History of Mickey Rourke in Timeline
Mickey Rourke is a well-known American actor and former professional boxer, recognized for his leading roles in drama, action, and thriller films. His career has spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility and range in acting. Beyond his acting pursuits, Rourke also ventured into professional boxing, highlighting his multifaceted talents and interests.
1924: Birth of Mickey Rourke's Father
Mickey Rourke's father, Philip Andre Rourke, was born in 1924.
1941: Mickey Rourke is not in "1941"
Mickey Rourke did not appear in Steven Spielberg's 1941. This is a factual error in the provided text.
September 16, 1952: Birth of Mickey Rourke
Mickey Rourke was born on September 16, 1952, in Schenectady, New York.
1964: Start of Amateur Boxing Career
Mickey Rourke began his amateur boxing career in 1964.
1969: Sparring with Luis Rodríguez
In 1969, Rourke sparred with former World Welterweight Champion Luis Rodríguez, suffering a concussion.
1971: High School Graduation
Mickey Rourke graduated from Miami Beach Senior High School in 1971.
1971: Acting Debut and Move to New York
Rourke had a small acting role in the school play "The Serpent" and moved to New York to pursue acting, studying with Actors Studio alumni, in 1971.
1971: Concussion and Retirement from Boxing
Rourke suffered another concussion during a boxing match at the 1971 Florida Golden Gloves, leading to his temporary retirement from the sport.
1973: End of Amateur Boxing Career
Mickey Rourke's amateur boxing career ended in 1973.
1980: Fade to Black
Rourke played Ritchie in the 1980 film "Fade to Black".
1981: Body Heat
In 1981, Mickey Rourke gained recognition for his role as an arsonist in the film "Body Heat".
1981: Body Heat
Rourke's role as an arsonist in the 1981 film "Body Heat" brought him significant attention.
1982: Death of Mickey Rourke's Father
Mickey Rourke's father passed away in 1982.
1982: Diner
Rourke's performance as "Boogie" Sheftell in "Diner" (1982) earned him critical acclaim and the National Society of Film Critics' Best Supporting Actor award.
1983: Rumble Fish
Mickey Rourke starred in Francis Ford Coppola's "Rumble Fish" in 1983.
1984: The Pope of Greenwich Village
Rourke portrayed Charlie Moran in "The Pope of Greenwich Village" in 1984.
1985: Year of the Dragon
Rourke played Captain Stanley White in "Year of the Dragon" in 1985.
1986: 9½ Weeks
In 1986, Rourke starred in the erotic drama "9½ Weeks".
1987: Angel Heart
"Angel Heart", released in 1987, starring Rourke and Lisa Bonet, garnered attention and controversy due to a sex scene.
1987: Collaborating with David Bowie
In 1987, Mickey Rourke contributed a mid-song rap on David Bowie's song "Shining Star (Makin' My Love)" from the album Never Let Me Down, marking a notable collaboration with the legendary musician.
1987: Barfly and Angel Heart
Mickey Rourke starred in critically acclaimed films like "Barfly" and "Angel Heart", both released in 1987.
1988: Homeboy Screenplay
Mickey Rourke wrote the screenplay for "Homeboy," which was produced in 1988.
May 1989: Donation to Joe Doherty's Campaign
In May 1989, Mickey Rourke donated most of his earnings from the film Francesco to support IRA member Joe Doherty's campaign for political asylum in the U.S. This act drew criticism from British victims of IRA attacks.
1989: Francesco
In 1989, Mickey Rourke starred in the docudrama "Francesco," portraying St. Francis of Assisi.
1991: Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man
In 1991, Mickey Rourke starred in the box office flop "Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" as Harley Davidson.
1991: Return to Boxing
In 1991, Mickey Rourke returned to his boxing career, citing self-destructive tendencies and a lack of respect for himself as an actor. He achieved an undefeated record in eight fights.
