10 Incredible Against-All-Odds Hollywood Comebacks

2. Mickey Rourke

Just as Hopper was making a comeback in the 1980s, Rourke was pegged to be one of the decades biggest stars. He came to prominence in films such as Diner, Rumble Fish, Body Heat, Angel Heart and the Fifty Shades Of Grey prototype 9 1/2 Weeks. The Downfall: By the early '90s, however, Rourke was running out of steam and he appeared in a succession of critical and commercial failures, such as Wild Orchid (for which he was nominated for a Razzie) and Harley Davidson And The Marlboro Man. Rourke now refers to these as "sellout" films. Rourke, who had been an amateur boxer in his youth, decided to go back to the sport in 1991. He was undefeated in eight matches between '91 and '94 (six wins and two draws) but he suffered serious damage to his face, which required reconstructive surgery. He has since admitted that he went to the 'wrong guy' for his surgery, leaving him looking disfigured. What Brought Him Back: After spending the rest of the '90s and the early 2000s accepting bit parts in studio films and supporting roles in indies, Rourke signed on to play the lead in Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler. He was perfectly cast as ageing grappled Randy 'The Ram' Robinson and a host of award notice, including a Best Actor Oscar nomination, followed. Fourteen years prior to appearing in The Wrestler, Rourke had a beaten-up face, his career was all but over, he was penniless and his personal life was in tatters. It was a truly remarkable comeback by a great actor Did It Last?: Rourke has found steady work since, appearing in films such as the macho action film The Expendables and Iron Man 2, although he hasn't had a role as meaty as The Ram recently.