Mickey Rourke is seeking financial assistance from the public after facing the prospect of losing his Los Angeles home over unpaid rent totalling around $60,000 (£44,299).
The Oscar-nominated actor, 73, is best known for his acclaimed performance in The Wrestler.
Mr Rourke received an eviction notice on December 18 2025, giving him just three days to pay the outstanding balance or vacate the property.
A crowdfunding campaign titled 'Help Mickey Rourke Stay in His Home' was launched on Sunday by Liya-Joelle Jones, described as both a close friend and a member of the actor’s management team.
Mickey Rourke could lose his Hollywood home due to unpaid rent
| PAThe fundraiser was set up with Mr Rourke’s full consent, according to the campaign page.
Ms Jones said the actor is “going through a very difficult time” and described the public response as "incredibly touching".
The campaign had raised more than $74,000 at the time of writing, with a target of $100,000.
It describes the situation as urgent, warning that Mr Rourke is navigating “a challenging financial moment” that threatens his housing security.
ITV CBB: Mickey Rourke was axed from Big Brother 2025 for "unacceptable behavior"
| ITV“Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability,” the campaign description states.
“What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing.”
Ms Jones said the goal is “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".
The page also urges supporters who are unable to donate to share the fundraiser instead.
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Mr Rourke first gained significant attention in Body Heat (1981) and earned critical acclaim as a suave gambler in the ensemble drama Diner (1982)
|GETTY
Mr Rourke has received a wave of public reaction following the launch of a GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping him avoid eviction.
Many eager donors flooded the fundraising page with messages of support for the Hollywood star.
One fan, who donated $100, wrote: “It’s my honor to contribute! I wish you all the best Mr. Rourke!”
Another followed up their own $100 donation with a message saying: “Hey, Mickey… Just wanted to contribute any way that I can. Your movies have always given me a sense of peace!”
A further supporter, who donated $20, said: “I wish I was in a better position currently to donate more for the wellbeing of one of the most under-appreciated actors of my lifetime.”
However, not everyone appeared as sympathetic to the actor’s situation.
One person donated $5 simply to leave a critical message, writing: “…there are thousands of people across the globe that deserve this kind of money more than your pathetic waste of flesh.” They added: “It was worth the $5 just to say this.”
Another individual also donated the minimum amount of $5, writing: “There are millions of people who deserve this more than you.”
Mickey Rourke, 72, gave permission for the GoFundMe to be set up
|ITV
Legal proceedings were initiated by property owner Eric Goldie on December 29 2025 after Mr Rourke failed to meet the eviction notice requirements.
Sources say that court documents state Mr Rourke, whose legal name is Philip Andre Rourke Jr., began leasing the three-bedroom, 1,600-square-foot property in March 2025.
The initial monthly rent was $5,200, later increased to $7,000.
Mr Goldie is said to be seeking approximately $59,100 in unpaid rent, along with legal costs, and has asked the court to terminate the rental agreement entirely.
Mr Rourke rose to prominence in the 1980s with roles in Rumble Fish, Diner, Angel Heart and 9½ Weeks.
His career later stalled after he left Hollywood to pursue professional boxing, sustaining injuries that required reconstructive surgery.
He made a high-profile comeback in 2009 with Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, earning an Academy Award nomination.
More recently, the actor appeared on Celebrity Big Brother UK in April 2025 but exited the programme early following what producers described as “offensive and threatening” comments.
An ITV spokesperson said at the time that he agreed to leave after discussions about “inappropriate language and instances of unacceptable behaviour.”Rourke has not publicly commented on his current financial circumstances.