1991: Rourke Leaves Acting for Boxing
Following a series of unsuccessful films, Mickey Rourke transitioned from acting to professional boxing in 1991.
1994: Rourke Returns to Acting
Mickey Rourke retired from boxing and resumed his acting career in 1994.
1996: Bullet and other screenplays
By 1996, Rourke had written or co-written the screenplay for "Bullet."
1997: Various Film Roles
In 1997, Rourke took on various roles including a part in the film "Thursday," his first over-the-top action film role as the lead villain in "Double Team," and a lead role in "Another 9½ Weeks." He also appeared in films such as "Out in Fifty," "Shades," and the television film "Shergar."
1997: The Rainmaker
Rourke appeared in the legal drama "The Rainmaker" in 1997.
1998: Buffalo '66
In 1998, Rourke appeared in Vincent Gallo's "Buffalo '66".
2000: Animal Factory and Get Carter
Mickey Rourke acted in the films "Animal Factory" and "Get Carter" in 2000.
2001: Music Video Appearance
In 2001, Mickey Rourke appeared as the villain in Enrique Iglesias's music video for "Hero."
2001: The Pledge
Rourke had a role in the mystery thriller "The Pledge" in 2001.
2002: Rourke's dog, Beau Jack, dies.
In 2002, Mickey Rourke's dog, Beau Jack, died, despite Rourke reportedly giving him 45 minutes of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
2002: Spun and Supporting Roles
In 2002, Rourke starred in "Spun" and took supporting roles in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" and "Man on Fire," leading to larger roles with those directors later on.
2003: Once Upon a Time in Mexico
In 2003, Rourke was part of the ensemble cast in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico".
2004: Voice Acting and Photography
In 2004, Mickey Rourke provided the voice for "Jericho" in the video game "Driver 3" and appeared in a photo story for Zoo Magazine. He also received praise from actors like Johnny Depp, Sean Penn, and Brad Pitt.
2004: Man on Fire
Rourke played a supporting role in the action thriller "Man on Fire" in 2004.
2005: Sin City and Domino
In 2005, Mickey Rourke had a lead role in "Sin City" and a supporting role in "Domino," marking his comeback in mainstream Hollywood. He received several awards for "Sin City."
2005: Rourke owns seven dogs.
In 2005, Mickey Rourke owned up to seven dogs.
2005: Sin City and Domino
Rourke starred in "Sin City", marking a comeback, and also appeared in "Domino", both released in 2005.
June 2006: Support for George W. Bush and Iraq War
In June 2006, Mickey Rourke publicly expressed his support for U.S. President George W. Bush and the Iraq War, aligning himself with the administration's policies at the time.
2006: Rourke's dog, Chocolate, dies.
Mickey Rourke's dog, Chocolate, who was the subject of a children's book, died in 2006.
2007: Protest for Pet Welfare
In 2007, Mickey Rourke participated in a protest outside a pet shop and created a public service announcement for PETA, showcasing his advocacy for spaying and neutering pets.
2008: The Wrestler
In 2008, Mickey Rourke starred in "The Wrestler," which won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival.
2008: The Wrestler
Rourke's performance as Randy "The Ram" Robinson in "The Wrestler" (2008) garnered him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Academy Award nomination.
January 11, 2009: Rourke wins Golden Globe and thanks his dogs.
On January 11, 2009, Mickey Rourke won a Golden Globe for Best Actor and thanked his dogs during his acceptance speech, highlighting their importance in his life, especially during difficult times when he felt alone.
February 16, 2009: Rourke's dog, Loki, dies.
On February 16, 2009, Mickey Rourke's dog, Loki, passed away in his arms at the age of 18.
December 1, 2009: Voicing Character in Rogue Warrior Video Game
On December 1, 2009, Mickey Rourke voiced the character of Dick Marcinko in the biographical video game Rogue Warrior. His portrayal received mixed reactions, with some humorously praising his performance despite criticism of the game overall.
