Mickey Rourke, 72, sparks concerns after falling asleep on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ couch: ‘Needs a carer’

HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND: Hollywood legend Mickey Rourke had barely set foot in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house when the 72-year-old actor made headlines for falling asleep in a bustling living room.

Rourke, lying motionless around fellow housemates, fueled fears over his well-being as fans worried he might be "drunk or he snuck in some pills".

Mickey Rourke lies 'motionless' inside 'Celebrity Big Brother' house 

The incident happened within minutes of Mickey Rourke's grand entrance in the British reality show. Rourke was seen fast asleep on the living room couch, wrapped in a blanket, as fellow housemates mingled among themselves.

The moment, caught on the show's livestream just past midnight on April 7, Monday, sparked a wave of concern both inside the house and across social media.

Radar Online revealed the actor “lay motionless” as others tried to settle in, looking confused by Rourke’s behavior.

A show insider admitted, "Mickey was seen as a top signing, a huge Hollywood name who’ll bring prestige and hopefully some crazy tales from Tinsel Town. The fact he's already clearly very tired after barely being inside the house is concerning."

According to the source, Rourke had cleared all standard health checks prior to entering the show, but his sudden need for rest so soon after arrival has raised red flags.

"Nobody would have predicted his early night, that's for sure," the source added.

What made the moment more bizarre was the stark contrast in Rourke’s demeanor just hours earlier.

During his entrance, the 'Wrestler' star was all charm, even flirting with co-host, AJ Odudu on stage.

Odudu, clearly caught off guard, jokingly told him to "stop looking at me," while British comic Alan Carr cracked during the spin-off show 'Big Brother: Late & Live' that Rourke’s "tongue was hanging out" before he even stepped into the house, per Radar Online.

But the mood quickly shifted and Rourke clearly could not keep up his energy for long.

Mickey Rourke passing out on couch sparks concerns

Mickey Rourke sparked concerns among fans and viewers after he fell asleep on a sofa inside the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house shortly after entering it. They took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their views.

One viewer said, "Mickey is giving me Louis Walsh 2.0. The sleeping and genuinely not knowing what’s going on . #CelebrityBigBrother."

Another added, "Mickey Rourke is hammered on big brother. Oh my god."

Someone else noted, "Mickey Rourke dear lord someone send him home he needs a carer #CBBUK."

A follower remarked, "Mickey I can't decide if he's drunk or he snuck in some pills before he went in. That can't be his normal behavior #CBBUK."

One comment read, "Oh my days Mickey Rourke looks like he’s been dug up!!! Big Brother is going to be very hard to watch."

A viewer observed, "I worry about Mickey Rourke - he seems a bit baffled about where he is and what he's meant to be doing. I don't see this panning out too well... #CBBUK"

Another wrote, "Mickey sleeping on the sofa is hilarious."

"Mickey being asleep on the couch for half the episode is killing me #cbbuk," a fan said.

Mickey Rourke’s pals worry he'll damage career with ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ stint

Mickey Rourke’s entry into the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house wasn’t without pre-existing concerns.

There were whispers even before he crossed the threshold, fears that his uncensored attitude and unpredictable nature might get him “cancelled".

A source noted, "Mickey is a real character and has a very unique way of going about things. He is outspoken and isn't afraid to say what’s on his mind. He's proud of his body and loves walking around naked."

The same insider confessed that opinions on his participation in the reality show are divided.

"Some pals worry he will go on CBB and cancel himself and damage his acting career, while others feel it may be the making of him. He is one of a kind and will provide some iconic TV moments, that's for sure," they added.

Interestingly, Rourke himself seems unfazed by the idea of leaving early, or not winning at all.

In his own words, "I talked to a friend of mine who was on the show, Chuck Liddell, and he told me he got voted out real early. So that'll probably happen to me. I have no expectations."

He added, "I love coming over here. I haven't been here in eight years. Most of my good friends aren't here anymore, but I love British people and British culture, so I'll enjoy talking to them (the housemates), but I have no expectations of them. We'll just see."

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