Philip Andre Rourke, Jr. known as Mickey Rourke, is an American actor, screenwriter, and retired boxer, who has appeared primarily as a leading man in action, drama, and thriller films. During the 1980s Rourke starred in Diner, Rumble Fish, and the erotic drama 9½ Weeks, and received critical praise for his work in Barfly and Angel Heart. In 1991 Rourke, who had trained as a boxer in his early years, left acting and became a professional boxer for a time.He had supporting roles in several later films, including The Rainmaker, Buffalo ’66, The Pledge, Get Carter, Spun, Once Upon a Time in Mexico and Man on Fire.