He described working with his fellow cast members as similar to being "thrown into the ring with Mike Tyson".

''Braveheart''

Mel Gibson directed, produced, and starred in ''Braveheart'', an epic telling of the legend of Sir William Wallace, a 13th century Scottish patriot. Gibson received two Academy Awards, Best Director and Best Picture for his second directorial effort. In winning the Academy Award for Best Director, Gibson became only the sixth actor-turned-filmmaker to do so. ''Braveheart'' influenced the Scottish nationalist movement and helped to revive the film genre of the historical epic; the Battle of Stirling Bridge sequence is considered by critics to be one of the all-time best directed battle scenes.

''The Passion of the Christ''

Gibson directed, produced, co-wrote, and funded the 2004 film ''The Passion of the Christ,'' which chronicled the passion and death of Jesus (Jim Caviezel). The film was shot exclusively in Aramaic, Latin, and Hebrew. Although Gibson originally intended to release the film without subtitles; he eventually relented for theatrical exhibition. The film sparked divergent reviews, ranging from high praise to criticism of the violence.

The Anti-Defamation League further accused Gibson of anti-semitism over the film's unflattering depiction of Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. Among those to defend Gibson were Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Daniel Lapin and radio personality Michael Medved. Referring to ADL National Director Abraham Foxman, Rabbi Lapin said that by calling ''The Passion of the Christ'' anti-Semitic, "what he is saying is that the only way (for Christians) to escape the wrath of Foxman is to repudiate (their own) faith."

In an interview with the ''Globe and Mail'', Gibson stated, "If anyone has distorted Gospel passages to rationalize cruelty towards Jews or anyone, it's in defiance of repeated Papal condemnation. The Papacy has condemned racism in any form... Jesus died for the sins of all times, and I'll be the first on the line for culpability".

Eventually, the continued media attacks began to anger Gibson. After his father's Holocaust denial was sharply criticized in print by ''The New York Times'' writer Frank Rich, Gibson retorted, "I want to kill him. I want his intestines on a stick.... I want to kill his dog."

Gibson's Traditionalist Catholic upbringing was also the target of criticism. In a 2006 interview with Diane Sawyer, Gibson stated that he feels that his "human rights were violated" by the often vitriolic attacks on his person, his father's beliefs, and his religious beliefs which were sparked by ''The Passion''.

The movie grossed US$611,899,420 worldwide and $370,782,930 in the US alone, surpassing any motion picture starring Gibson. In US box offices, it became the eighth (at the time) highest-grossing film in history and the highest-grossing rated R film of all time. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards and won the People's Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic Motion Picture.

''Apocalypto''

Gibson received further critical acclaim for his directing of the 2006 action-adventure film ''Apocalypto''. Gibson's fourth directorial effort is set in Mesoamerica during the early 16th century against the turbulent end times of a Maya civilization. The sparse dialogue is spoken in the Yucatec Maya language by a cast of Native American descent.

''The Beaver''

Gibson starred in ''The Beaver'', a film directed by former ''Maverick'' co-star, Jodie Foster. ''The Beaver'' premiered at The South by Southwest Festival in Austin on 16 March 2011 The opening weekend in 22 theaters was considered a flop: it made $104,000 which comes to a per-theater average of $4,745. The film's distributor, Summit Entertainment, had originally planned for a wide release of ''The Beaver'' for the weekend of , but after the initial box-office returns for the film, the company changed course and decided instead to give the film a "limited art-house run". Michael Cieply of the ''New York Times'' observed on 5 June 2011, that the film had cleared just about $1 million, making it a certified "flop". Director Jodie Foster opined that the film did not do well with American audiences because it was a dramedy and “And very often Americans are not comfortable with (that).”

Future films

In March 2007, Gibson told a screening audience that he was preparing another script with Farhad Safinia about the writing of the ''Oxford English Dictionary'' (OED). Gibson's company has long owned the rights to ''The Professor and the Madman'', which tells the story of the creation of the OED.

Gibson has dismissed the rumors that he is considering directing a film about Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa. Asked in September 2007 if he planned to return to acting and specifically to action roles, Gibson said: "I think I’m too old for that, but you never know. I just like telling stories. Entertainment is valid and I guess I’ll probably do it again before it's over. You know, do something that people won’t get mad with me for."

In 2005, the film ''Sam and George'' was announced as the seventh collaboration between director Richard Donner and Gibson. In February 2009, Donner said that this Paramount project was “dead,” but that he and Gibson were planning another film based on an original script by Brian Helgeland for production in fall 2009.

He has also expressed an intention to direct a movie set during the Viking Age, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The as-yet untitled film, like ''The Passion of the Christ'' and ''Apocalypto'', will feature dialogue in period languages. However, some sources have speculated that DiCaprio might opt out of the project.

In June 2010, Gibson was in Brownsville, Texas, filming scenes for another movie, tentatively titled ''How I Spent My Summer Vacation'', about a career criminal put in a tough prison in Mexico.

In October 2010, it was reported that Gibson would have a small role in ''The Hangover: Part II'', but he was removed from the film after the cast and crew objected to his involvement.

Personal life

Family

Gibson met Robyn Denise Moore in the late 1970s soon after filming ''Mad Max'' when they were both tenants at a house in Adelaide. At the time, Robyn was a dental nurse and Mel was an unknown actor working for the South Australian Theatre Company. On 7 June 1980, Mel and Robyn Gibson were married in a Roman Catholic church in Forestville, New South Wales. They currently have one daughter, six sons, and two grandchildren.

After 26 years of marriage, Mel and Robyn Gibson separated on 29 July 2006. In a 2011 interview, Gibson stated that the separation began the day following his arrest for drunk driving in Malibu. Robyn Gibson filed for divorce on 13 April 2009, citing irreconcilable differences. In a joint statement, the Gibsons declared, "Throughout our marriage and separation we have always strived to maintain the privacy and integrity of our family and will continue to do so." The divorce filing followed the March 2009 release of photographs appearing to show him on a beach embracing Russian pianist Oksana Grigorieva.

