Mickey Rourke was born Phillip Andre Rourke, Jr., in Liberty City, Florida. As a teenager he attended Miami Beach Senior High School, where it's not clear if he graduated or not. One thing that is clear, Rourke played second-string first baseman on the school's baseball team under coach Skip Bertman. Yet another mystery regarding his high school days is his acting career. It's reported that he took drama classes with the legendary "Teacher To The Stars", Jay W. Jensen; appearing in at least one stage-play. However, a P.Rourke listed in the play's credits, could be that of his sister, Patricia Rourke, who also attended Miami Beach Senior High School. Rourke's teenage years were more aimed towards sports then acting. Raised in the tough inner city, Rourke took up self-defense training at the Boys Club of Miami. It was there he learned boxing skills, and decided on an amateur career. At the age of 12, Rourke won his first boxing match as a 118 pound bantamweight. Some of his early matches were fought as Andre Rourke. He continued his boxing training at the famed 5th Street Gym on Miami Beach, Florida; joining the Police Athletic League boxing program. In 1969, Rourke, now weighing 140lbs., sparred with former World Welterweight Champion Luis Rodriguez. Rodriguez was the number one rated middleweight boxer in the world, and was training for his match with world champion Nino Benvenuti. Rourke claims to have received a concussion in this sparring match. In 1971, at the Florida Golden Gloves, he received another concussion from a boxing match. He was told by doctors to take a year off and rest, but Rourke decided to retire from the ring. From 1968 to 1972, Mickey Rourke compiled an amateur boxing record of 20-6, with 17 knockouts. He was disqualified 4 times, and lost 2 decisions. At one point, he reportedly scored 12 consecutive first round knockouts. As an amateur, Rourke had been friendly with pro-boxer Tommy Torino. When Rourke decided to return to boxing as a professional, Torino promoted some of Rourke's fights. Rourke was trained by former pro-boxer Freddie Roach at Miami Beach's 5th Street Gym and the Outlaw Boxing Club Gym in Los Angeles. Rourke made $250 for his pro debut, but by the end of his 2nd year of boxing, he earned a million dollars. Rourke appeared on the cover of ''World Boxing Magazine'' in June 1994. He sparred with world champions James Toney, John David Jackson, and Tommy Morrision. Rourke wanted to have 16 professional fights and then fight for a world title. However, he retired after 7 bouts and never got his desired title fight. His boxing career resulted in severe facial injuries which required a number of operations to repair his damaged face.

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 and 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.
Studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute. Has at least seven tatoos including a tiger head with Chinese symbolson his left shoulder, a bulls skull on his right bicep, and a shamrock on his left forearm. Became a professional boxer in 1991 but retired in 1995 Is a motorcycle enthusiast. Kim Basinger once called him "The Human Ashtray". Filmed a role in The Thin Red Line, that eventually got cut. Arrested by the LAPD and charged with spousal abuse. [July 1994] Used to own a gym in West Hollywood called Shapiro. Has an younger sister named Patty, a younger half-brother named Joey, and six step-siblings. Walked off the set of 'Luck Of The Draw' when the producers refused to let him include his pet chihuahua in the movie. [August 1999] 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". Grew up in the tough Miami area known as Liberty City. Performed with David Bowie on his "Never Let Me Down" album in the mid-1980s. 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. Was trained by Sandra Seacat. Made his professional boxing debut on May 23, 1991 in Florida by winning a 4 round decision over Steve Powell. Retired from boxing undefeated after boxing a draw with "Irish" Sean Gibbons in Davie, Florida in 1994. As an amateur boxer, put together a knockout streak of 12 straight. Sparred with world champions James Toney and Carlos Monzon. On June 3, 1992 he knocked-out Darrell Miller in one round in Japan. On Nov. 20, 1993, he knocked-out Thomas McCoy in 3 rounds in Germany. On Dec. 12, 1993 he knocked-out Terry Jesmer in Spain in 4 rounds. Used to co-own a very tiny soda fountain/ice cream/magazine stand in Beverly Hills with his hairdresser pal Giuseppe Franco called Mickey & Joey's. As a boxer, his nickname was "El Marielito". As a pro boxer he sparred with world champion James "Lights Out" Toney. Visited former World Middleweight Boxing Champion Carlos Monzon while Monzon was in prison for murder in Argentina. The two reportedly boxed an exhibition. Was considered for the role of Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs. Has admitted in interviews that he only did Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man for the money.