Rourke: 'I discussed career with my dog'

Mickey Rourke has revealed that he confided in his dog when he feared that his career was over.

The actor, who has received plaudits for his role in The Wrestler, spent years out of the spotlight after a failed boxing career and problems with the law.

"For so many years, I'd sit and talk to the dog, and say: 'I'm not coming back, it's over,'" he said.

"I was never going to quit. That's not in me, but I thought: 'I've f**ked it up.' I didn't think I'd come back to this level ever again. I hoped I would but I thought too much time had gone by."

He added: "It's such a nice feeling to feel proud again, not to be living in shame and disgrace and failure."

The Wrestler is scheduled for release in the UK on January 16.