On 28 April 2009, Gibson made a red carpet appearance with Grigorieva. Grigorieva, who had previously had a son with actor Timothy Dalton, gave birth to Gibson's daughter Lucia on 30 October 2009. In April 2010, it was made public that Gibson and Grigorieva had split. On 21 June 2010, Grigorieva filed a restraining order against Gibson to keep him away from her and their child. The restraining order was modified the next day regarding Gibson's contact with their child. Gibson obtained a restraining order against Grigorieva on 25 June 2010. In response to claims by Grigorieva that an incident of domestic violence occurred in January 2010, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department launched a domestic violence investigation in July 2010.

Investments

Gibson is a property investor, with multiple properties in Malibu, California, several locations in Costa Rica, a private island in Fiji and properties in Australia. In December 2004, Gibson sold his Australian farm in the Kiewa Valley for $6 million. Also in December 2004, Gibson purchased Mago Island in Fiji from Tokyu Corporation of Japan for $15 million. Descendants of the original native inhabitants of Mago, who were displaced in the 1860s, have protested the purchase. Gibson stated it was his intention to retain the pristine environment of the undeveloped island. In early 2005, he sold his Montana ranch to a neighbour. In April 2007 he purchased a ranch in Costa Rica for $26 million, and in July 2007 he sold his Tudor estate in Connecticut (which he purchased in 1994 for $9 million) for $40 million to an unnamed buyer. Also that month, he sold a Malibu property for $30 million that he had purchased for $24 million two years before. In 2008, he purchased the Malibu home of David Duchovny and Téa Leoni.

Prankster

Gibson has a reputation for practical jokes, puns, Stooge-inspired physical comedy, and doing outrageous things to shock people. As a director he sometimes breaks the tension on set by having his actors perform serious scenes wearing a red clown nose. Helena Bonham Carter, who appeared alongside him in ''Hamlet'', said of him, "He has a very basic sense of humor. It's a bit lavatorial and not very sophisticated." During the filming of ''Hamlet'', Gibson would relieve pressure on the set by mooning the cast and crew, directly following a serious scene. In addition to inserting several homages to the Three Stooges in his ''Lethal Weapon'' movies, Gibson produced a 2000 television movie about the comedy group which starred Michael Chiklis as Curly Howard. As a gag, Gibson inserted a single frame of himself smoking a cigarette into the 2005 teaser trailer of ''Apocalypto''.

Philanthropy

Gibson and his former wife have contributed a substantial amount of money to various charities, one of which is Healing the Children. According to Cris Embleton, one of the founders, the Gibsons gave millions to provide lifesaving medical treatment to needy children worldwide. They also supported the restoration of Renaissance artwork and gave millions of dollars to NIDA.

Gibson donated $500,000 to the El Mirador Basin Project to protect the last tract of virgin rain forest in Central America and to fund archeological excavations in the "cradle of Mayan civilization." In July 2007, Gibson again visited Central America to make arrangements for donations to the indigenous population. Gibson met with Costa Rican President Óscar Arias to discuss how to "channel the funds." During the same month, Gibson pledged to give financial assistance to a Malaysian company named Green Rubber Global for a tire recycling factory located in Gallup, New Mexico. While on a business trip to Singapore in September 2007, Gibson donated to a local charity for children with chronic and terminal illnesses.

Religious and political views

Faith

Gibson was raised a Traditionalist Catholic. When asked about the Catholic doctrine of "''Extra Ecclesiam nulla salus''", Gibson replied, "There is no salvation for those outside the Church ... I believe it. Put it this way. My wife is a saint. She's a much better person than I am. Honestly. She's... Episcopalian, Church of England. She prays, she believes in God, she knows Jesus, she believes in that stuff. And it's just not fair if she doesn't make it, she's better than I am. But that is a pronouncement from the chair. I go with it." When he was asked whether John 14:6 is an intolerant position, he said that "through the merits of Jesus' sacrifice... even people who don't know Jesus are able to be saved, but ''through'' him." Acquaintance Father William Fulco has said that Gibson denies neither the Pope nor Vatican II. Gibson told Diane Sawyer that he believes non-Catholics and non-Christians can go to heaven.

Politics

Gibson has been described as “ultraconservative”.

Gibson complimented filmmaker Michael Moore and his documentary ''Fahrenheit 9/11'' when he and Moore were recognized at the 2005 People's Choice Awards. Gibson's Icon Productions originally agreed to finance Moore's film, but later sold the rights to Miramax Films. Moore said that his agent Ari Emanuel claimed that "top Republicans" called Mel Gibson to tell him, "don’t expect to get more invitations to the White House". Icon's spokesman dismissed this story, saying "We never run from a controversy. You'd have to be out of your mind to think that of the company that just put out ''The Passion of the Christ''."

In a July 1995 interview with ''Playboy'' magazine, Gibson said President Bill Clinton was a "low-level opportunist" and someone was "telling him what to do". He said that the Rhodes Scholarship was established for young men and women who want to strive for a "new world order" and this was a campaign for Marxism. Gibson later backed away from such conspiracy theories saying, "It was like: 'Hey, tell us a conspiracy'... so I laid out this thing, and suddenly, it was like I was talking the gospel truth, espousing all this political shit like I believed in it." In the same 1995 ''Playboy'' interview, Gibson argued against ordaining women to the priesthood.

In 2004, he publicly spoke out against taxpayer-funded embryonic stem-cell research that involves the cloning and destruction of human embryos. In March 2005, he condemned the outcome of the Terri Schiavo case, referring to Schiavo's death as "state-sanctioned murder".

Gibson questioned the Iraq War in March 2004. In 2006, Gibson said that the "fearmongering" depicted in his film ''Apocalypto'' "reminds me a little of President Bush and his guys."

In a 2011 interview, Gibson stated,

"The whole notion of politics is they always present you with this or this or this. I’ll get a newspaper to read between the lines. Why do you have to adhere to prescribed formulas that they have and people argue over them and they’re all in a box. And you watch Fox claw CNN, and CNN claw Fox. Sometimes I catch a piece of the news and it seems insanity to me. I quietly support candidates. I’m not out there banging a drum for candidates. But I have supported a candidate and it’s a whole other world. Once you’ve been exposed to it, once or twice or however many times, if you know the facts and see how they’re presented, it’s mind-boggling. It’s a very scary arena to be in, but I do vote. I go in there and pull the lever. It’s kind of like pulling the lever and watching the trap door fall out from beneath you. Why should we trust any of these people? None of them ever deliver on anything. It’s always disappointing."

