Oscar-nominated actor Mickey Rourke is in a desperate fight to keep his Los Angeles home, turning to public crowdfunding after being served an eviction notice for allegedly failing to pay tens of thousands of dollars in rent.
The Eviction Notice and Financial Crisis
According to legal documents and multiple reports, the 73-year-old star of films like The Wrestler and Sin City was served a notice by his landlord on December 18, 2025. The notice demanded Rourke either pay $59,100 in back rent or vacate the premises within three days. The actor reportedly did not comply with this demand.
The landlord, Eric Goldie, subsequently filed a complaint on December 29. In it, he is not only seeking the forfeiture of the rental agreement but also compensation for attorney fees. Reports indicate Rourke signed a lease for the three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot home in March, with an initial monthly rent of $5,200 that was later increased to $7,000.
A Public Plea for Help
In response to the crisis, Liya-Joelle Jones, a friend and member of Rourke's management team, created a GoFundMe campaign on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with the actor's permission. The goal is to raise $100,000 to cover immediate housing expenses and prevent the eviction.
"Today, Mickey is facing a very real and urgent situation: The threat of eviction from his home," Jones wrote on the fundraising page. By Sunday evening, the campaign had garnered over $16,000 in donations.
Jones framed the appeal by referencing Rourke's tumultuous career, including his decision to leave Hollywood for boxing at his peak, which she said left "lasting physical and emotional scars." She emphasized the campaign's purpose is to provide the actor with "dignity, housing and the chance to regain his footing."
Career Highs and Recent Legal Battles
Mickey Rourke rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in Diner, Rumble Fish, and 9 ½ Weeks. He experienced a major career resurgence in the 2000s, earning a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role in The Wrestler (2008) and appearing in blockbusters like Iron Man 2.
However, his recent years have been marked by controversy. He is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Celebrity Big Brother UK. Rourke was removed from the reality show over allegations of using "inappropriate language," which included accusations of homophobic remarks directed at former Nickelodeon star JoJo Siwa. His manager claimed Rourke was "publicly embarrassed" by producers and denied his pay for the appearance.
While IMDb lists Rourke as attached to several upcoming projects, the current financial and legal troubles paint a stark picture of the challenges facing the veteran actor as he seeks stability and a way to remain in his home.
