Once hailed as one of Hollywood’s most magnetic leading men, Mickey Rourke has experienced a dramatic rollercoaster in his career.
From starring in iconic films by directors like Francis Ford Coppola and Darren Aronofsky to a turbulent exit from the UK edition of Celebrity Big Brother, the 72-year-old actor’s journey has been both legendary and controversial.
A Public Appearance After Isolation
Rourke was recently spotted stepping out of his Beverly Hills home for the first time in months, captured in exclusive photos by the Daily Mail on August 11.
His once-glamorous mansion now shows signs of neglect, with overgrown grass, dead vines, and a decaying front door.
The actor cut a weathered figure, wearing a loose gray hoodie over his heavily tattooed chest, faded green athletic pants, and worn white sneakers.
His hair, once thick and dark, is now patchy and stark white, emphasizing a gaunt and timeworn appearance.
During the visit, Rourke spoke with a technician from Premium Termite & Pest Control for over an hour, while day-to-day errands appeared to be handled by an assistant frequently seen coming and going with groceries or deliveries.
Celebrity Big Brother Fallout
This marked Rourke’s first US appearance since his controversial exit from Celebrity Big Brother in April.
The actor was removed from the show after making offensive remarks that left fellow contestants, including JoJo Siwa and Ella Rae Wise, in tears.
Rourke repeatedly targeted Siwa with homophobic comments, at one point claiming he could “turn her straight,” while Wise was upset by a crude sexual joke.
Big Brother ultimately removed him after repeated warnings over his behavior.
Career in Decline
Rourke has openly acknowledged that his career is “in the toilet,” citing his notorious temper as a major factor in missed opportunities with top directors.
He admitted to The Sun that his short fuse prevented him from booking “movies that have integrity” and expressed a desire for directors to trust him for who he is today, rather than his past reputation.
Hollywood Stardom and Boxing Years
At the peak of his career in the 1980s and early 1990s, Rourke captivated audiences with roles in 9½ Weeks, Angel Heart, Rumble Fish, and the biographical portrayal of Charles Bukowski in Barfly.
Known for his brooding intensity and raw charisma, he earned critical acclaim and respect in the industry.
However, his career faltered after a stint in professional boxing, which left him with facial injuries and a dramatically altered appearance.
Rourke, who had a martial arts background and 142 amateur fights, suffered broken noses and a cheekbone injury, leading to multiple surgeries.
He admitted that some of his subsequent cosmetic procedures were attempts to repair boxing damage, while others were missteps.
Comeback and Later Roles
Despite setbacks, Rourke achieved a notable comeback with Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler (2008), earning a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of an aging wrestler.
He later appeared in Iron Man 2 and The Expendables, though his career gradually fizzled again, partly due to a reputation for on-set conflicts, including a long-running feud with Robert De Niro.
Reflection and Regret
Rourke has candidly reflected on his life and choices, taking responsibility for his career struggles.
“I’ve made mistakes, many, I have nobody to blame for my ship sinking except myself,” he told reporters.
Despite his tumultuous path, the actor remains a figure of fascination, embodying both Hollywood’s allure and its harsh realities.