Controversy

Alleged homophobia

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) accused Gibson of homophobia after a December 1991 interview in the Spanish newspaper ''El País'' in which he made derogatory comments about homosexuals. Gibson later defended his comments and rejected calls to apologise. However, Gibson joined GLAAD in hosting 10 lesbian and gay filmmakers for an on-location seminar on the set of the movie ''Conspiracy Theory'' in January 1997. In 1999 when asked about the comments to ''El País'', Gibson said, "I shouldn't have said it, but I was tickling a bit of vodka during that interview, and the quote came back to bite me on the ass."

Alleged anti-semitism in ''The Passion of the Christ''

Gibson's 2004 film ''The Passion of the Christ'' sparked a fierce debate over alleged antisemitic imagery and overtones. Gibson denied that the film was antisemitic, but critics remained divided. Some agreed that the film was consistent with the Gospels and traditional Catholic teachings, while others argued that it reflected a selective reading of the Gospels.

Sexism and domestic violence

In July 2010, it was alleged that Gibson had been recorded during a phone call with Oksana Grigorieva suggesting that if she got "raped by a pack of niggers," she would be to blame. Gibson was barred from coming near Grigorieva or her daughter due to a domestic violence-related restraining order. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched a domestic violence investigation against Gibson. Gibson's estranged wife, Robyn Gibson, has filed a court statement declaring that she never experienced any abuse from Gibson, while forensic experts have questioned the validity of some of the tapes. In March 2011, Mel Gibson agreed to plead no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge.

In a subsequent interview, Gibson stated,

"I was allowed to end the case and still maintain my innocence. It’s called a West Plea and it’s not something that prosecutors normally allow. But in my case, the prosecutors and the judge agreed that it was the right thing to do. I could have continued to fight this for years and it probably would have come out fine. But I ended it for my children and my family. This was going to be such a circus. You don’t drag other people in your life through this sewer needlessly, so I’ll take the hit and move on."

Racism

On 8 July 2010, Gibson was alleged to have made an ethnic slur against Latinos using the term "wetbacks" as he suggested turning in one of his employees to immigration authorities. On 9 July 2010, some audio recordings alleged to be of Gibson were posted on the internet. The same day Gibson was dropped by his agency, William Morris Endeavor.

The July 2010 reports of voice-mail recordings also included alleged racist remarks, with Gibson using the word "niggers". Civil rights activists commented that Gibson had shown patterns of racism, sexism and anti-Semitism and called for a boycott of Gibson's movies.

In April 2011, Gibson finally broke his silence about the incident in question. In an interview with Deadline.com, Gibson expressed gratitude to longtime friends Whoopi Goldberg and Jodie Foster, both of whom had spoken publicly in his defense. About the recordings, Gibson said,

"I’ve never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way based on their gender, race, religion or sexuality – period. I don’t blame some people for thinking that though, from the garbage they heard on those leaked tapes, which have been edited. You have to put it all in the proper context of being in an irrationally, heated discussion at the height of a breakdown, trying to get out of a really unhealthy relationship. It’s one terribly, awful moment in time, said to one person, in the span of one day and doesn’t represent what I truly believe or how I’ve treated people my entire life."

Alcohol abuse and legal issues

Gibson has said that he started drinking at the age of thirteen. In a 2002 interview about his time at NIDA, Gibson said, "I had really good highs but some very low lows. I found out recently I'm manic depressive."

Gibson was banned from driving in Ontario for three months in 1984, after rear-ending a car in Toronto while under the influence of alcohol. He retreated to his Australian farm for over a year to recover, but he continued to struggle with drinking. Despite this problem, Gibson gained a reputation in Hollywood for professionalism and punctuality such that ''Lethal Weapon 2'' director Richard Donner was shocked when Gibson confided that he was drinking five pints of beer for breakfast. Reflecting in 2003 and 2004, Gibson said that despair in his mid-30s led him to contemplate suicide, and he meditated on Christ's Passion to heal his wounds. He took more time off acting in 1991 and sought professional help. That year, Gibson's attorneys were unsuccessful at blocking the ''Sunday Mirror'' from publishing what Gibson shared at AA meetings. In 1992, Gibson provided financial support to Hollywood's Recovery Center, saying, "Alcoholism is something that runs in my family. It's something that's close to me. People do come back from it, and it's a miracle."

DUI incident with antisemitic remarks

On 28 July 2006, Gibson was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) while speeding in his vehicle with an open container of alcohol. A leaked report revealed that during Gibson's 28 July 2006 arrest for driving under the influence he made antisemitic remarks to arresting officer James Mee, who is Jewish, saying "Fucking Jews... the Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world." Gibson issued two apologies for the incident through his publicist, and in a later interview with Diane Sawyer, he affirmed the accuracy of the quotations. He admitted to making antisemitic remarks during his arrest and apologized for his "despicable" behavior, saying the comments were "blurted out in a moment of insanity" and asked to meet with Jewish leaders to help him "discern the appropriate path for healing." After Gibson's arrest, his publicist said he had entered a recovery program to battle alcoholism.

On 17 August 2006, Gibson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge and was sentenced to three years probation. He was ordered to attend self-help meetings five times a week for four and a half months and three times a week for the remainder of the first year of his probation. He was also ordered to attend a First Offenders Program, was fined $1,300, and his license was restricted for 90 days.

At a May 2007 progress hearing, Gibson was praised for his compliance with the terms of his probation and his extensive participation in a self-help program beyond what was required.

Filmography

Gibson's acting career began in 1976, with a role on the Australian television series ''The Sullivans''. In his career, Gibson has appeared in 43 films, including the ''Mad Max'' and ''Lethal Weapon'' film series. In addition to acting, Gibson has also directed four films, including ''Braveheart'' and ''The Passion of the Christ''; produced 11 films; and written two films. Films either starring or directed by Mel Gibson have earned over US$2.5 billion, in the United States alone. Gibson's filmography includes television series, feature films, television films, and animated films.

