Before stepping into the spotlight once again, Mickey Rourke took a moment to enjoy a calm evening with friends in London.
The 72-year-old actor, best known for his roles in 80s action films, is gearing up for his entrance into the Celebrity Big Brother house.
The ITV reality series is set to kick off on April 7 and will run until April 25, and Mickey’s participation has already stirred up quite the buzz.
He shared a casual Instagram photo from his dinner outing, captioned: “In London at the moment with Liam kid Vaughan and his brother Ryan Vaughan. LIVERPOOL strong,” giving fans a sneak peek at his new wig and his pre-show hangout vibes.
Big Payday, Big Expectations
Mickey Rourke is reportedly earning a hefty six-figure sum for his appearance on Celebrity Big Brother, joining a cast full of familiar faces like JoJo Siwa, Chesney Hawkes, and Patsy Palmer.
With a net worth estimated at £3.8 million ($5 million), Rourke isn’t exactly hurting for cash—but as one insider put it, “Like everyone else, he’s got bills to pay.”
Producers are betting on Mickey to bring both star power and unpredictability to the house.
A source described him as a “dream booking” thanks to his wild stories, edgy persona, and headline-making potential.
However, there’s some nervousness behind the scenes.
If Rourke were to exit early, it could derail the entire narrative arc.
After all, this isn’t his first time walking out of a reality show—he famously unmasked himself prematurely on The Masked Singer.
Who Else Is Entering the House?
Rourke isn’t the only big name joining the show.
This season’s lineup is stacked with a wide range of personalities:
- Daley Thompson (66): Legendary Olympic decathlete and British sporting icon.
- Patsy Palmer (52): Soap star saying goodbye to EastEnders again.
- Donna Preston (38): Comedy actress known for her quirky characters.
- Chesney Hawkes (53): ’90s music sensation making a comeback.
- Angellica Bell (49): TV host and radio personality.
- Danny Beard (32): RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner and bold TV presence.
- Chris Hughes (32): Love Island alum turned sports broadcaster.
- JoJo Siwa (21): Pop star and former Dance Moms kid with a massive U.S. fanbase.
- Trisha Goddard (67): Veteran talk show host currently battling through cancer treatment.
- Jack P. Shepherd (37): Coronation Street fan-favorite.
- Ella Rae Wise (24): Reality TV star with a history of headline-making relationships.
- Michael Fabricant (74): Former Conservative MP known for his distinctive hair (yes, the wig rumors are still a thing).
From Hollywood Heartthrob to the Comeback King
Back in the ’80s, Mickey Rourke was at the top of his game.
His breakout moment came with the steamy drama 9½ Weeks, where he starred opposite Kim Basinger.
From there, his career soared with hits like Angel Heart, Rumble Fish, and Johnny Handsome. But fame came with a price.
Rourke turned down major film roles, dabbled in professional boxing, and eventually stepped away from Hollywood.
He became a light heavyweight fighter in 1991, retiring undefeated just four years later—but not without damage.
A string of botched surgeries left him with a drastically altered appearance.
“Most of it was to fix the mess boxing made of my face,” he once admitted, “but I went to the wrong guy.”
A Bumpy Road to Redemption
Rourke’s reputation also took a serious hit.
At one point, he was unofficially blacklisted in Hollywood, labeled too difficult to work with. He later acknowledged his past behavior: “I wasn’t a little bit bad, I was horrible for 15, 16 years. Out of control.”
It took a total collapse—losing his home, wife, money, and career—for Rourke to seek therapy. He spent seven years in intense sessions, racking up over $60,000 in therapy bills.
During his lowest moments, he leaned on friends for food money and even called his ex-wife in tears.
His big return came in 2005 with Sin City, followed by his critically acclaimed role in The Wrestler in 2008.
Although he didn’t win the Oscar, the role drew haunting comparisons to his own life—a broken man seeking meaning after the spotlight fades.
The Man Behind the Chaos
Despite his rollercoaster past, Mickey Rourke insists he’s found peace.
“I have a love/hate relationship with acting,” he once told Fox News.
“But now I can give everything I’ve learned. I have confidence.”
He also credits younger filmmakers with helping him get back on track.
“They don’t care about the stories. They judge me by my acting, not my reputation,” he said.
While once considered in the same league as acting legends like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, Rourke had to rebuild from the ground up.
Now, stepping into the Celebrity Big Brother house may be another surprising twist in an already unpredictable life.
What’s Next for Mickey?
As he prepares to enter the most-watched house in the UK, all eyes are on Mickey Rourke.
Will he spark fireworks? Offer heartfelt confessions? Or make another dramatic exit?
One thing’s for sure: Mickey never plays it safe.
Whether it’s in Hollywood, the boxing ring, or now reality TV, he shows up ready to fight—and this time, the audience will be watching every move.
