Mickey Rourke is probably best known as an 80’s actor whose promising career fell apart amidst reckless behavior. Now, he seems to be making a comeback thanks to his newest movie where he plays a washed-up wrestler trying to recapture his glory days. He has been nominated for several awards and there is even Oscar buzz surrounding him. It’s a long way from his recent career in smaller, less critically acclaimed movies. What accounts for Rourke’s change? God has a lot to do with it.
Rourke recently said “My grandmother always said: ‘God has a plan for all of us.’ I should have went along with his, not mine, my plan sucked.” I’ve heard it put more eloquently, but probably never so honestly. In fact, it’s Rourke’s commitment to his Catholic faith that keeps him from falling back into his reckless ways. Rourke said a few years back:
”I’ve talked to my priest a lot. I used to have to call him or the shrink when there was an explosion, because I was really good at not talking to anybody until there was an explosion.
My priest is this cool Italian from New York. We go down to his basement and he opens the wine. .
We smoke a cigarette and I have my confession. He sends me upstairs to do my Hail Mary’s. I mean, I’m no Holy Joe, but I have a strong belief…If I wasn’t Catholic I would have blown my brains out.
In fact, Mickey Rourke attempted suicide, but was saved by the intervention of his priest, Fr. Pete.
Mickey has a prayer that is beautiful and powerful in its simplicity:
“Please can you send me just a little bit of daylight.’”
For some inspiring reading about this formerly troubled actor and how his faith has helped him get on the right path, check out:
Actor Mickey Rourke Saved by His Catholic Faith (source of quotes)
Mickey Rourke Resurrects His Career (also a source)
David Bennett
Jennifer
asimplesinner
Fr. J.
Chad T.
Jorge Flores
Jonathan B
carmelbennett
nicenehobbit
Jason S
jaybird68
papaz
Dave Hartline
faceman
January 8, 2009 at 8:02 pm |
I, for one, am so thankful that Mr. Rourke has kept his faith. Whatever faults he may have, there has always been something very appealing about him and I thank the Lord for helping him. May He continue to guide and bless him. Amen.
January 8, 2009 at 8:54 pm |
I remember the leader of a mission where I worked telling me about good movies about St. Francis. Of course, we had both seen Brother Sun Sister Moon. But he also recommended another movie, hesitantly:
“Rob, I don’t know much about Mickkey Rourke’s life or what kind of man he is (meaning, I think, that he had heard alot of bad stuff! LOL), but he did an excellent job of portraying St. Francis in a film called Francesco.”
And he did. Francesco wasn’t some Hollywood reversal where they show you how an historical figure was “cool” and approved feminism, homosexuality, etc. IT was a really good portrayal of the saint, if I was a little disappointed at a scene where they get into discussing vernacular translations of scripture.
I am glad to hear about his conversion or reversion and hope he continues down the Road.
January 13, 2009 at 11:30 pm |
i was wondering what happened to Mickey Rourke, then there he was at the Golden Globes
January 29, 2009 at 9:58 pm |
“Please, can you send me just a little bit of daylight.” Beautiful? Powerful in it’s simplicity? Shouldn’t someone who has lived off of the fat of the land be thanking God rather than trying to get from God what is already right in front of him? I hope Roarke has been able to grow up so that he can notice the abundance God he whined to has already showered him with.