Awards and accomplishments

Academy Award: Best Picture, for ''Braveheart'' (1995) Academy Award: Best Director, for ''Braveheart'' (1995) People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Actor (1991, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004) People's Choice Awards: Favorite Motion Picture Star in a Comedy (2001) ShoWest Award: Male Star of the Year (1993) ShoWest Award: Director of the Year (1996) American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: American Cinematheque Award (1995) Hasty Pudding Theatricals: Man of the Year (1997) Australian Film Institute: Global Achievement Award (2002) Honorary Doctorate Recipient and Undergraduate Commencement Speaker, Loyola Marymount University (2003) World's most powerful celebrity by US business magazine ''Forbes'' (2004) Hollywood Reporter Innovator of the Year (2004) Honorary fellowship in Performing Arts by Limkokwing University (2007) Outstanding Contribution to World Cinema Award at the Irish Film and Television Awards (2008) Sexist Pig Award from the Alliance of Women Film Journalists (2011)

References

Bibliography

External links

"Exclusive: Mel Gibson's Apocalyto Now" (sic), by Tim Padgett/Veracruz, ''TIME'' magazine

Category:1956 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century actors Category:21st-century actors Category:21st-century writers Category:Actors from New York Category:American film actors Category:American film directors Category:American emigrants to Australia Category:American people of Australian descent Category:American people of Irish descent Category:American philanthropists Category:American Roman Catholics Category:American screenwriters Category:American stage actors Category:American television actors Category:American television producers Category:American Traditionalist Catholics Category:American voice actors Category:Best Director Academy Award winners Category:Best Director Golden Globe winners Category:Honorary Officers of the Order of Australia Category:People educated at the National Institute of Dramatic Art Category:People from Sydney Category:People from Westchester County, New York Category:People self-identifying as alcoholics Category:People with bipolar disorder Category:Producers who won the Best Picture Academy Award Category:Racism in the United States

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Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Curtis Stigers
born	October 18, 1965Boise, Idaho, U.S.
origin	Boise, Idaho, U.S.
instrument	Vocals, saxophone, guitar
genre	Jazz, contemporary
occupation	Singer-songwriter, musician
background	solo_singer }}

Curtis Stigers (born October 18, 1965) is an American jazz vocalist, saxophonist, guitarist, and songwriter.

Early life and career

Stigers was born in Boise, Idaho, and started his music career as a teenager, playing in jazz, rock and blues groups, as well as receiving formal training in clarinet and saxophone at high school in Boise. He acquired much of his inspiration and encouragement for pursuing jazz from jam sessions led by Gene Harris at the Idanha Hotel. His song "Swingin' Down at Tenth and Main" is a tribute to those times with Harris. After graduation, he moved to New York to pursue rock music but soon found himself playing and singing in a jazz trio. He was signed to a recording contract by Arista Records and released two albums for the label: a self-titled, multi-platinum debut in 1991, and ''Time Was'' in 1995. His smooth, blend of soul and rock translated into commercial appeal, ensuring his continued popularity. In addition, Stigers moonlighted as a jazz vocalist, performing and recording with artists such as Gene Harris, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Prince, Bonnie Raitt, Rod Stewart, The Allman Brothers Band and Joe Cocker. He sang a duet with Julia Fordham on her re-recording of Where Does The Time Go?

According to Will Birch's book on pub rock, ''No Sleep Till Canvey Island'', the royalties from Curtis Stigers' version of the song, "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding", made songwriter Nick Lowe independently wealthy. Stigers' version appeared on the soundtrack album for the film ''The Bodyguard'', which sold 17 million copies in the United States alone.

Stigers also appears on the ''Dawson's Creek'' soundtracks. In his solo career, he has popularized tunes such as "I Wonder Why", which reached #5 in the UK Singles Chart and #9 in the United States Billboard Hot 100 charts in 1991 and "You're All That Matters To Me", which reached #6 as the follow-up single in the UK. In 2006, Stigers participated in the BBC Television show ''Just the Two of Us'', where he sang with journalist Penny Smith. He was one of the soloists at a concert celebrating the MGM musical, during the 2009 Proms season. His song "This Life" is used as the intro for the American show ''Sons of Anarchy''. He also covered "John the Revelator" for the ''Sons of Anarchy'''s season 1 finale.

Discography

''Curtis Stigers'' (Arista, 1991)

''Time Was'' (Arista, 1995)

''Brighter Days'' (1999) (Columbia. 1999)

''All That Matters, The Best Of Curtis Stigers'' (BMG/Camden, 2001)

''Baby Plays Around'' (Concord, 2001)

''Secret Heart'' (Concord, 2002)

''You Inspire Me'' (Concord, 2003)

''I Think It's Going to Rain Today'' (Concord, 2005)

''Real Emotional'' (Universal, 2007)

''Lost In Dreams'' (Concord, 2009)

References

External links

Home Page

Curtis Stigers Fansite

Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:American jazz singers Category:Jazz-pop singers Category:Blue-eyed soul singers Category:Smooth jazz singers Category:People from Boise, Idaho Category:Concord Records artists

da:Curtis Stigers de:Curtis Stigers fr:Curtis Stigers pl:Curtis Stigers

Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Melanie C
background	solo_singer
birth name	Melanie Jayne Chisholm
legal name	Melanie C
alias	Melanie C.Sporty Spice
born	January 12, 1974Whiston, Lancashire, England
origin	London, England, UK
genre	Pop, pop rock, britpop, dance
occupation	Singer-songwriter, businesswoman, actress
years active	1994–present
label	Virgin RecordsRed Girl Records
associated acts	Spice Girls, Bryan Adams, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes
website	}}

Melanie Jayne Chisholm (born 12 January 1974, Whiston, Lancashire, now Merseyside) is an English singer-songwriter, actress and businesswoman professionally known simply as Melanie C (or Mel C). She is best known as one of the five members of the girl group Spice Girls, in which she was nicknamed "Sporty Spice". She toured the world for years with the Spice Girls, gaining worldwide popularity and when the Spice Girls decided to pursue solo careers, Melanie decided to produce her own brand of music, in 1999 she released her first studio album ''Northern Star'' which sold 4 million copies worldwide. After the release of Northern Star Melanie battled depression and an eating disorder, and released her second studio album in 2003, ''Reason''. Melanie was victorious in her battle against depression and eating disorder, and released her third studio album two years later in 2005, ''Beautiful Intentions'' which became her second most successful album commercially. In 2007 she released her fouth studio album ''This Time'' sporting a new indie sound. Shortly after the release of This Time, Melanie along with the four other members of the Spice Girls, confirmed their return as a band for their The Return of the Spice Girls World Tour. After the tour ended, she announced that she was pregnant with her first child and gave birth in February 2009. Melanie then signed on for a six month deal to play Mrs Johnstone in the London West End play ''"Blood Brothers"''. In May 2011, Melanie announced that she was working on her fifth studio album ''The Sea,'' due for release in September 2011.

