Philip Andre "Mickey" Rourke Jr. (also known as Eddie Cook) (9/16/1952 Schenectady, New York) is an American actor and former boxer who has appeared primarily as a leading man in drama and thriller films.

During the 1980s, Rourke starred in the comedy-drama 'Diner' (1982), the drama 'Rumble Fish' (1983) and the erotic drama '9 1/2 Weeks' (1986) along with actress Kim Basinger (12/8/1953). He received critical praise for his work in the Charles Bukowski biopic 'Barfly' (1987) with Faye Dunaway (1/14/1941) and the horror mystery 'Angel Heart' with Lisa Bonet (10/16/1967).

In 1991, Rourke-who trained as a boxer in his early years left acting and became a professional boxer for a time. During his boxing career, he compiled 27 wins (12 knockouts) and three defeats.

During his appearance on 'Inside the Actors Studio', after the release of 'The Wrestler' (a 2008 sports drama) in which Rourke received critical acclaim and won the Golden Lion at the Venice international Films Festival, where it premiered, host James Lipton disclosed that Rourke had been selected to the Actors Studio in his first audition, which Elia Kazan (film producer) is reported to have said was the "best audition in 30 years".

Rourke's acting career became overshadowed by his personal life and career decisions. Rourke's boxing career resulted in physical changes in the 1990s, as his face needed reconstructive surgery. His face was later called "appalling disfigurement ".

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