Became a professional boxer in 1991 but retired in 1995
Filmed a role in The Thin Red Line, that eventually got cut.
Arrested by the LAPD and charged with spousal abuse. [July 1994]
Owns a gym in West Hollywood called Shapiro.
Was rushed to Cedars Sinai Medical Center in L.A. His reps said it was for an allergic reaction to cough syrup he was taking to battle the flu. Rourke was released a few hours later. [19 April 1999]
Appeared as a thug in the Enrique Iglesias filmclip "Hero".
Was first considered for the role of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop. It was eventually passed on to Sylvester Stallone, and, after many script revisions, Eddie Murphy.
Mickey Rourke Detailed Biography -
Mickey Rourke was born Phillip Rourke in Liberty City, an overtown ghetto in Miami City, Florida. As a teenager his family moved to Miami Beach and young Phil attended Miami Beach Senior High School. While at the school he briefly took an acting class with Jay Jenson. Jenson counted among his drama students Andy Garcia & Brett Ratner. However, at the time, Rourke's interest lay in boxing. Fighting out of Miami Beach's Fifth Street Gym and the Elizabeth Varrick Gym in Coconut Grove, Phil Rourke rolled up a 20-4 amateur boxing record with 17 knockouts. Rourke never lost his "love" for boxing. At the height of his movie career, he decided to become a professional boxer. He turned pro under the nickname, Marielito, and ran up a "glossy" undefeated record of 6-0-2. He never received the "world title shot" he desired. As a matter of fact, his move towards pro boxing almost ended his acting career.
