Mickey Rourke

This talented but troubled star who first came to fame in '80s hits like 9 1/2 Weeks and Angel Heart spectacularly fell from grace in an orgy of self destruction. His reputation for fighting with producers, showing up late to sets and not learning lines, raising hell and turning down star-making lead roles in Top Gun, Beverly Hills Cop, Highlander, Rain Man, The Untouchables and Pulp Fiction seemed crazy. He switched careers and became a professional boxer. He never lost his fights, but his looks were ruined, not helped by a cheap plastic surgeon known as 'the Butcher'. Too beaten up to carry on boxing and with his leading man looks a thing of the past, Mickey tried to make a return to movies, but only found work in a succession of low budget, low quality flops. Mickey Rourke: Wrestling With Demons chronicles the star's extraordinary adventure through life, from his nightmare childhood, broken marriages, arrests and brain damage to a suicidal visit to a New York Church, the death of his brother in his arms and his award nominations for The Wrestler. Written with passion, insight and expertise by respected showbiz reporter, Sandro Monetti, this is very human and compelling story.
'Rourke has a great underdog story to tell. He's the beat-up, battered, almost superstar, the man who once surrendered to his additions but is in full comeback mode' Variety Beverly Hills-based showbiz expert Sandro Monetti has been Hollywood correspondent for Sky Television networks and News of the World and now for BBC radio and The Daily and Sunday Express newspapers. He has appeared as a guest and showbiz expert on more that 50 TV shows including Pop Idol, and Celebrities Exposed.