Mickey Rourke’s life reads like a Hollywood cautionary tale—one that proves how quickly fame, money, and stability can vanish. Despite starring in movies that collectively earned nearly $2 billion worldwide, the Oscar-nominated actor is now facing eviction and relying on public donations just to keep a roof over his head.
The 73-year-old actor, born Philip Andre Rourke Jr., is reportedly on the verge of being kicked out of his Los Angeles home after falling behind on $59,100 in unpaid rent. Court filings show Rourke was served a three-day notice to either pay what he owed or leave the property on December 18. According to the documents, he failed to comply.
Rourke signed the lease for a three-bedroom, 2.5-bath Spanish-style bungalow in March 2025. The home, built in 1926 and once occupied by legendary crime novelist Raymond Chandler, initially cost $5,200 a month. That figure later jumped to $7,000, further straining Rourke’s finances. The property owner, Eric Goldie, is now seeking not only the back rent but also legal fees and additional damages.
This dramatic downturn marks another chapter in Rourke’s roller-coaster career. He burst onto the Hollywood scene in the early 1980s with standout performances in films like Diner, The Pope of Greenwich Village, 9½ Weeks, and Rumble Fish, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.
But his success unraveled just as fast. Personal struggles and erratic behavior derailed his career in the 1990s, and Rourke walked away from acting altogether to pursue professional boxing—a move that cost him financially and professionally. In a 2008 interview, he admitted he had lost nearly everything, including his home, marriage, reputation, and career.
Rourke appeared to reclaim his place in Hollywood with a comeback in Sin City and his critically acclaimed role in The Wrestler, which earned him a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. That resurgence landed him roles in blockbuster franchises like Iron Man 2 and The Expendables, briefly restoring his star power.
Yet the revival didn’t last. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Rourke’s estimated wealth reportedly plunged from around $5 million earlier this year to roughly $50,000 today—a staggering collapse in less than twelve months.
Legal troubles may have accelerated the financial freefall. Earlier this year, Rourke exited Celebrity Big Brother UK after producers warned him about repeated inappropriate behavior and offensive remarks, including comments related to another contestant’s sexuality. His management later threatened legal action, alleging the show publicly humiliated him and withheld payment.
Now, Rourke’s longtime friend and manager has launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking $100,000 to cover his rent and housing costs. The fundraiser has stunned fans who struggle to understand how an actor with such a lucrative filmography could end up unable to afford monthly rent.
Financial experts say Rourke’s situation reflects a common celebrity trap—when massive earnings fuel even bigger spending, creating a lifestyle that becomes impossible to sustain once work slows down. Without disciplined money management, fame can amplify bad financial habits rather than fix them.
Rourke’s downfall is a sobering reminder that Hollywood success offers no guarantees. Even global box office stars can find themselves one missed payment away from losing everything.
