After his parents divorced in 1959, moved with his mother to Miami Beach, where he took up boxing
Attended the Actors Studio in New York and was a student of the acclaimed acting teacher Lee Strasberg
While waiting for his big break, held various positions to pay the bills, including pretzel vendor and Good Humor Man
First film role was as Pvt
Reese in Steven Spielberg's 1941
After a falling out in Hollywood because of a reputation for being difficult to work with, became a professional boxer from 1991 to '95
Once co-owned a small street-side stand with his hairdresser called Mickey & Joey's that sold magazines, ice cream and soda-fountain drinks in Beverly Hills
Awards
2009Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama:winner
2009Independent Spirit Awards-Best Male Lead:winner
2009Critics' Choice Awards-Best Actor:nominated
2009BAFTA Film Awards-Best Leading Actor:winner
2008Utah Film Critics-Best Actor:winner
2008Screen Actors Guild Awards-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role:nominated
2008Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:nominated
2008Detroit Film Critics Society-Best Actor:winner
2008Chicago Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Boston Society of Film Critics-Best Actor:winner
2008Alliance of Women Film Journalists-Bravest Performance Award:winner
2008Vancouver Film Critics-Best Actor:nominated
2008Women Film Critics Circle-Best Actor:winner
2008Washington D.C. Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Toronto Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Southeastern Film Critics Association-Best Actor:nominated
2008San Francisco Film Critics Circle-Best Actor:winner
2008San Diego Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Online Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Los Angeles Film Critics Association-Best Actor:nominated
2008London Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Kansas City Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner
2008Iowa Film Critics Association-Best Actor:winner