Hollywood icon Mickey Rourke is reportedly on the brink of being evicted from his Los Angeles residence after failing to pay tens of thousands in back rent. The 73-year-old actor, famed for his Oscar-nominated role in The Wrestler, was served a notice in October 2025 demanding payment of approximately £44,000 (around $60,000) or vacate the property.
Friends Launch Fundraising Drive for Dignity and Stability
A fundraising campaign has been swiftly organised on GoFundMe with the actor's permission, aiming to secure his housing. The page, created by his friend Liya-Joelle Jones, seeks to raise about £74,000 ($100,000) to cover the debt and associated costs. At the time of writing, it has already gathered over £35,000 ($48,000) in donations from supportive fans and well-wishers.
The appeal paints a poignant picture of Rourke's career, describing him as a "force of nature" in 1970s and 1980s American cinema. It argues that his decision to leave Hollywood at his peak to pursue boxing led to "lasting physical and emotional scars," and that the industry "moved on quickly" without him.
A Career of Highs and Recent Struggles
Mickey Rourke's career trajectory has been famously turbulent. After gaining critical acclaim in 1982's Diner and starring in hits like Angel Heart and 9½ Weeks, he stepped away from acting. His triumphant return and Academy Award nomination for 2008's The Wrestler marked a major comeback.
However, recent years have presented new challenges. His latest project, the independent film Mascots, faces an uncertain future after the death of co-star Udo Kier in November 2025. Furthermore, Rourke was ejected from the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2025 after making inappropriate comments about fellow contestant JoJo Siwa's sexuality, an incident for which he later expressed shame.
Fans Rally with Messages of Support
The GoFundMe page has become a hub for emotional tributes from devoted followers. Donor Zach Pesta wrote, "Mickey Rourke is one of the best to ever do it. Please know that your fans love you." Another supporter, Julie De Maria, added, "Stay strong you will get through this. Love your movies, you're an amazing actor."
Liya-Joelle Jones's statement on the fundraiser encapsulates its mission: "Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing." The campaign continues as the threat of eviction looms over the Hollywood legend.
