Inside Celebrity Big Brother star Mickey Rourke’s $5 million net worth, wild past, and Hollywood comeback

Mickey Rourke might have made headlines on Celebrity Big Brother, but long before reality TV, he was one of Hollywood’s most unpredictable stars. With his chiseled features and bad-boy attitude, Rourke's path from pin-up to washed-up has been anything but normal.

With a net worth now of $5 million, Rourke has an arced narrative that carries boxing rings, Oscar podiums, and reality TV confessionals. His stint on Celebrity Big Brother brought him to a new generation, but the 1980s made him briefly famous. Fans originally got to know him in edgy roles in Diner, 9½ Weeks, and Angel Heart. But fame did not come without difficulty. Then, a couple of missteps and an impromptu boxing career almost ended his Hollywood run.

Fortunately, Mickey Rourke is not one to go down without a fight — literally and figuratively. Here’s how he built a career, lost it, and found a way back while dominating Celebrity Big Brother.

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Mickey Rourke’s rise before Celebrity Big Brother

Mickey Rourke was already a huge name in Hollywood before Celebrity Big Brother. His career began with small parts in such films as Body Heat and Heaven’s Gate. But it was 1982’s Diner that made him a household name. His steely, enigmatic allure dazzled critics and viewers alike.

During the ’80s, Rourke earned a reputation for multifaceted roles in Rumble Fish, The Pope of Greenwich Village, and the steamy 9½ Weeks. He was lauded for being raw and real on screen. That unreliability was his strength — but it also foreshadowed the troubles to come.

By the time he appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, fans were revisiting these early hits. Many younger viewers even discovered them for the first time. His early career helped remind everyone why he was a big deal in the first place.

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A boxing detour and a career derail

Just when it seemed like Mickey Rourke had Hollywood in the palm of his hand, he shocked everyone. In the early ‘90s, frustrated with acting, he stepped away from films and returned to boxing—something he had loved as a teen. His decision left fans puzzled and his career in limbo.

Rourke boxed professionally for several years. He had a decent record, but the sport left its mark. He suffered facial injuries that changed his appearance and led to several surgeries. Directors stopped calling. Offers dried up. He faded from the spotlight.

By the time he joined Celebrity Big Brother, his boxing past became a talking point. It was a bold move that cost him years in the industry. But it also became part of his unique story—one filled with risk, grit, and a willingness to reinvent himself.

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The comeback that brought him back to the top

Mickey Rourke’s comeback didn’t happen overnight, but it was worth the wait. In the early 2000s, he started landing better roles again. Sin City in 2005 was the turning point. His gritty performance as Marv reminded people what he could do.

Then came The Wrestler in 2008. Rourke played Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a washed-up wrestler trying to stay relevant. The role felt personal. He won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar. It was one of the most talked-about comebacks in Hollywood.

By the time Celebrity Big Brother rolled around, Rourke’s reputation had already been rebuilt. His story of resilience was a hit with both longtime fans and new viewers. People love a redemption arc—and Mickey Rourke delivered a great one.

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Real estate, rent battles, and a few wild stories

While some celebrities build wealth through smart real estate investments, Mickey Rourke’s history has been a bit more chaotic. Over the years, he’s been known more for renting high-end apartments than owning homes. At one point, he was paying $20,000 a month for a Manhattan place.

In 2017, things got messy when his landlord sued him for unpaid rent and damages. He allegedly left behind holes in the walls, a broken door lock, and disco lights on the ceiling. It wasn’t his first real estate issue either. Back in 1994, he was reportedly kicked out of Trump Plaza after damaging furniture in a $5,000-a-night suite.

These stories added to his Celebrity Big Brother narrative. They gave fans wild details to talk about and painted a picture of a star who’s never lived by the rules.

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Celebrity Big Brother helped boost his image again

When Mickey Rourke joined Celebrity Big Brother, fans weren’t sure what to expect. But his mix of unpredictability, honesty, and quiet charm made him stand out. The show gave people a glimpse of who he really is—beyond the movie roles and tabloid headlines. From deep conversations to quirky moments, Rourke kept things interesting.

But not all the attention was positive. During his time on Celebrity Big Brother, Rourke found himself in the middle of a mini-controversy after making bizarre comments about JoJo Siwa. Viewers quickly took to social media, calling out his remarks as strange and unnecessary. It sparked online debates and brought a wave of backlash, especially from younger fans.

Still, controversy aside, Celebrity Big Brother brought Rourke back into the spotlight. For many, it reminded them of his rollercoaster career and raw personality. Love him or not, Mickey Rourke knows how to get people talking.