Mickey Rourke Appeals for Help to Keep Los Angeles Home
Mickey Rourke has turned to crowdfunding in a bid to stay in his Los Angeles residence, after falling behind on rent. Supporters have already contributed more than half the target amount.
Faced with the threat of losing his Los Angeles residence, Mickey Rourke has taken the unusual step of launching a public fundraiser. The actor, whose career has seen both dizzying highs and public setbacks, is now relying on the generosity of fans and well-wishers to stave off eviction.
Rourke’s GoFundMe campaign, set up on 4 January, follows a notice served last month demanding payment of $60,000 in overdue rent. The alternative? Vacate the property. The campaign, titled ‘Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home’, has already drawn in over $51,000 towards its $100,000 goal.
Public Support and Personal Struggles
The fundraising page offers a candid portrait of Rourke’s journey through the film industry.
“Mickey Rourke entered American cinema like a force of nature—raw, fearless, and utterly original. In the late 1970s and 1980s, he wasn’t just a movie star; he was a symbol of something rare: danger paired with vulnerability, toughness paired with heart.”
The description doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous chapters, noting how the industry “moved on quickly” after his heyday, leaving him to navigate a far less forgiving landscape.
It’s made clear that the campaign has Rourke’s blessing, and is intended to give him a fighting chance to remain in his home.
“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 page continues, making a direct appeal to the public’s sense of empathy.
From Action Hero to Reality TV
Rourke’s reputation as a leading man in action films during the 1980s is well documented. However, his later years have been marked by controversy and a certain degree of estrangement from the industry that once celebrated him. His outspoken nature and divisive opinions have not always endeared him to Hollywood’s gatekeepers.
Most recently, the 73-year-old made a brief appearance on the British reality programme Celebrity Big Brother in 2025. His stint was cut short after he was removed from the house, following allegations of inappropriate remarks directed at two fellow contestants. The incident did little to repair his public image, and may have contributed to his current predicament.
Legal Disputes and Financial Woes
Adding to his troubles, Rourke has claimed he intends to take legal action against ITV, the broadcaster behind Celebrity Big Brother. He alleges that he received only £50,000 of the £500,000 he was promised for participating in the show. The dispute remains unresolved, leaving Rourke in a precarious financial position.
For now, the focus remains on the fundraiser, which continues to attract donations from those who remember Rourke’s impact on the silver screen—and perhaps sympathise with the unpredictability of fame. Whether the campaign will ultimately secure his place in his Los Angeles home is yet to be seen.