Mickey Rourke, 72, has revealed he regrets his 'blind decision' to use steroids for his role in The Wrestler, as it took him five years to lose the 70lbs he gained.

Mickey Rourke has revealed his regrets for taking steroids and overeating six times a day to gain weight for his role in the 2008 film The WrestleMania.

The actor, 72, has always denied using performance-enhancing drugs To achieve his muscular look in the Oscar-nominated film.

But when she reflected on her role on Instagram on Wednesday, the star finally admitted to using the drug and said it would take four or five years to shift the weight.

Mickey shared a photo of himself in the movie with a caption: 'Just finishing my nightly 2 hour workout. [sic] I was thinking about when I did the movie The Wrestler.

'I honestly regret putting on £70 to look the part.

Mickey Rourke, 72, revealed on Instagram on Wednesday that he regretted his foolish decision to use steroids for his role on The WrestleMania because it took him five years to lose the 70 pounds he gained.

The actor, 72, previously used the performance-enhancing drug to achieve his muscle-bound appearance in the Oscar-nominated film (filmed in 2008's The WrestleMania).

The actor, 72, previously used the performance-enhancing drug to achieve his muscle-bound appearance in the Oscar-nominated film (filmed in 2008's The WrestleMania).

Mickey spoke openly to his followers on Instagram, warning others who want to enhance their looks about using steroids.

Mickey spoke openly to his followers on Instagram, warning others who want to enhance their looks about using steroids.

'It wasn't a big well thought out plan, of course I used steroids and ate huge meals 6 times a day.

'I was so silly, the real achievement was the long hours in the gym. I am sorry, but I have made many stupid decisions in my life. I cringe when I look at my photos.

'I never said I was the sharpest pencil in the box. Oh, I was just thinking out loud and thought I'd pass this message on to some young adults who want to grow up.

The film follows a faded professional wrestler who wants to retire, but finds his quest for a new life outside the ring an uphill battle.

Mickey was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Randy 'The Ram' Robinson.

In 2009, Mickey hit back at claims he used growth hormones or controversial sports drugs to improve his physique.

He told Men's Journal: 'I did a few things. You wouldn't classify it as steroids, but I did some heavy duty supplements… but not the regular stuff.

Although she has previously denied taking steroids, the star has been open about undergoing cosmetic surgery to repair facial injuries.

Mickey revealed it took four or five years to shift the weight (pictured at The Black November screening in 2012)

Mickey revealed it took four or five years to shift the weight (pictured at The Black November screening in 2012)

Although she has previously denied taking steroids, the star has been open about undergoing cosmetic surgery to repair facial injuries.

Although she has previously denied taking steroids, the star has been open about undergoing cosmetic surgery to repair facial injuries.

Mickey rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as Body Heat and Rumble Fish; Seen in 1985

Mickey rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in films such as Body Heat and Rumble Fish; Seen in 1985

In 2009 she told MailOnline: 'Most of it was to fix the mess on my face due to boxing, but I went to the wrong person to put my face back together.

'I broke my nose twice. Five operations on my nose and a crushed cheek.

Mickey's Hollywood career reached its peak in 1986 when he won the lead male role opposite Kim Basinger in the romantic drama 9 1/2 Weeks.

But leading roles disappeared as he dabbled in the movie business and boxing until he got a second shot at a meaty part with Sin City in 2005, which he reprized in its sequel opposite Jessica Alba.

At one point, the star admitted that she was blacklisted because it was too difficult to work in Hollywood, but thanked younger directors for the reason her acting career was resurrected.

'Young people are good. They don't care what they hear. They judge me on my acting skills, not my old reputation,' the eighties action star explained to Fox News.

'I have a love/hate relationship with acting. I enjoy what I do at the moment because I can give everything I have been taught. I have hope.'

Mickey has never been shy about expressing his opinion about Hollywood and last year branded A-list actor Tom Cruise 'inappropriate'.

He criticized the Top Gun star during Piers Morgan's Uncensored Show: 'The guy's been doing the same effing part for 35 years. I got no respect for that.

His words came after Piers asked Mickie how he felt about Cruise's latest film, Top Gun: Maverick, topping the box office charts.

He said: 'That doesn't mean sh** to me. I don't care about money and power, I care when I look at Al Pacino's work and Chris Walken's and De Niro's early work and Richard Harris' work and Ray Winstone's work.

'That's the kind of actor I want to be. Monty Clift and Brando back in the day.'

Pearce pressed him further and asked: 'Don't you think Tom Cruise is a good actor?'

“I guess he's irrelevant in my world,” Mickey replied.