Mickey Rourke, ‘The Wrestler’ Star, Avoids Eviction Thanks to Fan-Driven GoFundMe
A rapidly growing online fundraiser successfully intervened to prevent actor Mickey Rourke from facing homelessness, according to his management team. The campaign, launched last Sunday, has raised nearly $100,000 to assist the 73-year-old actor during a period of significant financial hardship.
Financial Struggles for an Eighties Icon
Mickey Rourke, a celebrated figure from the 1980s known for roles in films like Nine and a Half Weeks and Wild Orchid, and an Oscar nominee in 2009 for The Wrestler, was at risk of being evicted from his Los Angeles home. The residence, a Spanish-style villa where he had lived for over a decade, became uninhabitable due to severe disrepair.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched as Emergency Measure
Rourke’s manager of nine years, Kimberly Hines, initiated the GoFundMe campaign alongside the actor’s assistant to address the immediate crisis. “In the last two days we moved him out of the house and into a hotel,” Hines explained. “The GoFundMe was meant for Mickey, the funds go to him. If he decides he doesn’t want them, we will return everything.” Hines emphasized that Rourke did not possess the keys to the property and that his team handled all logistics related to the move and relocation.
Legitimate Effort, Funds to be Returned if Declined
Addressing concerns about the fundraiser’s authenticity, Hines confirmed the campaign is legitimate and that all funds raised will be returned to donors should Rourke decline the assistance. The situation was described as a temporary measure to provide immediate relief. “With the support of my assistant, we thought it was a small fundraiser. We didn’t expect the media coverage and now Mickey felt overwhelmed,” Hines stated.
Deteriorating Living Conditions and Generosity
Rourke’s former home had fallen into a state of disrepair, suffering from black mold and a complete lack of running water. “We couldn’t even save the furniture,” Hines revealed. The actor’s financial difficulties were compounded by his history of generously supporting friends and former partners, reportedly depleting much of his earnings in recent years. Furthermore, Hines noted that Rourke currently lacks both a bank account and a credit card.
Future Plans and Continued Support
Despite the challenging circumstances, Hines remains committed to managing Rourke’s career. “Our goal is to put him back to work, make him receive new film proposals and support him,” she said. “If he refuses the support of the fans, we will return everything, but no one here has acted with bad intentions.” The team is focused on securing new opportunities for the actor and ensuring his long-term stability.
