The Oscar-nominated star insists he would never ask fans for money, even as a $100,000 fundraiser in his name explodes online.
Mickey Rourke has captured headlines this week with a raw Instagram video that addresses swirling rumors about his financial situation. The 73-year-old actor, known for his gritty roles and comeback story, faces an eviction notice from his Los Angeles home after falling behind on rent payments. Fans rushed to support a GoFundMe campaign set up in his name, but Rourke quickly distanced himself from it, calling the whole thing frustrating and embarrassing. His response highlights a man who values his independence above all, refusing to let public perception define his struggles.
Why People Think Mickey Rourke Is Homeless or Broke
Court documents surfaced last month, revealing that Rourke received a notice to pay nearly $59,100 in back rent or leave his rental property. The landlord, Eric Goldie, filed the claim for a three-bedroom home in the Beverly Grove area, where Rourke has lived since signing the lease in early 2025. Reports indicate the monthly rent started at $5,200 and increased to $7,000, leading to the accumulated debt that now includes requests for attorney fees and lease termination. This news broke around the time Rourke exited Celebrity Big Brother, adding to the public's concern about his stability.
Shortly after the filing became public, a GoFundMe page emerged with a goal of $100,000 to cover housing expenses and prevent eviction. Created by Liya-Joelle Jones, who described herself as an assistant to Rourke's manager Kimberly Hines, the campaign stated it had full permission from the actor. Donations poured in rapidly, surpassing $95,000 by the evening of January 5, showing how much fans still admire his work in films like The Wrestler.
Mickey Rourke, seen in a recent appearance, has spoken out forcefully against a GoFundMe campaign launched in his name, rejecting claims he is homeless or broke amid eviction fears.
Mickey Rourke: ‘I Had No Knowledge of This’
Rourke took to Instagram on January 5 with an emotional video that set the record straight, appearing shaken yet determined as he spoke directly to his followers. He emphasized that he had no involvement in the fundraiser and found the idea of asking for help from strangers deeply humiliating. In his own words, he explained that borrowing money privately from a close friend was one thing, but public charity crossed a line he would never approach.
The actor admitted to recent setbacks tied to a rental property investment gone wrong, but he made it clear that pride keeps him from seeking handouts. He urged donors to request refunds, stressing his preference to return to work rather than accept pity. This candid moment resonates with anyone who has faced tough times, reminding us that even Hollywood icons deal with real-life pressures without losing their sense of self.
Is Mickey Rourke Actually Homeless?
No official reports confirm that Rourke has been evicted or is currently without a home, though the eviction process remains ongoing. The notice demands payment or vacating the property, but Rourke has not indicated any immediate displacement. He acknowledged borrowing funds from a friend to address the issue privately, suggesting he has resources to manage without the fundraiser's help.
Uncertainties linger around the GoFundMe's authorization, with Rourke planning to consult his lawyer about potential next steps. The platform has been contacted for comment, and while funds continue to accumulate, refunds could be issued if discrepancies are proven. This situation underscores how quickly misinformation can spread, especially when it involves a public figure's personal finances.
A Career of Highs, Lows, and Hard Lessons
Rourke's journey in Hollywood reads like a script full of twists, from his breakout roles in the 1980s to a voluntary step back in the 1990s for boxing and personal challenges. He battled addictions and underwent extensive therapy, emerging stronger with his Oscar-nominated performance in The Wrestler in 2008. Recent projects, including his stint on Celebrity Big Brother, show he remains active, though he openly reflects on past mistakes in managing his career.
In the video, he took ownership of those choices, noting how a lack of diplomacy cost him opportunities and required years of self-work. His story serves as a reminder that success in entertainment often comes with volatility, yet Rourke's resilience shines through as he commits to getting back on set.
The Los Angeles rental property at the centre of Mickey Rourke’s eviction dispute, which sparked online claims he was homeless or broke — claims the actor has strongly denied.
Why This Story Is Striking a Nerve
Searches for terms like "Mickey Rourke eviction" and "is Mickey Rourke broke" have spiked dramatically this week, as people process the idea of a once-celebrated star facing such vulnerabilities. Social media buzz amplifies the drama, with fans debating the ethics of celebrity fundraisers and sharing memories of his iconic films. This outpouring reflects broader conversations about aging in Hollywood, where fame does not always guarantee financial security.
Rourke's firm rejection of the narrative adds layers of intrigue, turning a simple debt story into one about dignity and self-reliance. It humanizes him in a way that draws readers closer, prompting reflections on how society views struggle among the famous.
Digging Deeper: Related Questions Answered
What Is Mickey Rourke's Estimated Net Worth in 2026?
Estimates place Mickey Rourke's net worth around $10 million in early 2026, based on his acting career, endorsements, and past investments, though recent reports suggest fluctuations due to property dealings and lifestyle expenses. This figure accounts for earnings from films like Iron Man 2 and Sin City, plus residuals, but personal setbacks, including therapy costs and career gaps, have impacted it over time. Despite the current rent issue, his assets likely include real estate and savings, allowing him to navigate temporary hurdles without total financial collapse.
What Recent Movies or Projects Has Mickey Rourke Been Involved In?
Mickey Rourke appeared in the thriller Night Walk in 2025 and voiced a character in an animated series, while his reality TV stint on Celebrity Big Brother earlier that year brought him back into the spotlight for a new generation. He has upcoming roles in independent films focusing on redemption themes, similar to his past work, and rumors swirl about a potential biopic on his boxing days. These projects demonstrate his ongoing commitment to diverse roles, blending action with dramatic depth to keep his career evolving.
Has Mickey Rourke Faced Financial Troubles Before?
Mickey Rourke has openly discussed past financial lows, including near-bankruptcy in the 1990s after leaving acting for boxing, where injuries and poor management led to significant debts that required years to resolve through therapy and a Hollywood return. In interviews from the 2010s, he mentioned losing millions on bad investments and relying on friends during lean times, but his 2008 resurgence with The Wrestler helped rebuild stability. This history adds context to his current situation, showing a pattern of ups and downs that he has always overcome with determination.
The Bottom Line
Evidence does not support claims that Mickey Rourke is homeless or completely broke, but the eviction threat and unauthorized fundraiser reveal genuine challenges he prefers to handle privately. As outreach continues to GoFundMe and those involved, Rourke's message stands firm, he is bruised but unbroken, ready to face issues on his terms without surrendering his pride.
