A fundraising campaign has been initiated for Hollywood icon Mickey Rourke as he faces the threat of eviction from his Los Angeles residence. The 73 year old actor was served an eviction notice in October, demanding payment of approximately £44,000 ($60k) in overdue rent or vacating the property.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up and has managed to raise just over £35,000 ($48k) for the Oscar-nominated star. With Rourke's consent, the campaign aims to collect roughly £74,000, equivalent to $100,000, to assist him in retaining his home. The page states: "Mickey Rourke entered American cinema like a force of nature-raw, fearless, and utterly original. In the late 1970s and 1980s, he wasn't just a movie star; he was a symbol of something rare: danger paired with vulnerability, toughness paired with heart."
Mickey's friend, Liya-Joelle Jones, further elaborates on his life's journey, which she describes as never having followed a "safe or protected path". She refers to his decision to step away from Hollywood at the peak of his career to pursue boxing, a choice that left "lasting physical and emotional scars" on the star of 'The Wrestler', as Hollywood swiftly "moved on quickly".
Liya-Joella continues: "What followed were years of struggle not defined by spectacle, but by survival: health challenges, financial strain, and the quiet toll of being left behind."
"Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. What remains is a person who deserves dignity, housing, and the chance to regain his footing."
She reveals her desire to assist Mickey, who earned widespread praise for his performance in the 1982 classic Diner, in achieving "stability and peace of mind" to help him "get back on his feet".
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Mickey had featured in several smaller parts before securing his breakthrough role in Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 drama Rumble Fish. He went on to star in acclaimed pictures including The Pop of Greenwich Village, Angel Heart and Barfly. His portrayal in The Wrestler earned him a best actor nomination at the 2009 Academy Awards.
His latest project was set to be the independent production Mascots, penned and helmed by Kerry Mondragon. Yet the death of his co-star Udo Keir in November has cast doubt over the film's future, according to Variety.
Last year saw him enter the Celebrity Big Brother house, though he was removed following a string of unsuitable remarks about JoJo Siwa's sexuality. He expressed feeling "ashamed" at the time but indicated plans for legal proceedings after producers allegedly withheld his complete payment.
Supporters have rallied behind Mickey through the GoFundMe platform. Zach Pesta commented: "Mickey Rourke is one of the best to ever do it. Please know that your fans love you, and we are incredibly grateful for the amazing performances that you shared with us over the years."
Meanwhile, Julie De Maria encouraged: "Stay strong you will get through this. Love your movies, you're an amazing actor."
Lucy Gray expressed: "I love this man! When I saw Mickey battling an eviction, my heart broke! No matter the path we take in life, it's never a guarantee of home and safety."