In a poignant end to 2025, Academy Award-winning actor and director Mel Gibson, 69, and his longtime partner, screenwriter Rosalind Ross, 35, have confirmed their separation after nine years together. The former couple revealed the news in an exclusive joint statement to People magazine on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, emphasizing their commitment to amicable co-parenting of their 8-year-old son, Lars Gerard Gibson.
“Although it’s sad to end this chapter in our lives, we are blessed with a beautiful son and will continue to be the best parents possible,” Gibson and Ross stated. Sources close to the pair indicated that the split occurred quietly about a year ago, with the decision to go public now allowing them time to adjust privately while focusing on family stability.
The announcement comes amid a challenging period for the family, following the devastating loss of their $14.5 million Malibu home in the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires that ravaged the area in early January 2025. Gibson, who was out of town recording a podcast with Joe Rogan in Austin, Texas, at the time, later described the destruction as "devastating" and "emotional" during an appearance on NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas Reports on January 9, 2025. He noted that while material possessions were lost—including personal photographs, files, and memorabilia—the safety of his loved ones was paramount. "The good news is that those in my family and those I love are all well, and we’re all happy and healthy and out of harm’s way—that’s all I can care about, really," Gibson shared.
Gibson and Ross's relationship began in 2014 when they met through mutual friends. At the time, Gibson was 58 and Ross, a former equestrian vaulter and emerging screenwriter, was in her mid-20s. Despite a 34-year age difference, the couple quickly bonded, making subtle public appearances while largely maintaining privacy. Their romance gained attention in 2016 with a red carpet debut at the 69th Cannes Film Festival, followed by attendance at the 2017 Academy Awards, where Gibson walked the carpet with a then-pregnant Ross.
Their son, Lars, was born in January 2017, coinciding with a professional high for Gibson: days after the birth, he received a Best Director Oscar nomination for his war drama Hacksaw Ridge. Reflecting on the moment during the 2017 awards season, Gibson remarked, “What could be more exciting than listening to the nominations being announced while holding my newborn son.”
The family occasionally stepped into the spotlight together, such as in September 2024 when Gibson brought Lars and his daughter Lucia to the Los Angeles premiere of his film Monster Summer. Ross, known for writing and directing the 2022 biographical drama Father Stu starring Mark Wahlberg, collaborated professionally with Gibson on various projects, blending their personal and creative lives.
Gibson, a father of nine, has navigated complex family dynamics over the decades. His seven oldest children—daughter Hannah (45) and sons Christian (43), Edward (43), William (40), Louis (37), Milo (35), and Thomas (26)—are from his 29-year marriage to Robyn Denise Moore, which ended in divorce in 2011 after a separation in 2006. He also shares 16-year-old daughter Lucia with Russian musician Oksana Grigorieva, with whom he had a three-year relationship that concluded in 2010 amid public legal battles.
The separation from Ross marks another chapter in Gibson's personal life, which has often intersected with his storied Hollywood career. Known for iconic roles in franchises like Mad Max and Lethal Weapon, as well as directing acclaimed films such as Braveheart (1995) and The Passion of the Christ (2004), Gibson has faced professional triumphs and personal controversies. In recent years, he has focused on family and directing, including upcoming projects like a two-part sequel to The Passion of the Christ, titled The Resurrection of the Christ, slated for release in 2027.
Ross, who transitioned from competitive equestrian vaulting—winning gold at the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games—to filmmaking, has kept a lower profile. Her directorial debut with Father Stu showcased her storytelling talents, and she has expressed a Christian faith that aligned with aspects of Gibson's worldview.
The couple's decision to prioritize co-parenting reflects a mature approach, especially given the recent hardships. The Malibu home, where they raised Lars for much of his life, represented a significant loss—not just financially, but emotionally—as Gibson had resided there for nearly 15 years. Photos from January 2025 showed him surveying the ashes, expressing gratitude to firefighters while acknowledging the irreplaceable items destroyed.
As Hollywood bids farewell to 2025 with several high-profile separations, Gibson and Ross's announcement stands out for its grace and focus on their child. No details on the reasons for the split have been disclosed, and both parties have maintained silence beyond the joint statement. Fans and observers have noted the couple's discretion, contrasting with more publicized celebrity breakups.
Moving forward, Gibson continues work on major films, while Ross is expected to pursue further projects in writing and directing. Their shared commitment to Lars ensures the young boy remains at the center of their post-separation lives, underscoring that family bonds endure beyond romantic chapters.
This development closes a nearly decade-long partnership that brought Gibson his ninth child and a period of relative stability following earlier tumultuous years. As the entertainment world turns toward 2026, the emphasis on positive co-parenting offers a hopeful note amid personal change.
