Why is Mickey Rourke turning to GoFundMe at 73? Inside the Actor’s urgent fight to avoid eviction
Actor Mickey Rourke on June 17, 2022. Image Credit: Paul Archuleta/Getty Images
Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke is facing a stark and unexpected financial crisis. The 73-year-old Hollywood veteran has approved a GoFundMe campaign to prevent eviction from his Los Angeles rental home after falling nearly $60,000 behind in rent.
The fundraiser, launched with Rourke’s “full permission,” has reignited public discussion around celebrity finances, aging actors, and the often unseen volatility of life after Hollywood stardom.
Mickey Rourke Faces Eviction Over Nearly $60,000 in Back Rent
Rourke is currently at risk of being evicted after receiving a three-day eviction notice on December 18. The notice followed months of missed payments on a rental property he leased in March 2025.
Initially renting the home for $5,200 per month, Rourke later saw the cost increase to $7,000 monthly, leaving him with a total balance of $59,100 in unpaid rent.
The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Support Mickey to Prevent Eviction,” was launched early Sunday morning to help cover immediate housing-related expenses.
GoFundMe Launched With Actor’s Full Permission
The crowdfunding effort is being run by Liya-Joelle Jones, a close friend and member of Rourke’s management team. According to Jones, the actor personally approved the campaign amid mounting financial pressure.
“Mickey is going through a very difficult time right now,” Jones told The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s been incredibly touching to see how many people care about him and want to help.”
The fundraiser’s description emphasizes urgency, describing the situation as a “challenging financial moment” that has put Rourke’s housing stability at risk.
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Inside the Los Angeles Home at the Center of the Crisis
The property in question is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom Spanish bungalow, originally built in 1926. Zillow describes the home as “nicely upgraded,” with literary history attached, author Raymond Chandler reportedly lived there during the 1940s.
Located in Los Angeles, the home became Rourke’s residence amid rising rental costs and economic strain, ultimately culminating in the eviction notice.
From Hollywood Stardom to Financial Struggles
Rourke rose to fame in the 1980s, becoming one of Hollywood’s most magnetic leading men with films such as Diner, The Pope of Greenwich Village, 9½ Weeks, and Angel Heart. His raw charisma positioned him as a long-term star, until he abruptly distanced himself from the industry.
Disillusioned with studio filmmaking, Rourke famously walked away from high-profile projects and turned to professional boxing in the early 1990s, a decision that resulted in severe facial injuries and later reconstructive surgery.
A Career That Never Fully Disappeared
Despite years spent outside the Hollywood mainstream, Rourke gradually reemerged in supporting roles. Directors like Robert Rodriguez (Sin City) and Tony Scott (Domino) helped reintroduce him to a new generation of viewers.
His most celebrated return came in 2008 with The Wrestler, directed by Darren Aronofsky. Rourke’s performance earned him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, reframing his turbulent life story as a poignant reflection of resilience and decline.
Why Financial Instability Still Haunts Aging Stars
While Rourke has worked steadily since The Wrestler, often in genre films and ensemble casts, his situation highlights a growing issue within Hollywood: career longevity does not always guarantee financial security.
Rising living costs, inconsistent roles, and long gaps between major paychecks have left some veteran actors vulnerable, despite decades of fame.
Public Reaction and Broader Industry Questions
News of Rourke’s GoFundMe campaign has sparked debate online about celebrity wealth, fan responsibility, and the entertainment industry’s treatment of aging performers. Supporters argue that crowdfunding offers dignity during hardship, while critics question why a former A-lister would need public assistance.
For Rourke, however, the fundraiser represents stability at a critical moment.
FAQ
Why did Mickey Rourke start a GoFundMe?
Mickey Rourke approved a GoFundMe to raise funds to prevent eviction after falling nearly $60,000 behind in rent.
How much rent does Mickey Rourke owe?
Rourke reportedly owes $59,100 in unpaid rent on his Los Angeles rental home.
Is Mickey Rourke being evicted?
Yes. He received a three-day eviction notice in December 2025, prompting the fundraising effort.
Who is running Mickey Rourke’s GoFundMe?
The fundraiser is run by Liya-Joelle Jones, a friend and member of Rourke’s management team.
Where is Mickey Rourke’s home located?
The home is a Spanish-style bungalow in Los Angeles, originally built in 1926.
What is Mickey Rourke best known for?
Rourke is best known for films like 9½ Weeks, Angel Heart, Sin City, and The Wrestler.
Did Mickey Rourke quit acting?
He largely stepped away from acting in the early 1990s to pursue boxing but later returned to film.
Has Mickey Rourke worked recently?
Yes. He has continued acting in various film projects, primarily in supporting and genre roles.
