The One Actor Brad Pitt Has Always Tried to Emulate—And Why He’s Obsessed with Him

Brad Pitt may be one of the most celebrated actors of his generation, but even the most accomplished performers draw inspiration from those who came before them. For Pitt, that guiding influence has always been Mickey Rourke. Though he admired many legends, from Marlon Brando to Jack Nicholson, it was Rourke’s raw, unbridled energy on screen that left a lasting impression.

Early Days of Admiration

When a 22-year-old Pitt was just starting out, he spoke candidly in interviews about the actors he revered. While studying acting in Los Angeles—after an unexpected pivot away from art school—he began to find his footing in Hollywood’s competitive landscape. In those early days, Pitt named Brando as a favorite, calling his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire electrifying. He also admired his peers, such as Sean Penn and Timothy Hutton, who were making waves with dramatic, boundary-pushing roles. But when it came to an actor he truly emulated, Pitt singled out Rourke, saying, “I love Mickey Rourke; he blows my mind.”

Rourke was at his peak during the mid-1980s, captivating audiences in films like The Pope of Greenwich Village and 9 ½ Weeks. His performances were a unique blend of toughness and vulnerability, characteristics that Pitt found both compelling and instructive. In an industry overflowing with charisma and talent, Rourke stood out as unpredictable, daring, and deeply human—all qualities Pitt would later incorporate into his own work.

A Lasting Influence

Even after Pitt became a household name, Rourke’s impact lingered. In a 2007 interview with Interview magazine, Pitt reflected on how much Rourke’s performances shaped his artistic sensibilities. “It was all about Mickey Rourke,” he said. “I can see bits of him in stuff I do. Not that it’s a copy… but I certainly see where the inspiration comes from.”

Pitt pointed to Rourke’s signature balance of “toughness and intimacy,” describing how the actor could appear “stone tough and paper brittle at the same time.” That delicate interplay of strength and vulnerability would become a hallmark of many of Pitt’s most iconic roles, from Tyler Durden in Fight Club to Billy Beane in Moneyball. It’s not surprising, then, that Pitt openly acknowledged how much he had learned from Rourke’s fearless approach to acting.

A Tribute on Screen

Though Pitt and Rourke have yet to share the screen, Pitt managed to pay homage to his idol in a subtle way. In Ridley Scott’s The Counsellor, Pitt’s character delivers a line referencing Rourke: “Maybe I should tell you what Mickey Rourke told what’s his face? That’s my recommendation anyway, counsellor. Don’t do it.” Whether that line was written into the script by coincidence or at Pitt’s suggestion remains unclear, but its inclusion feels like a deliberate nod to the actor he always admired.

An Enduring Legacy

Pitt’s continued respect for Rourke is a testament to the lasting impact one performer can have on another. Even as Pitt became a megastar in his own right, Rourke’s gritty, complex performances stayed with him, influencing his choices and deepening his craft. It’s a reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest icons often have their own heroes—figures whose work inspires them to push boundaries, take risks, and find the raw, human core of every role they play.