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Hollywood star Mickey Rourke is facing eviction. A friend of his is now asking the public for help.
Jan 5, 2026, 7:02 amJan 5, 2026, 7:02 am
Anna-Lena Janzen / t-online
Actor Mickey Rourke has been using a fundraising campaign since Sunday to avert an impending eviction. On the GoFundMe platform, a friend of the 73-year-old is asking for support under the title “Help Mickey Rourke stay in his house.” By Sunday evening, more than 15,000 US dollars had already been paid in by more than 370 donors (a good 11,900 francs). The goal is $100,000.
“Mickey is going through a very difficult time right now, and it’s incredibly touching to see how many people care about him and want to help him,” Liya-Joelle Jones told the Hollywood Reporter. She has his “full consent” for the fundraising campaign, the report says.
Mickey Rourke leaving a hotel in London in April 2025.Image: www.imago-images.de
Almost $60,000 in rent debt?
The background: As US media reports show, Rourke has not been paying rent for his bungalow for months Los Angeles have paid. According to a lawsuit filed with the Supreme Court in Los Angeles, the arrears amount to 59,100 US dollars – the equivalent of around 47,000 francs.
The three-bedroom property is close to the LA County Museum of Art. The former professional boxer signed the lease in March 2025. According to a report in the Los Angeles Times, the rent increased from an initial $5,200 to $7,000 per month.
In mid-December, landlord Eric Goldie asked the actor to pay the outstanding balance or leave the house. Since Rourke apparently did not respond, the case ended up in court. In addition to eviction from the house, Goldie is now demanding compensation and reimbursement of his legal fees. So far, neither Rourke nor his management have made a public statement.
Call for donations with pathos
On the GoFundMe page, Rourke is recognized as a unique figure in American cinema: “Mickey Rourke entered American cinema like a force of nature – raw, fearless and completely original,” it says on the fundraising page.
In the late 70s and 80s he was more than a film star – “a symbol of something rare: danger paired with vulnerability, toughness paired with heart.” He moved the audience with authentic performances – for example in “Diner”, “Rumble Fish” or “9½ Weeks”.
It goes on to say that Rourke struggled with “permanent physical and emotional scars” after switching from film to a boxing career. The industry that once celebrated him has let him down. «Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. What remains is a person who deserves dignity, a place to live and the chance to get back on his feet.”
A deep fall
Rourke’s financial problems are part of a collection of negative headlines. In 2025 he was kicked out of the British edition of the reality show “Celebrity Big Brother” – after aggressive behavior towards fellow contestant Chris Hughes and homophobic comments towards JoJo Siwa.
The former screen star is known for films such as “9½ Weeks” (1986), “Sin City” (2005) and “The Wrestler” (2008). For the latter he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor.
Rourke was most recently hired for the independent thriller “Mascots,” written and directed by Kerry Mondragon. It is currently unclear whether the film will be made as planned following the death of co-star Udo Kier in November 2025.
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