Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke is confronting a profound personal and financial crisis, centred on the health of his cherished pet dog and his own spiralling monetary situation. The 73-year-old star's beloved dog, Ivan, has been diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition requiring urgent surgery estimated at $10,000.
A Mounting Financial and Medical Emergency
The news of Ivan's condition comes amid severe financial distress for the actor. In late 2025, Rourke was evicted from his Los Angeles home after reportedly falling behind on nearly $60,000 in rent. The situation is compounded by the potential medical costs for his pet; insiders allege that on top of the initial $10,000 operation, Ivan could require a second procedure costing between $6,000 and $8,000.
In an attempt to help, fans rallied and donated approximately $100,000 to a GoFundMe campaign set up by an assistant to Rourke's manager, Kimberly Hines. However, the actor has fiercely denounced the effort. In an expletive-laced Instagram rant, he labelled the crowdfunding a 'scam' and a 'cruel embarrassment', insisting his attorney is working to return all the money. He stated that over $90,000 still needed to be refunded to donors.
Pride, Priorities, and a Manager's Plea
Despite his dire circumstances, sources told TMZ that Rourke has been resistant to job offers secured by his manager. He is reportedly intent on finding work to fund Ivan's surgeries himself but is holding out for roles that pay like an A-lister—around $200,000 per day—and that match the calibre of projects he was once accustomed to.
His manager, Kimberly Hines, issued a statement reflecting on the difficult juncture. 'I'm very resilient and committed to seeing Mickey make the right choices for his career and for his personal well-being,' she said. 'That said, we are at a moment of truth, and ultimately only Mickey can decide how he wants to play out his next chapter.' Hines believes Rourke can return to the top but must get back to work.
A Tumultuous Career and a Focus on Friends
Rourke's career, revitalised by his Oscar-nominated role in 2008's The Wrestler, has faltered again in recent years. Once a leading man in the 1980s and early '90s, his reputation for being difficult to work with and a subsequent foray into professional boxing led to a career decline and physical changes from surgery to repair boxing injuries.
Amid the turmoil, Rourke concluded his recent Instagram message not by discussing his own troubles, but by pleading for prayers for his friend, actor Eric Dane, who was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in April. The actor is currently staying in a new Los Angeles apartment with his three dogs after moving from a West Hollywood hotel.
