Mickey Rourke’s Controversial Exit from Celebrity Big Brother and His Financial Status
The recent departure of Mickey Rourke from the ITV reality show Celebrity Big Brother sparked considerable public interest. Following his exit, discussions surrounding Rourke’s net worth resurfaced, particularly in light of the controversies linked to his derogatory comments directed at JoJo Siwa and his aggressive interactions with Chris Hughes. As of April 2025, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Rourke’s financial standing at approximately $5 million.
Rourke is well-known for his roles in iconic films such as The Wrestler and Sin City. His involvement in the latest season of Celebrity Big Brother, alongside stars like JoJo Siwa and Chris Hughes, marked a notable return to reality television. While he began his Hollywood journey in the 1980s, Rourke paused his acting career to pursue boxing, a decision that had significant repercussions on his earnings and career trajectory.
In addition to his acting endeavors, Rourke has generated revenue through endorsements and advertisements, particularly in the Japanese market. However, he has encountered various financial hurdles over the years, which include issues with rental payments and disputes linked to property damages.
From Hollywood Stardom to Reality Television: Rourke’s Career Path
Starting his acting career in the early 1980s with films like Diner (1982) and 9½ Weeks (1986), Rourke became a recognizable name in Hollywood. However, he took an extensive hiatus in the 1990s to pursue a professional boxing career, a choice that led to injuries impacting his subsequent performances on screen.
Rourke made a significant comeback in 2008 with The Wrestler, where he portrayed a retired wrestler, a role for which he received a Golden Globe and a BAFTA award. His resurgence continued with appearances in blockbuster films such as Iron Man 2 and The Expendables 2 (2010). Despite his cinematic successes, Rourke faced a series of financial setbacks, including unpaid rent and damage claims on rental properties.
By 2017, reports indicated that Rourke owed around $30,000 in rent and had racked up an additional $10,000 in property damages, ranging from broken locks to unsanctioned alterations like the installation of “disco lights.”Such issues highlight the financial challenges he has faced throughout his career.
In an interview with The Sun on April 8, 2025, Rourke shared his motivations for joining Celebrity Big Brother:
“I’ve had it up to here with really bad independent movies. So I said, you know what? Let’s go do that thing in England. I want to go to London anyway,” he shared.
Despite facing various personal and professional challenges, Rourke’s participation in Celebrity Big Brother in April 2025 rekindled public interest in his life and career.
Departure from Celebrity Big Brother Amid Controversy
On April 12, 2025, Mickey Rourke exited from episode 6 of Celebrity Big Brother after discussions with the show’s producers, following several incidents involving inappropriate remarks. ITV confirmed that Rourke’s departure was precipitated by a heated exchange with housemate Chris Hughes and earlier comments towards JoJo Siwa about her sexuality:
“If I stay longer than four days, you won’t be gay any more,” Rourke stated.
In reply, Siwa firmly asserted,
“I can guarantee I’ll still be gay and I’ll still be in a very happy relationship.”
Following that incident, Rourke used an offensive term in reference to cigarettes while gesturing toward Siwa, leading to a reprimand from Big Brother about his language. He later apologized, indicating that he meant no harm and was merely “talking smack.” Siwa accepted his apology, expressing understanding.
However, after continued scrutiny of Rourke’s actions, including a subsequent incident with Hughes, the producers ultimately decided on his expulsion from the show. ITV confirmed that he left after a discussion regarding ongoing behavioral concerns.
New episodes of Celebrity Big Brother UK air every Wednesday on ITV, continuing to explore the dynamics among its engaging cast members.