It's got Oscar gold written all over it, this story. Seriously, see: A boy named Mickey is born to an Irish-French family in New York, and, as he watches his parents divorce, he becomes a boxer, and a pretty darned good one, sparring with the best middleweights in the world. From boxing came concussions, and while taking a break from the gloves, he decided to act.

He debuts with Steven Spielberg, is seen as a natural, raw actor, and appreciated for a slew of intense character roles and smaller parts. All is well except the boxer is restless. Critically acclaimed directors admit to being scared of him on sets. The downward spiral begins.

Soon he quits acting and returns to boxing, on his way turning down -- among a bunch of prominent films and characters -- a breakthrough opportunity in the finest film of the 1990s. He stays undefeated in eight fights, and comes back to acting, doing smaller, below-the-radar character roles till a comic book movie lifts him into the spotlight.

Now, Mickey Rourke is the Oscar Nominee for Best Actor for his work in The Wrestler.

Here's a look at the 56-year-old whose life puts screenwriters to shame.

Text: Raja Sen

Also Read: Mickey Rourke wins the Golden Globes

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