Beverly Hills bystanders were recently treated to a surprisingly entertaining sight when Mickey Rourke and celebrity hairstylist Giuseppe Franco appeared together, uncannily resembling the iconic characters from the movie “Zoolander.” Their flamboyant attire, seemingly plucked from a fashion runway satire, made them look like living embodiments of Ben Stiller’s Derek Zoolander and Owen Wilson’s Hansel. With Mickey’s disheveled blonde hair and a daring outfit, comparisons to Owen’s laid-back model persona were undeniable. Giuseppe, complementing the look, sported a sharp all-black ensemble and voluminous hair that could have graced any high-fashion parody.

The pair practically exuded the exaggerated energy of the 2001 cult classic that famously poked fun at the modeling industry. From their over-the-top clothing choices to their self-assured strolls down the sidewalk, it was a moment of pure Blue Steel brought to life. Mickey didn’t shy away from showcasing his signature accessories either; a large crucifix boldly hung over his partially exposed chest, adding a dramatic flair to his edgy look. The actor, a heartthrob of 80s cinema, paired this striking jewelry with a half-zipped top, jeans, and unmissable vibrant red shoes. At 65, Rourke continues to challenge conventions with his unique fashion sense and fearless public appearances, wearing the oversized cross as a symbol of identity and spiritual pride, reflecting his long-standing Catholic faith.

While many recall Mickey for his passionate roles in erotic dramas like “Wild Orchid” (where he co-starred with his then-girlfriend Carré Otis), his life has been far from smooth. Once celebrated for his rugged good looks, Rourke’s foray into professional boxing left his face severely disfigured. A series of subsequent surgeries, largely intended to repair injuries sustained in the ring, unfortunately worsened his appearance. He has candidly spoken about the extent of his facial reconstruction, revealing, “I broke my nose twice, had five surgeries on it, and needed work on my cheekbone. They even took cartilage from my ear to rebuild parts of my nose — and still, the scar tissue wouldn’t heal right.” Adding to his medical woes, Rourke also endured a painful procedure for hemorrhoids, which he described as “one of the most painful” experiences of his life, though he admitted even that wasn’t as bad as his other surgeries.

Rourke’s brief return to the boxing world between 1991 and 1994 saw him compete eight times, achieving six wins and two draws, predominantly against less renowned opponents. In 2014, he re-entered the ring for an exhibition match, securing a knockout victory, though this win was later shrouded in controversy with claims that the match had been fixed. Despite these literal and metaphorical bumps and bruises, Mickey Rourke remains an undeniable symbol of resilience. Whether he’s striding through the streets of Los Angeles in designer-inspired attire or openly discussing his personal struggles, Rourke consistently refuses to blend in or quietly fade from the Hollywood scene.

In his recent outing with Franco, the duo’s striking resemblance to the outrageous “Zoolander” models may have been coincidental, but it served as a humorous reminder that fashion, much like fame, often comes full circle. For Rourke, a man who has repeatedly reinvented himself, that circle is consistently more extravagant than most.