Once one of Hollywood’s most magnetic stars, Mickey Rourke is now living in near isolation at 72. The actor, once celebrated for his rugged charm and roles in 9½ Weeks and Angel Heart, has seen his career collapse amid scandal and personal struggles.

Recent photos showed Rourke outside his neglected Beverly Hills home, looking frail in a hoodie and worn sneakers. His once-handsome features have been drastically altered by years of boxing injuries and reconstructive surgeries. “Most of it was to mend the mess of my face because of boxing,” Rourke admitted.
The former heartthrob’s career briefly revived with The Wrestler in 2008, earning him critical acclaim and awards. But his fiery temper, feuds, and controversial behavior — including offensive remarks on Celebrity Big Brother — pushed him further into decline. He now rarely leaves home, relying on assistants for errands.

Rourke himself summed it up bluntly: “I’ve made mistakes. I have nobody to blame for my ship sinking except myself.” His story leaves one haunting thought: how does a man once on top fall so far?