It appears actor Mickey Rourke is part of the 4% of Americans who hold a positive view of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Rourke’s opinion of Putin is so high, in fact, that he’s more than willing to wear the leader’s face plastered on the front of his t-shirt.
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On Monday, the actor visited a department store in Moscow to purchase a Putin t-shirt for about $26, reports Sky News.
Rourke spoke to reporters there, recalling that Putin was a “real gentleman” the few times that the actor and the Russian president met.
“If I didn’t like him, I wouldn’t buy the t-shirt, believe me,” said Rourke. “I met him a couple of times and he was a real gentleman, very cool, regular guy, looked me right in the eye. He’s a good guy.”
Rourke went on to explain oddly that family — not politics — is his prime reason for feeling affectionate toward the Russian leader.
“I have a Russian girlfriend, that’s all I care about,” added Rourke. “Her father is a good person, her mother is great, her babushka is wonderful. So, to me, it’s all about family. I don’t give a f–k about the politics. That’s not my department.”
The actor sauntered around sporting the t-shirt proudly as onlookers took photos.
Rourke may very well be the lone star in Hollywood praising Putin. “Bones” star David Boreanaz called Putin “nuts” and a “serious threat” to America on Twitter late last month, and an overwhelming 68% of the United States disapproves of the Russian leader.
Rourke has had an extensive film career, most recently gaining notoriety for his role in “The Wrestler.”