Washington, January 30 - Mel Gibson has revealed that it was torturous to quit smoking.

The 'Patriot' actor had been a smoker for 45 years.

"It's torture! The first three days I felt like an axe murderer, but fortunately those days are over now," Contactmusic quoted him as telling website Blick.ch.

He added: "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."

Gibson has a three-month-old daughter, Lucia, with partner Oksana Grigorieva, apart from seven other children of varying ages and two grandchildren.

He said: "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." (ANI)