Veteran Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke has been evicted from his Beverly Grove residence in Los Angeles following a court ruling that he owed more than $70,000 in back rent to his landlord.
The eviction marks a difficult chapter for the 73-year-old star, known for his Oscar-nominated performance in “The Wrestler” and roles in films like “9 1/2 Weeks” and “Iron Man 2.”
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Rourke’s landlord initiated the unlawful detainer action after months of unpaid rent on the $7,000-a-month property.
Rourke reportedly withheld payments citing unacceptable living conditions, including issues with maintenance and pests, which he claimed made the home uninhabitable.
In December, the landlord served Rourke with a notice to pay or vacate, but the actor failed to respond adequately, leading to a default judgment in March.
Fans rallied to support the actor by launching a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $100,000, but Rourke publicly rejected the donations, describing the effort as “humiliating” and “embarrassing.”
In a statement, Rourke urged supporters to retrieve their contributions, insisting he would handle his financial affairs independently despite the mounting pressures.
The news has sparked widespread discussion about the challenges faced by aging actors in Hollywood, where financial instability can strike even celebrated talents.
Rourke’s career has seen highs and lows, from boxing pursuits to a comeback in the late 2000s, but recent years have included reports of selective role choices and personal struggles.
Legal experts note that the default eviction grants the landlord possession of the property and cancels the lease, though Rourke may still owe the outstanding rent amount.
As Rourke navigates this setback, supporters hope the resilient performer finds stability and potentially returns to the screen in future projects that showcase his undeniable talent.