Is a motorcycle enthusiast.

Was considered for the role of Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs (1991).

Used to own a gym in West Hollywood called Shapiro.

Sparred with world champions James Toney and Carlos Monzón.

Has an younger sister named Patty, a younger half-brother named Joey, and six step-siblings.

Grew up in the tough Miami area known as Liberty City.

On June 3, 1992 he knocked-out Darrell Miller in one round in Japan.

Walked off the set of Luck of the Draw (2000) when the producers refused to let him include his pet chihuahua in the movie. [August 1999]

Was offered a role in Revolver (2005/I), but turned it down to do Domino (2005).

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]

Was trained by Sandra Seacat.

Was originally cast as "Stuntman Mike" in Grindhouse (2007).

Made his professional boxing debut on May 23, 1991 in Florida by winning a 4 round decision over Steve Powell.

Turned down Bruce Willis' role in Pulp Fiction (1994).

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.

On Dec. 12, 1993 he knocked-out Terry Jesmer in Spain in 4 rounds.

Arrested by the LAPD and charged with spousal abuse. [July 1994]

Was considered for a role in Inglorious Bastards (2009).

Filmed a role in The Thin Red Line (1998), that eventually got cut. He gets thanked in the credits.

On Nov. 20, 1993, he knocked-out Thomas McCoy in 3 rounds in Germany.

Was first considered for the role of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop (1984). It was eventually passed on to Sylvester Stallone, and, after many script revisions, Eddie Murphy.

As an amateur boxer, put together a knockout streak of 12 straight.

Is a good friend of French singer and painter Tristan, whom designed, among other things, the "tiger jacket" Rourke wears in Homeboy (1988).

Is an alumni of the Lee Strasberg Institute such as actors Frank Miranda, Scarlett Johansson, Rosario Dawson, Dennis Hopper, Julia Roberts.

As a boxer, his nickname was "El Marielito".

In its obituary of poet Charles Bukowski, the screenwriter of Barfly (1987), "The New York Post" used a photo of Rourke as Henry Chinaski in the film instead of a photo of the poet himself.

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.

Visited former World Middleweight Boxing Champion Carlos Monzón while Monzón was in prison for murder in Argentina. The two reportedly boxed an exhibition.

Became a professional boxer in 1991 but retired in 1995.

Kim Basinger once called him "The Human Ashtray".