Donal's Bio

Date of birth

13 February 1958,
Peekskill, New York, USA

Donal Gibson. In the world of Hollywood, his name is usually followed by the phrase "younger brother of the famous actor Mel Gibson". However, Donal Gibson has the right and means to stand on his own. He is a professional stage and movie actor, writer and inventor. Though information about him is scattered and scarce, we are delighted to share what information we do have about this wonderful guy.

Donal Regis Gerard Gibson was born in Peekskill, New York on February 13, 1958. He is the ninth child in the Gibson clan of 11 children. At the age of ten, Donal moved to Australia with his family. He shared a bedroom with his brother Mel, two years his elder. This arrangement led to many fearful nights for the poor lad due to the fact that Mel would tell him outrageous stories of a guy at the window waiting to kill him with an ax! Donal was also the object of target-practice as Mel perfected his Stooges eye-poking routine. Thankfully Donal survived with both beautiful blue eyes intact.

Although Donal is considered by close family friends as more shy and quiet than Mel, they both share the same mischievous sense of humor. Donal has a very deep and resonating baritone voice and is able to perfectly imitate his brother Mel. They have often tricked people on the phone, each pretending to be the other. This talent led to Donal being cast as the voice of John Smith in Disney's "Pocahontas II, Journey to a New World". Mel was the voice of John Smith in the first Pocahontas movie. Donal once came close to accepting another major movie role when a famous Hollywood producer called and mistook him for Mel. The man was insisting that he do this movie. Donal almost said yes, but alas, he is an honest and noble gentleman.

Donal got into theatre when his sister, Mary, encouraged him to get involved with a school play. At first he was "scared out of my wits", but he ended up having a lot of fun. He went on to study theatre at the University of Newcastle. He has performed on stage in Sydney and Melbourne in the productions of "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "Once In a Lifetime".

Donal's first movie role was in the 1986 Australian production of "Emma's War", staring Lee Remick. He played the part of Hank, a polite but amorous sailor on furlough. His most notable movie roles have been in the Australian films "Resistance" and "Fatal Bond". In 1994, Donal began to appear in American films such as "Maverick" and "Immortal Beloved", both produced by ICON Productions, Mel's Los Angeles based company. Donal has shown up in several other ICON films, and has acted side-by-side with his brother in the films "Braveheart" and "Conspiracy Theory".

Lest one should think that Donal is dependent upon Mel for his success, it is important to point out that Donal's most famous role has nothing to do with his brother. Donal is the voice-actor for the character of Ray Tracer in the cartoon series "Reboot", by Mainframe Productions. He has provided the voice of the slick, smooth-talking web surfer in four episodes. The series has become so popular that a feature film is in the works. According to Mainframe, negotiations are currently under way for Donal to return as Ray Tracer.

Donal is also an inventor; he has a patent for a more user-friendly CD package. You know how current CDs come in those flimsy book-like holders that always break at the hinges. Well, Donal's invention encases the CD like a little cabinet. You pull out the CD tray like a drawer. (Please see the patent link on this page). Let's hope this new invention makes it out into the major marketplace real soon!

According to an interview with Mel, Donal is an even better writer than he is an actor! Supposedly he has written a couple of screenplays. Sorry we don't have any details on this topic.

Many people are curious about how Donal handles the ultra success of his brother Mel. Is it a help or a hindrance? Does he resent it at all? When asked about this in several interviews, Donal is pretty easy-going. In an article for USA Today, 1998, he is quoted as saying, "I'm so used to it now that I barely consider it. I know that it's either a help or hindrance. I certainly don't try to compete with him. I would be insane." It's obvious that he is very proud of Mel and they have a close relationship. He has a great sense of humor about the whole thing. During a radio program in Melbourne, when asked if he was ever mugged by women because he sounds so much like his hunky brother, he answered "Only in the dark!"

Information about Donal has been very minimal in the last year and a half. We have not seen hide or hair of him. Attempts to contact his agent have led to a dead end. If you have any information about this man, don't call the police, just e-mail us. We'll be glad to pass it on.

By Laurie MacKinnon
May 25, 2000

Donal's movies

ReBoot: Daemon Rising (2001) (TV) .... Ray Tracer

Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998) (V) (voice) .... John Smith
... aka Disney's Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998) (V) (USA: complete title)
... aka Pocahontas: Journey to a New World (1998) (V) (USA: closing credits title)

Conspiracy Theory (1997) .... Doctor, Roosevelt Hospital