Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has revealed that he closely identified with his character Randy 'The Ram' Robinson in his forthcoming movie The Wrestler because he faced similar struggles with his career.

Rourke has received Golden Globe and SAG nominations for his performance in the critically acclaimed Darren Aronofsky-directed movie, which won the prestigious Golden Lion prize at the Venice Film Festival.

The 56-year-old actor was a professional boxer himself before launching his acting career with hit 1980s films including Diner, The Outsiders and Rumble Fish.

However, Rourke's acting career stalled in the 1990s, with some directors claiming that he was too eccentric and difficult to work with.

Speaking to the Sun, Rourke said that he related to the fact that Randy was at the twilight of his career.

"I know what that's like. Randy was somebody 20 years ago and so was Mickey Rourke," the actor explained.

"When you used to be a somebody and you aren't anybody anymore, you live in what my doctor calls a state of shame. It's when you had a career, then you mess up and you don't have a career anymore, and it's all your fault."