2009: Debra Feuer on Friendship with Mickey Rourke
In 2009, Debra Feuer, Mickey Rourke's ex-wife, revealed in an interview that they remained good friends despite their divorce in 1989, showcasing amicable relations post-marriage.
2009: WrestleMania XXV and other projects
In early 2009, Rourke was involved in a storyline with WWE wrestler Chris Jericho, culminating in a confrontation at WrestleMania XXV. He also starred in a music video and voiced a video game character.
2010: Iron Man 2
In 2010, Rourke played the villain Whiplash in "Iron Man 2."
2010: Appearance in Dutch Beer Commercial
In 2010, Mickey Rourke appeared in a Dutch TV commercial for Bavaria Beer, adding to his list of commercial endorsements.
2010: Iron Man 2 and The Expendables
In 2010, Rourke appeared in the blockbuster films "Iron Man 2" and "The Expendables".
February 2011: Mickey Rourke's Research for Gareth Thomas Film
In February 2011, Mickey Rourke began researching for a film about Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas, who had come out as gay the previous year. Rourke emphasized the need for thorough research and extensive physical training before the film's production could commence.
October 2011: Publication of Beauty, Disrupted
In October 2011, Carré Otis released her autobiography Beauty, Disrupted: A Memoir, co-written with Hugo Schwyzer, which detailed her marriage to Mickey Rourke, providing insights into their relationship.
2011: Immortals and The Expendables
In 2011, Rourke portrayed King Hyperion in "Immortals" and had a minor role in "The Expendables."
2011: Immortals
Rourke acted in the fantasy film "Immortals" in 2011.
2013: Release of Java Heat
In 2013, Mickey Rourke starred in the film Java Heat, where he played an American citizen shadowing terrorist groups in Java, Indonesia. The film added to his diverse acting portfolio.
November 28, 2014: Brief Return to Boxing
On November 28, 2014, after a 20-year hiatus, Rourke briefly returned to the boxing ring, fighting 29-year-old Elliot Seymour in Moscow. Rourke won by TKO in the second round. This was an exhibition match.
2014: Reprising Role in Sin City Sequel
In 2014, Mickey Rourke reprised his role as Marv in the sequel Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, continuing his involvement in the popular film franchise.
2015: Support for Ben Carson and Criticism of Trump
In 2015, Mickey Rourke expressed support for Ben Carson's presidential bid while denouncing Donald Trump as a "bully." He revealed a personal vendetta against Trump due to a past lawsuit, continuing his vocal criticism of Trump's presidency.
2015: Novelization of Wild Horses Released
In 2015, a novelization inspired by Mickey Rourke's undeveloped script for the movie Wild Horses was released. The book reflects Rourke's creative contributions beyond acting.
July 2020: Support for Joe Biden in Presidential Election
In July 2020, Mickey Rourke publicly supported Joe Biden for the U.S. presidential election on Instagram, expressing disapproval of Donald Trump and encouraging Biden to succeed in the campaign.
2020: Mickey Rourke Competes in The Masked Singer
In 2020, Mickey Rourke participated in the fourth season of The Masked Singer, performing as "Gremlin." During his performance of "Stand by Me" by Ben E. King, Rourke unmasked himself before the audience voting, citing discomfort in the costume.
2021: Role in Man of God
In 2021, Mickey Rourke played the role of a paralyzed man in the film Man of God, which is based on the life of St Nectarios of Aegina, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
2022: Denouncing Putin for Ukraine Invasion
In 2022, Mickey Rourke publicly denounced Russian President Vladimir Putin for his involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, urging him to end the conflict.
2023: Starring in The Palace
In 2023, Mickey Rourke starred in Roman Polanski's drama film The Palace, further extending his filmography with a role in a drama genre.
2023: Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
In 2023, it was revealed that Mickey Rourke had begun training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, demonstrating his commitment to learning new skills and physical fitness.