Acclaimed actor Mickey Rourke is confronting a severe financial crisis that threatens his housing. The 73-year-old star, celebrated for his Oscar-nominated role in The Wrestler, has authorized a public fundraising campaign to settle a substantial rent debt and avoid eviction from his Los Angeles residence.
According to legal filings, Rourke was served with an eviction notice in late December after allegedly falling behind on payments. The actor’s landlord has initiated a lawsuit seeking unpaid rent, damages, and legal costs. Records indicate Rourke leases a historic property, once occupied by novelist Raymond Chandler, with a monthly rent recently increased to $7,000.
A fundraising page, organized by a close associate with Rourke’s consent, describes the situation as an “urgent” hardship. It states the campaign aims to cover immediate housing expenses and provide the actor with stability during a challenging period. The narrative emphasizes that professional acclaim offers no shield against personal financial struggles.
“Life doesn’t follow a straight path,” the appeal reads. “Despite his contributions, he is now in a difficult financial moment that jeopardizes his home. He deserves dignity and the chance to regain his footing.”
The effort has garnered a significant response, with numerous fans contributing and leaving supportive messages. At last report, the campaign had raised a substantial portion of its $100,000 goal.
Rourke’s career has been marked by dramatic highs and lows. After rising to fame in the 1980s with films like Diner and 9½ Weeks, he left acting for a professional boxing career before making a heralded comeback in the 2000s. More recently, he made headlines for his controversial exit from a reality television program, which led to a dispute over his contracted fee.
The current situation underscores the precarious nature of financial stability, even for well-known figures in the entertainment industry.