Veteran actor Mickey Rourke has unleashed a blistering verbal assault on both his personal manager and the landlords seeking to evict him from his Los Angeles residence, in a dramatic public outburst that highlights his ongoing financial and housing troubles. The 73-year-old Oscar nominee was captured on a recent outing near Joe's Pizza in LA, delivering an expletive-filled tirade that left no doubt about his fury.
Manager's GoFundMe Sparks Fury
At the heart of Rourke's anger is a crowdfunding campaign initiated by his manager, Kimberly Hines, which aimed to raise $100,000 to prevent his eviction. The actor expressed profound embarrassment and rage over the initiative, which he claims was done without his proper understanding or consent. "That was some lady who worked for me did that s***. I, you know, I know nothing," Rourke stated bluntly. He further warned, "I'm embarrassed about it and I'm really pissed off about it, and one thing about me. I'll get even over it, all right, but it's not the right time, I'm sure."
Despite the fundraiser surpassing its goal, Rourke has vehemently rejected the money, labelling the act as "humiliating" and insisting he would never accept charity from strangers or fans. His manager has since confirmed that all donations will be returned to contributors, though she maintains the effort was genuine and created with his team's involvement.
Scathing Attack on Landlords
Rourke then turned his ire towards the property owners attempting to evict him, whom he described in no uncertain terms as "scumbags." He detailed a litany of maintenance issues at the house, which he claims made it uninhabitable. "These two motherf***ers, from New York or wherever they are from that bought the house. The kitchen sink didn't run, there were two bathrooms, one bathroom had no water, there was no heat, the air conditioners don't work, and they had rats and mice," he alleged.
The actor contrasted this with the previous ownership, stating the situation was acceptable when an "old Mexican lady" owned the property, but deteriorated after new owners took over and increased the rent. His frustration culminated in a crude suggestion directed at the landlords, showcasing the depth of his animosity.
Selective Work Ethic Amid Financial Woes
Interestingly, this turmoil unfolds as Rourke reportedly receives multiple job offers, including opportunities in indie films, photoshoots, and live appearances. However, his manager reveals that the actor, despite facing eviction and describing himself as living "paycheck to paycheck," is being highly selective. Rourke allegedly insists on roles that offer A-list compensation—around $200,000 per day—and projects that involve top-tier actors and directors, reflecting his pride and past stature in Hollywood.
Hines believes that focusing on quality work will eventually restore his financial stability and career trajectory, noting he has the potential to return to the top. Currently, Rourke is staying at a West Hollywood hotel with his three dogs, with plans to move to a new apartment in Los Angeles shortly.
Background of a Turbulent Career
Rourke's career has been marked by significant peaks and valleys. He gained fame in the 1980s with roles in films like 9½ Weeks and Angel Heart, earning a reputation as a brooding, charismatic leading man. His career was revitalised in 2008 with The Wrestler, which brought him an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win. However, subsequent roles failed to sustain this momentum, and his professional boxing pursuits in the 1990s led to facial injuries that altered his appearance and impacted his acting opportunities.
Rourke himself has acknowledged mismanaging his career, citing a notorious temper that damaged relationships with directors. He admitted, "I've made mistakes, many, I have nobody to blame for my ship sinking except myself," in a past interview.
Legal and Personal Fallout
The eviction notice stems from alleged unpaid rent totalling $59,100 on his Los Angeles home, with a lease agreement requiring $5,200 monthly payments. Despite the legal pressure, Rourke has publicly justified withholding rent due to the property's poor condition. In an Instagram video, he emotionally urged supporters not to donate to the GoFundMe, stating, "If I needed money, I wouldn't ask for no f*****g charity. I'd rather stick a gun up my a** and pull the trigger."
This incident adds to a series of personal challenges for the actor, including a recent dishevelled public appearance that shocked fans. As the situation develops, Rourke's blend of pride, financial struggle, and unresolved conflicts with his management and landlords paints a complex picture of a Hollywood veteran in crisis.
