Mickey Rourke‘s stepfather, the man who raised him as a child, is making a heartfelt appeal to speak with his son after years of being estranged.
Eugene Addis, an 81-year-old retired Miami Beach police officer, says that after The Wrestler star became famous in the ’80s, he turned his back on him and broke his mother’s heart.
"I’ve always loved Mickey," Addis told The ENQUIRER. "And I’ve never understood how he could abandon his own family."
Rourke’s biological father walked out on his mom Ann and his two siblings when he was 6. She went on to marry Addis, who had five children of his own and later had a daughter with Rourke’s mom.
The 56-year-old star – whose performance in The Wrestler appears to have launched him on a huge career comeback – alleges his stepfather was abusive, but Addis vehemently denies these charges.
"I was a strict parent," he admits. "But Mickey’s claims of abuse are ridiculous. He ought to be ashamed of himself after everything I’ve done for him.
"I did the best I could — I helped him get his first jobs as a parking attendant and restaurant busboy, and even tried to support him financially while he was a struggling actor. Without me, there’s no telling what would have happened to him."
Mickey left Addis’ home at age 20, moved to New York and began making his mark on the big screen. But the former cop says fame went to Rourke’s head in the ’80s after he made a string of hit movies, including Diner, 9 1/2 Weeks, and The Pope of Greenwich Village.
"When Mickey became successful, he turned his back on his family," charges Addis, who lives in Hallandale Beach, Fla. "He even neglected his own mom."
Rourke’s mom has since divorced Addis and suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
"I haven’t talked to Mickey in about three years," revealed his stepfather.
"I hope Mickey sees this article and realizes how much I miss having him in my life. I’d like to go back to being his father."
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