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“Wrestler” Mickey Rourke jumps into the ring — for real

By Bob Tourtellotte
January 27, 2009
Mickey Rourke | The Wrestler | World Wrestling Entertainment | WrestleMania

(Writing and reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis)SAGAWARDS/

Actor Mickey Rourke has turned himself into one of Hollywood’s comeback kings with an Oscar-nominated performance in “The Wrestler.” Now, the actor is planning to take on opponents larger and tougher than movie critics — he wants to fight in World Wrestling Entertainment’s WrestleMania match in Houston on April 5. 
    
Rourke made the announcement on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild awards on Sunday night. The news was reported by SAGAWARDS/celebrity news outlets Access Hollywood and E! News. Rourke even fit in a bash against pro wrestler Chris Jericho, telling a reporter that he “better get in shape.” 
    
Rourke was stuck in the Hollywood wilderness for years because of on-set troubles and run-ins with the law. He gave a salty acceptance speech when he won a best actor award for “The Wrestler” at the Golden Globes on Jan. 11, and it’s clear that being back in the limelight has not taken the edge off Rourke. The question is: how will he fare in the ring? He is, after all, just an actor.

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Comments
6 comments so far | RSS Comments RSS
Jan 27, 2009
3:43 am UTC

I’m going to WrestleMania, so I hope this happens.

Posted by MMMBop | Report as abusive
 
Jan 27, 2009
8:35 pm UTC

Isn’t every wrestler “just an actor”?

Posted by Kenn | Report as abusive
 
Jan 27, 2009
9:07 pm UTC

a real fight…that’s sound great!

Posted by FutureTradingPlataforms | Report as abusive
 
Jan 28, 2009
3:09 am UTC

I am so glad to see Mickey Rourke made a come back. He is a Oscar Winning actor, and I am looking forward to seeing him in future movies.

Posted by Diane | Report as abusive
 
Jan 28, 2009
1:01 pm UTC

Great comeback story,I have always been a fan of Micky rourke going back to the days of “The Pope of Grenwich “

Posted by Ken del Valle | Report as abusive
 
Feb 26, 2009
4:39 am UTC

I just caught The Wrestler tonight.

I have to say it was the BEST movie I’ve seen in a while. Mickey Rourke’s stellar performance struck a cord with me. Especially the relationship (or lack thereof) between Mickey and his only daughter. I was in tears!

My ex-husband has a similar strained relationship with our oldest daughter and= Rourke’s performance is one I will never forget.

I’ve yet to see MILK but I truly believe Mickey deserved an OSCAR for sure for such a wonderful performance.

I would love to meet the man to shake his hand and let him know how much I appreciate his dedication to his craft.

All the best,

Suzan

Posted by SUZAN | Report as abusive
 

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