Mickey Rourke, a Hollywood actor and former professional boxer, has asked fans for financial help after facing eviction from his home.
The 73-year-old was served an eviction notice last month after allegedly falling behind on rent payments totalling $59,100, according to reports. With the loss of his home now an immediate risk, a fundraiser has been launched on his behalf in an effort to cover housing-related costs and prevent the eviction.
The campaign was organised by Liya-Joelle Jones, a friend of Rourke and a member of his management team. Writing on a GoFundMe page, Jones said the fundraiser was created with the actor’s full permission and described the situation as urgent. The page went live on Sunday and managed to raise $97,732 in under 3 days, towards a stated goal of $100,000.
Jones described Rourke’s circumstances as a reminder that fame does not guarantee long-term financial stability. She wrote that while Rourke is widely recognised, his career has been marked by highs and lows, and that he now needs support to “get back on his feet”.
The official GoFundMe statement goes as follows: '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. From Diner to Rumble Fish to 9½ Weeks, Mickey gave audiences performances that felt lived-in, not performed, and left a permanent mark on American film culture.
Mickey’s life never followed a safe or protected path. At the height of his success, he stepped away from Hollywood in search of truth and authenticity, choosing risk over comfort. Boxing—real and punishing—left lasting physical and emotional scars, and the industry that once celebrated him moved on quickly. What followed were years of struggle not defined by spectacle, but by survival: health challenges, financial strain, and the quiet toll of being left behind.
Today, Mickey is facing a very real and urgent situation: the threat of eviction from his home. This fundraiser is being created with Mickey’s full permission to help cover immediate housing-related expenses and prevent that from happening. Mickey Rourke is an icon—but his trajectory, as painful as it is, is also a deeply human one. It is the story of someone who gave everything to his work, took real risks, and paid real costs. 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 goal is simple: to give Mickey stability and peace of mind during an extremely stressful time—so he can stay in his home and have the space to get back on his feet. Any donation, no matter the size, will make a real difference. And if you’re not able to contribute, sharing this page is a huge help and deeply appreciated. Thank you so much for your kindness, compassion, and support.'
Rourke rose to prominence in the 1980s, becoming known for roles in films such as 9½ Weeks, Angel Heart and Rumble Fish. At the height of his fame, he was considered one of Hollywood’s leading men, praised for his intensity and unconventional screen presence.
However, his career later stalled following a series of personal struggles and a decision to step away from acting to pursue professional boxing in the 1990s. During that period, Rourke competed in several sanctioned bouts and suffered multiple injuries, including facial damage that he has said required extensive surgery. Those injuries, along with time away from film, affected his career prospects in later years.
He made a high-profile comeback in 2008 with The Wrestler, a role that earned him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination, briefly returning him to mainstream attention. Since then, he has continued to act, often in smaller or independent projects, but has not returned to the same level of commercial success.
The fundraiser has prompted mixed reactions online, with some expressing sympathy and others questioning how a well-known actor could face eviction. Supporters, however, argue that irregular work, health issues and past career disruptions can leave even recognisable figures financially vulnerable.
For now, the campaign remains active as Rourke attempts to secure stable housing and address his immediate financial situation.
