Mel Gibson - Killer Quitter Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson felt like an "axe murderer" when he first quit smoking.

The 54-year-old actor - who has a three-month-old daughter, Lucia, with partner Oksana Grigorieva - decided to give up the habit after puffing away for 45 years and admits it has been tough.

He said: "It's torture! The first three days I felt like an axe murderer, but fortunately those days are over now. I had my first cigarette when I was 9. Since then I haven't made a single decision without having a fag in my mouth. It was hellish."

Mel also revealed he is finding fatherhood just as magical with Lucia, even though he has seven other children of varying ages and two grandchildren.

He told website Blick.ch: "I don't feel any different apart from being older and wiser. It's the most amazing gift. Our little Lucia is so sweet. Like an angel."