Melanie has earned nominations for BRIT- and ECHO awards, has sold more than 10 million records as a solo artist and holds the third position for most United Kingdom number-ones by a female artist and is the only female to reach UK Official Singles Chart at number one as a part of quartet, quintet, duo and as a solo artist.

Biography

Early life

Chisholm was born on 12 January 1974 at Whiston Hospital, Whiston on Merseyside. Raised originally in the Liverpool suburb of Rainhill, and then Widnes, Cheshire she attended Fairfield High School where she studied singing and dancing. After leaving school at age 15, Chisholm studied for a diploma course in dance, singing, drama and musical theatre at the Doreen Bird College of Performing Arts in Sidcup, Kent. During college, she replied to an advert in ''The Stage'' by Chris and Bob Herbert, who were looking to form a new girl group, later to become the Spice Girls. She left college just short of completing her three-year course and gained teaching qualifications in Tap and Modern Theatre Dance with the ISTD.

Spice Girls

In 1994, she joined the Spice Girls (then still called Touch) after the original fifth Touch member, Lianne Morgan had to leave the group. In 1996, Chisholm, along with Melanie Brown, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, and Victoria Beckham (at that time Victoria Adams), shot to fame with the release of "Wannabe". Because Mel C usually wore a tracksuit with her hair in a ponytail and sporting the attitude of a tomboy, she was called Sporty Spice. After a third album release, ''Forever'' (UK #2), the members went their separate ways, and Chisholm developed a successful solo career.

Virgin Records

Chisholm took her first steps in establishing a solo career in late 1998 by singing with Canadian rocker Bryan Adams on the song "When You're Gone". Her debut album ''Northern Star'' was released in 1999. A track from this album ("Ga Ga") was included on the ''Big Daddy'' soundtrack before her own album's release. Singles "Goin' Down" and "Northern Star" were met with promising success, but the third single "Never Be the Same Again", featuring TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, became her first UK number-one single as a solo artist, also a number-one single in the Netherlands, a Top Five hit in Germany and No.2 in Australia. Chisholm released a fourth single from ''Northern Star'', a dance remix of "I Turn to You", and earned herself a second number-one single in both the UK and the Netherlands. "I Turn to You" reached No.2 in Germany, No.11 in Australia and eventually climbed to the top of the ''Billboard'' dance chart in the United States. ''Northern Star'' was re-released with the single versions of "Never Be the Same Again" and "I Turn to You", and eventually peaked at number four on the United Kingdom album chart and number six in Germany.

"If That Were Me" was chosen as the fifth and final single from ''Northern Star'' and proceeds were donated to a charity for the homeless; it peaked at number eighteen in the UK. ''Northern Star'' is certified three times platinum in the United Kingdom for shipping 900,000 copies, platinum in Germany for selling over 500,000 copies, gold in Brazil for selling 100,000 copies, and gold in Australia for selling over 35,000 copies. Chisholm then went on her Northern Star World Tour, performing in countries such as Canada, Israel, Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

From May 2001 – November 2002 Chisholm toured for her album.

After a break from medias and public life and problems in her personal life, Chisholm released her second studio album, ''Reason'', in March 2003. The album included production from a series of collaborators including Gregg Alexander (New Radicals, Ronan Keating), Marius De Vries (Madonna), Dr Robert of The Blow Monkeys, David Arnold (Björk) and Matt Rowe, co-writer of the Spice Girls' "Wannabe". The lead single from ''Reason'' was "Here It Comes Again", which peaked at number seven in the UK, with the album entering the UK album chart a week later at number five, but quickly fell off the chart. The album also entered at number 12 in Germany and No.21 in Switzerland.

Other singles from the album were "On the Horizon" (UK number fourteen, written with Gregg Alexander), "Let's Love" in Japan (where the song accompanied a Toyota commercial), "Yeh Yeh Yeh" in mainland Europe and, finally, a UK double A-side of "Melt"/"Yeh Yeh Yeh", which achieved a disappointing UK chart position of number twenty-seven. After a series of disappointments and the relative failure of "Melt"/"Yeh Yeh Yeh", Chisholm parted ways with her label, Virgin Records. ''Reason'' has been certified gold in the United Kingdom.

Red Girl Records

Chisholm spent much of 2004 working on new material and setting up her own record company, Red Girl Records. Without major label backing, her activities are decided on and funded by herself, alongside her business partner and manager, Nancy Phillips. In April 2005, Chisholm released her third album, ''Beautiful Intentions''. The Adam Argyle-penned "Next Best Superstar" was chosen as the lead single and was released simultaneously in the UK, Europe, and Australia. The single peaked at number ten in the UK and reached the top of the Germany radio airplay chart for several weeks. A second single, "Better Alone", was released but later restricted to purchase from the iTunes Store (for digital download) and from her official online shop. Chisholm released "Better Alone" in 2006 in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and some other European countries. The third single from her third album was "First Day of My Life", a previously unheard Chisholm recording written by Guy Chambers and Enrique Iglesias. "First Day of My Life" topped the charts in several European countries. The single became one of the biggest hits of 2005 in parts of Europe, reaching number one position in Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Germany for two weeks (Chisholms first No.1 single here), but it was never released in the UK. ''Beautiful Intentions'' has been certified gold in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and platinum in Portugal, where it spent nine weeks at number one.

In early 2007, Chisholm released her fourth album, ''This Time''. It features writing collaborations with Adam Argyle, who written six tracks for new album, Peter-John Vettese, Guy Chambers and Cathy Dennis (amongst others). The first single released from the project was the international hit "The Moment You Believe", primarily released in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where it became a top twenty hit. The single also peaked at number 1 in Spain for two weeks and was a hit in several other European countries. In the UK, Chisholm released the track "I Want Candy", which peaked at number twenty-four and featured on the soundtrack to the film of the same name. The single peaked at number nine in Italy and Denmark. The second single from the album ''This Time'' was "Carolyna", released in June in the UK and across Europe. Although it underperformed in the UK, it became a top five radio hit in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and a top twenty hit in Italy. In October 2007 in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Austria Chisholm released the single "This Time". A new version of the song was recorded for the release. It featured a B-side track called "We Love To Entertain You", which was used for 2007's Pro7 Starforce campaign in Germany.

