Gibson is a father again

Mel GibsonÂ’s eighth child has been born after his girlfriend...

11:27 02 November 2009

Iconic actor Mel Gibson has become a father for the eighth time after his girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva gave birth to a baby girl on Friday (October 30).

The 'Lethal Weapon' and 'Mad Max' star's baby was originally due in December. Both mother and daughter are said to be doing well.

Gibson already has seven children with his estranged wife Robyn. Russian musician Grigorieva has a son, Alexander, with her former boyfriend, James Bond star Timothy Dalton.

In September, Oksana spoke of her excitement at becoming a mother again.

She said: "I have a 12-year-old, so I've been a mother for 12 years - and of course, there is no first time mother's trepidation as such.

"So naturally it's more relaxed, and I'm very dynamic so the pregnancy falls into my work schedule."

Gibson confirmed the rumours of Oksana's pregnancy in May on a US talk show, stating: "This is true. We're going to have a child."

Host Jay Leno went on to joke that the new arrival would be Mel's 29th child, prompting the 'Mad Max' star to liken himself to Nadya Suleman, who famously gave birth to octuplets last January.

Mel replied: "Well, actually eight. I guess I'm Octo-Mel."

Gibson won Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture for his work on 1995's 'Braveheart'. He went on to direct the highly controversial 'The Passion of the Christ'. Back in front of the camera, his forthcoming films are 'The Edge of Darkness' and 'The Beaver'.