Lethal Weapon 4: A Blast from the Past
The Lethal Weapon franchise has been a staple of action-comedy films for decades, with its iconic duo, Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) and Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), taking the world by storm. Released in 1998, Lethal Weapon 4 marked the final installment of the original franchise. But, have you ever wondered how old Mel Gibson was during the making of this film?
How Old was Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 4?
Answer: Mel Gibson was 47 years old when Lethal Weapon 4 was released in 1998.
Contents
Background on Mel Gibson
Born on January 3, 1956, in Peekskill, New York, Mel Gibson began his acting career in the late 1970s. His breakthrough role came in 1980 with the film "Rough Cut," followed by the critically acclaimed "Gallipoli" in 1981. Gibson’s portrayal of Max Rockatansky in the Mad Max franchise cemented his status as a Hollywood A-lister.
The Lethal Weapon Franchise
The Lethal Weapon franchise, created by Shane Black, premiered in 1987 with the first installment, starring Mel Gibson as Martin Riggs, a reckless and unstable cop, and Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh, a straight-laced family man. The film’s success spawned three sequels, with the fourth installment being released in 1998.
Mel Gibson’s Career in the 1990s
The 1990s saw Mel Gibson’s career reaching new heights. In addition to Lethal Weapon 4, he starred in the critically acclaimed films "Braveheart" (1995) and "Ransom" (1996). Gibson’s performance in "Braveheart" earned him an Academy Award for Best Director and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor.
Lethal Weapon 4: A Successful Conclusion
Lethal Weapon 4 received positive reviews from critics, with an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film grossed over $200 million worldwide, solidifying the franchise’s legacy. The movie’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between Gibson and Glover, as well as the addition of new characters, including Joe Pesci as Leo Getz, a lovable but annoying character.
Table: Lethal Weapon 4 Cast
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Martin Riggs | Mel Gibson |
| Roger Murtaugh | Danny Glover |
| Leo Getz | Joe Pesci |
| Lorna Cole | Rene Russo |
Conclusion
Mel Gibson’s performance in Lethal Weapon 4 marked a successful conclusion to the franchise. His portrayal of Martin Riggs, a complex and dynamic character, earned him a place in action-comedy history. With a career spanning over three decades, Mel Gibson’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. As we look back on the Lethal Weapon franchise, it’s clear that Mel Gibson’s age at the time of Lethal Weapon 4’s release (47 years old) only added to his on-screen presence and authority as Martin Riggs.
Key Takeaways:
- Mel Gibson was 47 years old when Lethal Weapon 4 was released in 1998.
- The Lethal Weapon franchise consisted of four films, with the first installment released in 1987 and the fourth in 1998.
- Mel Gibson’s performance in Lethal Weapon 4 received positive reviews and solidified the franchise’s legacy.
- The film’s success can be attributed to the chemistry between Gibson and Glover, as well as the addition of new characters.