In November 2007, Chisholm reunited with the Spice Girls for a ''Greatest Hits'' album release and a three-months world tour. When the tour reached its first two-day break, Chisholm performed an acoustic solo set at The Mint in Los Angeles on 6 December, another one in The Grand Ballroom in New York City and a third solo performance in Toronto, Canada. In February 2008, Chisholm released her fourth album ''This Time'' in Canada on 8 April 2008, followed by a full Canadian tour in May 2008. The first single was "Carolyna". "Understand" was released as a second single in Canada on 25 July. The video was filmed largely in Toronto, but several live clips were included from her various Canadian performances as well.

In May 2009, Chisholm announces the release of a DVD with her concert at the Hard Rock Cafe in Manchester (2008), in aid of the Caron Keating Foundation. The DVD also includes two new songs: "Blue Skies All the Way" and "Paris Burning". The Mirror reported in July 2009 that Melanie is to release a new album in 2010, however an album failed to materialise in 2010 and Chisholm has since confirmed via her Twitter feed that she is back in the recording studio and aiming for a release date in 2011. In December 2009, she joined BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball on a special New Year's Eve radio programme featuring the Great British Songbook of the 90s, make it the part of BBC Special Christmas Season 2009.

In early 2011, Digital Spy reported that Melanie is working with DJ and club scene producer Jodie Harsh. The report indicates that Chisholm's 5th album will move away from her previous rock led efforts going for a more commercial club oriented electronic approach, music in vein to her earlier smash hit "I Turn to You". In May 2011, Chisholm announced via her official website, that the first single of her new album entitled "Rock Me" would be released in Germany, Switzerland and Austria 24 June 2011. The single has been chosen as the 'official' song for German TV channel ZDF’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. According to information in singers official site, music video for the new single was filmed in Manchester on 12 May 2011. On 8 June 2011, it was announced that "Rock Me" will be available worldwide on iTunes. Upon release "Rock Me" went top 40 on the German singles chart. The second single "Think About It" was announced on the singers website. The video for "Think About It" premiered on MelanieC.net on 15 July 2011.

Acting career

In the early to mid 1990s Chisholm made several appearances in television commercials and music videos while trying to pursue her music career. It was not until The Spice Girls became popular that she made regular television appearances and played herself in many commercials. In 1997, Chisholm's feature film debut came in ''Spiceworld The Movie'' playing herself alongside her bandmates. In 2000, Chisholm played herself in an episode of ''The Norm Show'' while promoting her girl band's third studio album ''Forever''.

She revealed in an interview with Nylon Magazine in December 2009, that she is interested in pursuing a serious acting career in film. In 2009, after having her first child, Chisholm signed to perform the role of Mrs Johnstone in the musical ''Blood Brothers'' by Willy Russell in London's West End'. She performed role for 6 months, commencing November 2009. She was nominated for the Best Actress in a Musical category at the 2010 Laurence Olivier Awards. Melanie reprises the role for a limited 2 week engagement at the Liverpool Empire Theatre in November 2010.

Personal life

Her younger half-brother Paul O'Neill is a racing driver and drives for Techspeed in the British Touring Car Championship.

Chisholm is friends with ex-Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones, who also played guitar on her first solo album ''Northern Star''. Her favourite singers include Madonna and Stevie Wonder; her favourite film is ''Jurassic Park''. Chisholm is a passionate supporter of Liverpool F.C., she named her label Red Girl Records after LFC, and, her favourite players at the club ironically got christened Spice Boys as a result of links with her and Simon Fuller.

She has been in a relationship with property developer Thomas Starr since 2002, after meeting him during a holiday In Barbados that same year. They currently share a £1 million country home at Catbrook, outside Chepstow, Monmouthshire.

In August 2008, it was announced that Chisholm and Starr were expecting their first child together. On 22 February 2009, Chisholm gave birth to a baby girl at the Portland Hospital in London. The baby weighed 3.7 kg (8 lbs 3oz) and was named Scarlet Starr. Chisholm is the last of the Spice Girls to become a mother.

Chisholm has been open about her battles with clinical depression which she has experienced sporadically throughout her life.

The singer is noted for her tattoos. Most of them are along eastern lines – among them a lotus flower, a phoenix and a dragon, and Tibetan symbols for love and happiness. She has 11 tattoos on her body with the last done in 2007 at Hanky Panky's in Amsterdam.

Discography

1999: ''Northern Star''

2003: ''Reason''

2005: ''Beautiful Intentions''

2007: ''This Time''

2011: ''The Sea''

Filmography

Films

1997: ''Spiceworld The Movie'' ... Herself (Lead Role)

Television

2003: ''Bo Selecta'' ... Herself (Cameo)

2007: ''Keith Lemon's World Tour'' ... Herself (3 Episodes)

2011: ''Tonight's the Night ... Herself

Stage Work

2009–2010: ''Blood Brothers'' ... Mrs Johnstone (London West End and Liverpool)

Tours

1999 – From Liverpool to Leicester Square

2000 – Northern Star UK Tour

2001 – Northern Star World Tour

2003 – Reason UK & Ireland Tour

2004 – The Barfly Mini-Tour

2005 – Beautiful Intentions European Tour

2005 – Beautiful Intentions German Tour

2008 – This Time Canadian Tour

References

External links

Category:1974 births Category:Bonnier Amigo Music Group artists Category:English female singers Category:English pop singers Category:English rock singers Category:English singer-songwriters Category:English businesspeople Category:English vegetarians Category:Female rock singers Category:Living people Category:People from Whiston, Merseyside Category:Spice Girls members Category:Alumni of Bird College

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Coordinates	33°51′35.9″N151°12′40″N
name	Haifa Wehbe
background	solo_singer
birth place	Mahrouna, Lebanon
genre	Arabic pop, World
occupation	Singer, model, Designer, Actress
years active	1990s- (model) 2002–present (Singer) 2007–present (Actress)
website	http://www.haifawehbe.com }}

Haifa Wehbe (Arabic: هيفاء وهبي) born in Mahrouna, Lebanon), is a Lebanese model, actress, and singer born to a Lebanese father and Egyptian mother who rose to fame in the Arab world as runner up for Miss Lebanon and later through the release of her debut album ''Houwa El-Zaman'' (Arabic: هو الزمن) in 2002 and is best known through her music for her sex appeal, provocative mannerisms and image, Wehbe is also widely considered a sex symbol in the Middle East. She has so far released four studio albums and made her acting debut in 2008 Pepsi-produced film "''Sea of Stars''". Wehbe is one of the most well-known female singers in the Arab World and is considered one of the most successful Lebanese singers. In 2006, she was on People Magazine's 50 most beautiful people list.

