Mickey Rourke, the 73-year-old Oscar-nominated actor, is facing eviction from his Los Angeles home after allegedly failing to pay $59,100 (£44,000) in rent. Court documents show he received a three-day eviction notice in December, and his landlord is now suing for damages and legal fees.
Rourke has approved a GoFundMe page launched by Liya-Joelle Jones, a friend and member of his management team, to cover the debt. The fundraiser has raised $33,000 of its $100,000 goal as of writing. Jones told the Hollywood Reporter: 'Mickey is going through a very difficult time right now, and it’s been incredibly touching to see how many people care about him and want to help.'
The GoFundMe page states the funds will 'help cover immediate housing-related expenses and prevent that from happening.' It describes Rourke as 'an icon' whose 'trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one' and notes that 'fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability.'
Rourke signed a lease for the home—once lived in by author Raymond Chandler—in March, agreeing to pay $5,200 a month, later raised to $7,000. Known for roles in The Wrestler, Sin City, and Iron Man 2, he was a major star in the 1980s before leaving acting for professional boxing. Last year, he was ejected from Celebrity Big Brother UK over inappropriate remarks, and his manager later announced legal action against the show.
