#50: Mel Gibson
Net Worth: $510 million
Last Year: Not on list
Age: 53
Residence: Malibu
Source of Wealth: Movie Production
The Money:
Movie star returns to list as several Angelenos saw their huge fortunes decimated. Gibson? wealth derives from ?assion of the Christ?blockbuster that totaled $600 million at global box office plus $200 million from steady DVD sales. Hollywood studios refused to handle the film, so Gibson struck his own distribution and marketing deals, giving him huge piece of back-end. Gibson also owns properties worth an estimated $80 million.
Buzz:
May not last long among the very richest. Wealth is set to be cut in half as actor-director and wife of 28 years have filed for divorce. Separated shortly before notorious Malibu DUI three years ago. Devout Catholic later flew to national conference of U.S. bishops and asked them to pray for him. Spotted with new woman at movie premiere last month. Gibson is about to star in first film since 2003 with his ?dge of Darkness,?scheduled for end-of-year release. Has been philanthropically active, making $5 million donations each to Mattel Children? Hospital UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 2004. In 2005, Gibson purchased Mago Island in Fiji for $15 million as vacation spot. Also owns $26 million, 400-acre ranch in Costa Rica. Gibson has built a church in Malibu worth roughly $42 million according to tax filings. The church has a congregation of fewer than 100 and was consecrated in 2007 by Archbishop Carlos Quitero Arce. Last on list in 2006 when his wealth was overestimated.