Early life

Wehbe was born in Mahrouna, a small Shia farming town in Southern Lebanon, to a Lebanese father and Egyptian mother, but shortly after her family had moved to Beirut where she grew up listening to jazz and R&B; and began to work as a full-time model at a young age. Wehbe won the title of ''Miss South Lebanon'' at the age of sixteen. Wehbe won an ancillary title at the Miss Lebanon competition, which she had to relinquish when it was discovered that she had already been married to nadim anntar(at age 18) and had a baby girl called Zeineb, disqualifying her.

Wehbe also made a name for herself when she starred in a music video clip for the famous Arabic crooner, George Wassouf. By 1996, she had appeared on over one hundred magazine covers.

Career

Houwa El-Zaman (2002-2003)

In 2002, Wehbe released her first album, titled ''Houwa El-Zaman'' (Arabic: هو الزمن, English: "It Is The Time"), which became a commercial success, in part thanks to the popularity of her first single "Agoul Ahwak" (Arabic: أقول أهواك, English: "I Say I Love You").

Baddi Eish and Television Career (2004-2007)

Wehbe released her second studio album ''Baddi Eesh'' (Arabic: بدي عيش, English: "I Want to Live") in early 2005 and lived up to expectations due to the success of its lead single "Ya Hayat Albi." Released after the assassination of Lebanese politician Rafik Hariri, the title single of the album is about "freedom, considered to be among the most basic of human rights". Her follow-up single became her biggest hit to date, "Ana Haifa" (Arabic: أنا هيفاء, English: "I Am Haifa"), which became her novelty song. In 2006 she released a follow up single "Bus al-Wawa" (Arabic: بوس الواوا, English: "Kiss the ''booboo''"), the song was later used in a Pepsi advertisement. The song was also voted Song of the Year in 2006 by Radio Scope and Sawt Al Musika.

In July 2005, Wehbe, along with 14 other celebrities from the Arab world, appeared on the live pan-Arab reality series Al-Wadi (Arabic: الوادي, English: The Farm‎), based on the French reality show La Ferme Célébrités. Wehbe's role featured songs from her then new album.

Wehbe was the first Arab artist appear on the Italian television channel Rai Uno at Piazza Navona in Rome, performing in front of celebrities and fashion designers. Haifa Wehbe has also performed with artists from outside the Arab world. On June 10, 2006, Wehbe became the first artist in the Arab world to perform with rapper 50 Cent when she performed the opening act for his first concert in Lebanon, at BIEL in Beirut.

In summer 2006 she was a spokesperson for Pepsi, and worked on Pepsi ads with football star Thierry Henry which were aired on Lebanese television during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Film Career Beginnings and Habibi Ana (2008-2009)

Wehbe starred in the Pepsi-produced film Sea of Stars released in early 2008, along with Carole Samaha, Ahmad el Sherif, Wael Kfoury, Brigitte Yaghi, and Ruwaida al-Mahrooqi

On July 4, 2008, Wehbe released her third studio album Habibi Ana (Arabic: حبيبي أنا, English: "My Love") which contains 15 songs including the lead single "Mosh Adra Astana". In the Middle East album sales struggled due to Haifa's lack of promotion as she was concentrating more on her acting and film career.

In 2009 Wehbe starred in Dokkan Shehata, a high-grossing Egyptian drama film. The film was produced by Khaled Youssef. It was released in June 2009 and immediately became a huge success in the Middle East whilst gaining tremendous publicity.

Baby Haifa (2010-present)

After a lengthy delay, Wehbe released a children's album titled Baby Haifa in March 2010 under Rotana Records.

Wehbe was scheduled to work on the Egyptian movie Leilet El-Baby Doll, but canceled due to her overbooked schedule. The singer will be starring in another movie with producer Muhammad Al Sabki scheduled for sometime in 2011.

In April 2010, Wehbe was featured on French DJ David Vendetta's album ''Vendetta'' on the song ''Yama Layali''. Wehbe is currently working on her fifth studio album. In an interview she said the album will be released in the start of summer.

Other works

Wehbe occasionally works as a television host and has also designed her own selection of diamond jewellery.

Personal life

Wehbe is a Shia Lebanese Muslim, and she has three sisters. Wehbe's brother died at the age of 24 during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. Wehbe's daughter has been living with her father since her parents divorce. In 2008 Wehbe's daughter was married in a private ceremony. As of 2010, Zeinab Zaza and her father are living in Kuwait.

In 2005, Wehbe announced her engagement to a Saudi businessman Tariq Al-Jaffali. After only a few weeks, she and her fiancé decided to split for personal reasons and family issues.

On June 25, 2007, Wehbe survived an accident while filming a music video for the song "Hasa Ma Bena" in Lebanon. In the video, a single engine airplane was to chase Wehbe as she drove a car. However, the airplane inadvertently hit the car, taking off the front windshield of the convertible she was driving. Despite the severity of the accident, Wehbe suffered only minor cuts and bruises.

Wehbe married Egyptian businessman Ahmad Abu Husheima on April 24, 2009 in Beirut. Among the guests at the wedding party were singer Anastacia, Googoosh, Kim Kardashian, Samar Ibrahim, Nawal Al Zoghbi, Najwa Karam, Ragheb Alama, Ahlam, and Sherine.

Criticism and controversy

Elissa rivalry

Haifa is known for her enmity and rivalry with Lebanese singer Elissa. In 2009 Haifa compared the two singers to 'cars' by saying that Elissa is an 'old car' while she is a 'new' one. This statement was highly publicised and talked about in the media and press, causing anger between fans. Elissa refused to reply and just stated carelessly: "When someone compares me to a car, is there anything left for me to say?". This enmity stopped when Nishan had Elissa live on his show and called Haifa. Both Elissa and Haifa were surprised, but assured people that there are no problems or issues between the two singers.

