A friend knows him and has related that Mel Gibson is ALL the good things folks know about him, and then some, in person. The acting profession is rife with "personality disorders" and substance abuse - the most deadly of which is the narcotic of "fame" itself - to say nothing of the levels of material and sensual temptation about which very few will ever know, let alone have to contend, Deo gratias!
It is my understanding that Mel is a severe alcoholic. Mr. van Dyke managed to overcome it, while William Holden, one of the top actors in Hollywood for many years, also managed to stay dry for a very, very long time until, one night - just one time - he didn't.
It was his last night on earth. Poor man.
Let's continue praying, and hard, that the man who gave us some of the very best films made in the past half century is someday, like Mr. van Dyke, still doing the occasional guest shot on talk shows, reconciled to the Church by way of the sacraments, and has done all he could to make amends to the family that loves him.
And, likewise for the defrocked John Corapi...
He should NEVER have been allowed in a seminary, let alone ordained by John Paul II - but WHAT a story it made, right? Again, severe addiction coupled with a charismatic personality and the result is a lethal, scandalous spectacle.
Again, keeping these men in our prayers, regularly, may make all the difference for them the next time temptation strikes - and it will.