Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke is confronting legal action and potential eviction from his Los Angeles rental property after allegedly failing to pay close to $60,000 in rent. The news comes in the wake of the 73-year-old's abrupt and controversial exit from the UK's Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year.
Legal Proceedings and Mounting Debt
According to court documents filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, the Oscar-nominated star received a formal three-day notice to either pay the owed rent or vacate the premises on 18 December. The actor, whose legal name is Philip Andre Rourke Jr., did not comply with the notice.
The filings state that Rourke originally signed a lease for the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath house in Beverly Grove in March for $5,200 per month. This rate was later increased to $7,000 per month. At the time the eviction notice was served, the total amount of unpaid rent allegedly stood at $59,100.
The property's owner, Eric Goldie, is now seeking a court order for eviction. He is also requesting financial compensation to cover attorney's fees and damages related to the case.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Rourke first rose to fame in the early 1980s with acclaimed roles in films like Body Heat and Diner. He solidified his leading man status in Rumble Fish and 9½ Weeks, but his career trajectory was derailed by professional boxing, clashes in Hollywood, and personal struggles.
In a 2008 interview with The Times, he reflected on this period, stating, "I lost everything. My house, my wife, my credibility, my career." He attributed his behaviour to unresolved childhood trauma.
His critically acclaimed role in The Wrestler (2008) marked a major comeback, earning him a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. However, this resurgence proved difficult to sustain.
Recent Controversy and Financial Strain
Earlier this year, Rourke entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in the UK. His stint was marred by controversy and lasted only six days. He was removed from the show following complaints about "threatening and aggressive" behaviour towards fellow contestant Chris Hughes and the use of "inappropriate sexual language" directed at Ella Mae Wise.
Reports at the time indicated he was initially due to receive £500,000 for a three-week appearance, but his fee was slashed to approximately £50,000 after his ejection. During his time on the programme, Rourke also revealed he had to take out a $500,000 bank loan during the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent actors' strike.
The Independent has reached out to representatives for Mickey Rourke for comment on the eviction proceedings. The outcome of the court case will determine whether the veteran actor must leave his Beverly Grove home.
