Mickey Rourke was born Philip Andre Rourke, Jr. in Schenectady, New York, on September 16, 1953 (possible birthdate, dates vary). He was nicknamed after Mickey Mantle. His mother left his father, an amateur body-builder, when Mickey was very young. Mickey’s stepfather was abusive to him and his younger brother Joey. Mickey wanted to be a professional baseball player or boxer. He grew up near Miami, Florida were he became a little league coach. Andy Garcia was once one of his students.
In 1978, he moved to Hollywood, California. His big screen debut was in 1979, in the comedy “1941” with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg. He appeared in more small parts in minor films. Then in 1981, he married actress Debra Feuer (“To Live and Die in L.A.”). In 1982, The National Society of Film Critics had named him Best Supporting Actor for “Diner.” He gave a brilliant performance as Stanley White in “The Year of the Dragon” in 1985. But Mickey is best known for his role as John in the steamy and controversial “9 ½ Weeks” (1986).
Mickey started a professional boxing career at age 34. He moved back to Miami, fought a few fights, and opened a club on South Beach called “Mickey’s.” He continued in motion pictures, even writing, producing and starring in “Homeboy” (1988) with wife Debra. This film, about a near brain-dead prize fighter, went straight to video.
Mickey became known as an arrogant perfectionist, and it was also apparent that he had a hot temper. He became hated by many in Hollywood and lost several opportunities. In 1989, Debra filed for divorce.
In 1990, he met much younger, co-star Carre Otis on the set of “Wild Orchid.” Carre was also a model for Calvin Klein, Guess, and once Revlon's “Most Unforgettable Woman”. Mickey and Carre quickly began a passionate affair, and it was once rumored that their sex scenes in the film were real. In 1992, Carre and Mickey were married. Also, in the same year, Mickey stirred more controversy by attending the trial of mob boss John Gotti. In July of 1994, Mickey was arrested by the LAPD for spousal abuse. The charges were later dropped when Carre refused to testify. Meanwhile, Mickey’s acting career continued to spiral downward.
In 1995, Mickey’s doctors told him not to box anymore. By then he had gone through several plastic surgeries (some with complications), including four nose operations, suffered two concussions, and his cheekbone had been shattered. He had nerve damage in his hands and substantial memory loss.
Mickey and Carre divorced in 1998, but they have been back together and seen in public several times since then. Mickey is attempting to turn his life around and make an acting comeback.