Further controversy started when Haifa claimed that Elissa's perfume, "Elle D'Elissa", was supposed to be hers, but Elissa didn't reply and said that the perfume is hers and only hers yet again, Haifa and Elissa announced the love and peace between them. During the Murex d'Or 2010, after Haifa had finished her performance and accepted her award, she said that Lebanon is a country of love and that all Lebanese people love and respect each other. And to prove to people that what she was saying was true, she said "There's no problem with Elissa, and this is the proof to all people," she shook hands with Elissa and congratulated her on her success.

Allegations of Racism

In 2009, lyrics in one of Wehbe song's Baba Fein (from her unreleased 2010 kids album) seemed to refer to Nubians as "monkeys". Exact translation: "''Where is my teddy bear and the Nubian monkey?''". Black Egyptians accused the artist of racism and singing a song that fueled racism and discrimination against them. In 2010 a lawsuit filed against Wehbe was dropped.

Another serious incident occurred after the 2009 Egypt–Algeria World Cup dispute, adding to the diplomatic tension between the two countries. Wehbe went on to make statements that she would not be performing in Algeria anytime soon, because Algerians "''...wouldn't understand her music''". Algerian officials and many Algerians responded to Wehbe's statements stating she would not be welcome in Algeria anyway. Algeria's cultural minister stated that Wehbe would be banned from performing in Algeria for insulting Algeria and the Algerian people regardless of whether she apologizes.

Wehbe went on to explain her initial comments to Lebanese host Tony Khalife, saying that she didn't mean to offend Algerians or Algeria as a country but was condemning the actions of a few Algerians during the match. She then added saying: "I couldn’t help it but cry when I saw the blood of an Egyptian woman on the stadium!".

Political views

During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, she left her home, in Verdun, Beirut and moved to Egypt for the duration of the conflict. In a concert in the Lebanese town of Jounieh, Wehbe congratulated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah for his stand against Israel during the war.

In a further interview with Reuters, Wehbe stated that Israel attacked Lebanese civilians intentionally while Hezbollah attacked only military targets: }}

Wehbe also refused to perform at any concert during the 34 days of the war including fundraisers, saying that there were more ways than one to show support for Lebanon.

Wehbe has also urged fans to support Japanese victims of the Tsunami.

2007 Lebanon elections and concert in Beirut

Wehbe wore a shirt with the face of President Michel Suleiman during her performance at the election celebrations in downtown Beirut.

Lebanese newspapers said scores went onstage when Haifa appeared, despite attempts by police to prevent them from reaching the pop star. She also sang the Fairuz classic "Ya Hawa Beirut" ("Oh my love Beirut"), which is nostalgic song written during the Lebanese Civil War that reminisces on the "Glorious Days" of Lebanon prior to 1975.

Image

Wehbe was ranked 49^th in the 2006 Edition of the Top 99 Most Desirable Women by the website AskMen.com. Wehbe was also ranked number 6 in the AskMen.com's 10 Hottest Arab Women article.

Some in the more conservative Arab countries deem her revealing outfits scandalous. One Bahraini member of parliament called her a sexual singer who spoke with her body, not her voice. Wehbe said she was aware of the efforts to ban her from performing at the concert but had chosen to ignore their attempts to silence her.

''"I am a performer and not a politician,"'' Haifa said. ''"I know my fans want me I am there for them.'' ''I am not concerned with the other issues."''

In April 2008, the Islamist-dominated parliament of Bahrain passed a motion urging the government to ban Haifa Wehbe's show in the country. As a result of the motion, Wehbe performed in Bahrain with more modest dress, wearing a long green gown with a low V-neckline during the performance.

Discography

Studio albums

Houwa El-Zaman (2002)

Baddi Eesh (2005)

Habibi Ana (2008)

Other albums

Baby Haifa (2010)

Soundtracks

2008: ''Sea of Stars''

Singles

" 80 Million Ehsas"

"Enta Tany"

"Yama Layali"

"Samaani"

Concert Tours

2011

January 29- Amsterdam, Netherlands (TBA)

2010

November 18- Al Massa Hotel, Cairo

November 17- Movempic Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon

July 31 - Movempic Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon

July 24 - Chouf, Lebanon

July 22 - Batroun, Lebanon

July 16–19 - Casablanca, Morocco

July 4 - PRIVATE CONCERT, Monaco

July 2 - Zahle Festival, Zahle, Lebanon

May 8 - Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut

March 13 - Houston, Texas

Filmography

Films

Sea of Stars (produced by Pepsi) - released July, 2008

Dokkan Shihata - June 2009

Television

Al Wadi (2005) - reality television show based on the French reality show La Ferme Célébrités.

Awards

2002: The "Golden Lion" Award in Egypt. 2004: Best Young Female Arab singer in Egypt. 2005: The Oscar for "ninashnash" for her song ''Baddi Eesh'' from her second album. 2005: The "Murex d'Or" award with the title "Best Artist of the Year". 2006: The "Murex d'Or" award with the title "Best Artist of the Year". 2009: The "Murex d'Or" award with title "Most Popular Lebanese Singer"

2010: The "Murex d'Or" award with the title "Best singer actress"

2010: The "ART" Award for her role in her first Egyptian Film "Dokkan Shehata"

2011: World's Most Desirable Woman List #49 Rank 2011: Most beautiful Arabian model cum actress list Ranked #2 2011: Murex d'Or best song award, for "Yama Layaly."

References

Further reading

Arab youth revel in pop revolution by Sebastian Usher, 21 May 2007, BBC

External links

Most Desirable Arabian:Haifa Wehbe

Haifa Wehbe.com: Official website

Haifa Fans: Official FanClub

Haifa Wehbe Music Videos

Haifa's Official Fanpage

Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:Arabic-language singers Category:Lebanese female singers Category:Rotana artists Category:Lebanese female models Category:Lebanese people of Egyptian descent Category:Lebanese Shi'a Muslims Category:Shi'a Islamists Category:Lebanese Islamists Category:Hezbollah Category:People from South Lebanon

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