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Mickey Rourke to Play Gay Rugby Star

'It takes a lot of courage' to be Gareth Thomas, says actor

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 30, 2010 3:05 AM CST

(Newser) – Comeback kid Mickey Rourke is preparing to come back to the big screen again as another athlete, but this time with a different sexual orientation. "The Wrestler" will play Welsh gay rugby star Gareth Thomas, who's touted by the Independent as the only active male sports professional to declare his homosexuality. Rugby is "one of the toughest, hardest sports in the world to play," said Rourke. "To live with that secret, to perform at the high level he performed, it takes a lot of courage." Thomas revealed he was gay in a media interview last year. Rourke says he has already met with Thomas to discuss how to present his story "sensitively."

Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas.
Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas.   (AP Photo/David Vincent)
Actor Mickey Rourke has met with player Gareth Thomas on how to present his story sensitively.
Actor Mickey Rourke has met with player Gareth Thomas on how to present his story "sensitively."   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Aitchondo
Dec 30, 2010 5:38 AM CST
I'm not gay, but having watched Gareth play and appreciating how tough and aggressive he is, I'd hate to be his partner. Mickey will have to do some really good getting in shape to pull this off(no pun intended). Good luck.
Kreoth TheGreat
Dec 30, 2010 3:42 AM CST
Gareth Thomas is a remarkably, ruggedly attractive rugby player. In contrast, Mickey Rourke looks like a badly battered rugby ball. Maybe this movie is geared towards blind audiences unfamiliar with the game of rugby?
 

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