Jodie Foster’s Fierce Loyalty: Why She’ll Always Back Mel Gibson

In the world of showbiz, you’re either following the crowd or you’re carving your own path. Jodie Foster has always wondered why anyone would choose the easy route. Right from the start, she’s been clear: only take on roles that genuinely spark your interest. She’s never understood those who sign up for any old gig just for the sake of it. As she once put it,

“I don’t understand how they just want to act. They don’t care if the film’s bad. They don’t care if the dialogue is bad. They don’t care if they’re a grape in a Fruit of the Loom ad.”

For Foster, it’s all about the art. If she could do anything, as long as she was still a “vessel for story or cinema”, she’d be happy. What matters most is telling stories that count, not just chasing a pay cheque or a bit of fame. Acting, in her eyes, is an art form, and she reckons everyone should treat it that way.

Supporting the Next Generation

Foster’s no stranger to the rough side of the industry. Breaking through as a young woman wasn’t a walk in the park, and she’s well aware of how tough it can be. These days, seeing more diversity in the field gives her a mix of pride and worry. She knows how brutal the business can get, so she’s keen to reach out to up-and-comers to make sure they’re not left struggling. That’s what happened with Bella Ramsey. Foster first got in touch to ask Ramsey to introduce her at Elle’s 2023 Women in Hollywood event. She’d probably spotted Ramsey in HBO’s The Last of Us, and told The Guardian it’s become a bit of a habit for her to reach out to young actresses.

“I do a lot of reaching out to young actresses. I’m compelled. Because it was hard growing up.”

One of the big lessons Foster’s picked up—and one she’s keen to pass on—is finding the right balance between control, resilience, and humility, even when you’re not sure if a project will be a hit. Back in 1994, she starred alongside Mel Gibson in the offbeat Western Maverick. That job kicked off a lifelong admiration and a close friendship that’s never wavered. She felt a pull towards him from the get-go, something that outweighed anything anyone else might have said about him. As she told The Washington Post in 1994,

“I’ve never worked with anybody I’ve liked so much. I mean, I have respect for his talent and all that, but I just like him. He’s so many things that I’m not. He’s incredibly uncomplicated for one thing. And the first time I met him, I walked into the room, and I said, ‘I love this guy.’”

Sticking by a Mate Through Thick and Thin

Gibson’s name has been tied to plenty of scandals over the years—sexist, racist, and homophobic remarks, run-ins with the law, and accusations of domestic violence. Still, Foster’s loyalty hasn’t budged. When they teamed up again for her 2011 drama The Beaver, she was just as passionate about working with him. This time, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, she admitted that backing Gibson might not be the popular choice, but she sees a side to him that others don’t. Her affection for him means she’ll always be in his corner.

“He’s so incredibly loving and sensitive, he really is. He is the most loved actor I have ever worked with on a film. And he’s not saintly, and he’s got a big mouth, and he’ll do gross things your nephew would do. But I knew the minute I met him that I would love him the rest of my life.”

For Foster, it’s not about ignoring someone’s faults, but recognising the whole person. Her approach to acting, friendship, and mentoring new talent all come from the same place: a deep respect for authenticity and a belief in standing by those you care about, no matter what the headlines say.