Although Mel Gibson, who starred as Ledger’s father in 2000’s The Patriot, was one of the first actors to speak out on the death of Heath Ledger, it is now being reported that their relationship had become estranged with Ledger’s decision to play a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain. The New York Daily News reports:
Ledger asked Gibson whether he should take the role of Ennis Del Mar in ‘Brokeback,'” [Private Investigator Paul] Barresi says a “major Hollywood producer” told him. “Gibson strongly counseled against it. The role apparently ran counter to Gibson’s morality. And he felt that it would ruin Heath’s career.” “When Gibson parted ways with Heath, it broke his heart,” contends Barresi. Of course, the role ended up winning Ledger critical cheers and an Oscar nomination. Speaking with London’s Evening Standard in 2006, he said he took it because “it was kind of a reaction against the comparison that I’m the new Mel Gibson.”
Mel Gibson hates gays and Jews, so it’s confusing why a lot of people don’t like him. He’s just like Jesus, and you see how many people love that guy.
More from the set of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus:
Speaking of hateful, religious bigots, the infamous church of “God Hates Fags” plans to picket Heath’s funeral. (Thanks, Christine)
