Mickey Rourke
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Last Updated: 1/15/25
Real Name: Philip Andre Rourke, Jr.
Born: September 16, 1952
Height: 5' 10"
Grade: A+
Actor/Movie Star: 85%-15%
Prime Years: 1981-89, 1996, and 2008
Most Famous Film: 9½ Weeks (1986)
Most Infamous Film: Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991)
Masterpiece: 9½ Weeks (1986), Barfly (1987), and The Wrestler (2008)
Outstanding: Francesco (1989)
Honorable: Year of the Dragon (1985), Homeboy (1988), Wild Orchid (1989),
White Sands (1992), Bullet (1996), and Animal Factory (2000)
Opinion: The actor who came the closest to Marlon Brando during the 80's was Mickey Rourke. They both
shared a lot of qualities that exemplified the Method the most and never had to rely on acting tricks to make
themselves real or sex symbols. 9½ Weeks is Mickey Rourke's greatest cinematic achievement while
Barfly remains his most underrated although a case can be made for Francesco.
When Mickey Rourke inexplicably ruined his handsome face and self-destructed, there went his
potential to do outstanding films during the 90's although he did turn in a decent performance here and there.
It was not until 2008 that Mickey Rourke made the greatest comeback of his career when he starred in
The Wrestler which seemed to be a mirror of himself in many ways. It should've resulted in an Oscar win,
but he burned so many bridges for a long time to prevent that from happening.
Confirmed: Born in Schenectady, New York, and moved to Miami, Florida, at age 6 due to his parents'
divorce. Was nicknamed after baseball player Mickey Mantle on top of his Irish heritage. After Mickey
Rourke's mother remarried to a police officer, his household turned violent, resulting in many beatings
from his stepfather. Joined a street gang, got into fights, and had been arrested many times while as a
juvenile. Was a terrible student in school and received D's and F's regularly. Had a lifelong
aversion to authority figures. Wore outlandish clothes.
At age 12, his stepfather decided to enroll Mickey Rourke in boxing classes at a gym, where Muhammad Ali
used to train, to rechannel his aggression. Despite his intentions of being a good boxer, would get wasted
at nights and was eventually forced to retire because of serious concussions. Was on the same team with
future actor Andy Garcia in Little League baseball. After high school graduation, drifted around a lot while
working in numerous odd jobs such as a ditch digger, a parking lot attendant, a busboy, and a movie theatre
usher. Was asked one day by a friend from the University of Miami to try out acting since he needed a
replacement for somebody who had dropped out of a play called Deathwatch written by Jean Genet. After
that, got inspired enough to move to New York City to start studying acting.
Once there, drifted around a lot while working in odd jobs. After living in a squalor hotel for a while, was
befriended by a night manager who pointed him in the right direction and gave him acting books, plays, and
old films for study because he thought Mickey Rourke had something that most actors didn't have: star quality.
Decided to focus on getting in the Actors' Studio but first paid for private lessons given by an acting teacher
by the name of Sandra Seacat and studied very hard, especially with bums on the street.
Became a big fan of Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, James Dean, and Steve McQueen. Once ready, gave an audition
at the Actors' Studio, and Elia Kazan was one of the judges, saying it was the best reading he had seen in
thirty years. Out of thousands of applicants, "Rourke was one of only five who got in. Jack Nicholson had
needed five auditions before he made it into the Studio, Dustin Hoffman, six. It had taken Harvey Keitel
eleven tries. Mickey did it in one."
As a result, was at the school for five solid years before applying for acting jobs. After landing parts, would
quit during rehearsals and clash with directors and decided that theater wasn't for him. Ultimately moved
to Los Angeles for a chance to make it in Hollywood. While working as a bouncer at a transvestite club,
finally achieved a breakthrough in 1981 when he appeared in Body Heat. Before that, starred in the
most infamous movie of all time: Heaven's Gate. Also, turned down The Big Chill for Diner.
Had the greatest hit of his career, 9½ Weeks, that scored so well with moviegoers
in France, which stayed in theatres for five years straight (not much came out of it in the United States). While
using the pseudonym of Eddie Cook, wrote the script for Homeboy which would greatly resemble a future film
called The Wrestler. Admitted to starring in Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man for the biggest
payday of his career, causing him to lose complete respect for himself and interest in acting. Therefore,
shifted his attention to professional boxing after the completion of White Sands.
As a result, lost two front teeth and suffered many concussions and broken bones, especially in his hands and
nose. Opted for plastic surgery to mend his face which made things worse. Turned down Bruce Willis' role for
Pulp Fiction, so he could continue what he was doing. Was eventually forced to quit the sport because
of a failed neurological exam. Starred in countless junk pictures until The Wrestler came along, and
tons of accolades such as an Academy Award nomination came his way for the first time in his career.
Hurt himself many times while preparing for the role of Randy "The Ram" Robinson. The studio didn't want him for
the part, preferring Nicolas Cage. Was relieved to learn that he was being replaced, but as soon as
Nicolas Cage decided not to do it because he refused to take steroids, Mickey Rourke wasn't keen about going
back. During the filming, actually cut himself with a razor blade on purpose. Asked Bruce Springsteen
to compose a song for the film, and he did it for free as a favor.
Dressed up like a transvestite before boarding a plane from Los Angeles to Vancouver to prepare for his part
in Animal Factory. Often fought with producers and sometimes didn't stick with the script as called for.
Showed up late for work and would have a hard time being motivated to get out of his bed. Called Eric Roberts
the best actor he had ever worked with.
Is a lifelong owner of many dogs, especially chihuahuas. Attends church
regularly and says his prayers. Is a heavy smoker. Because of his boxing days, suffers from brain damage including
memory problems and balance issues. Has damaged nerves in his hands.
Rumors: None.