28 Facts About Mickey Rooney

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Mickey Rooney's life was as colorful as his career. Starting young, he quickly became a household name.

1. 01

   Born Joseph Yule Jr. on September 23, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, Mickey Rooney was destined for showbiz. His parents were vaudeville performers, which influenced his early career.

2. 02

   First stage appearance happened when he was just 17 months old. He performed in his parents' vaudeville act, showing early signs of his talent.

3. 03

   First film role came at the age of six in the silent film "Not to Be Trusted" (1926). This marked the beginning of a prolific career in Hollywood.

4. 04

   Changed his name to Mickey Rooney in 1932. He adopted the name from a character he played in the Mickey McGuire film series.

Rise to Stardom

Rooney's career took off in the 1930s and 1940s, making him one of the biggest stars of his time.

5. 05

   Andy Hardy series was a major breakthrough. Rooney starred as Andy Hardy in 16 films from 1937 to 1946, which made him a teen idol.

6. 06

   Academy Juvenile Award was given to him in 1939 for his significant contribution to cinema as a juvenile performer.

7. 07

   Top box office star from 1939 to 1941. Rooney was the number one box office attraction in the United States during these years.

8. 08

   Co-starred with Judy Garland in several films, including "Babes in Arms" (1939) and "Strike Up the Band" (1940). Their on-screen chemistry was legendary.

Military Service and Later Career

Rooney's career was interrupted by World War II, but he made a strong comeback afterward.

9. 09

   Served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He entertained troops and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his service.

10. 10

    Post-war career included a mix of film, television, and stage roles. He continued to work in the entertainment industry for decades.

11. 11

    Television success came with "The Mickey Rooney Show" (1954-1955), where he played a struggling actor.

12. 12

    Broadway debut happened in 1979 with the musical "Sugar Babies," which earned him a Tony Award nomination.

Personal Life and Relationships

Rooney's personal life was as eventful as his professional one, marked by numerous marriages and relationships.

13. 13

    Married eight times. His first marriage was to actress Ava Gardner in 1942, which lasted only a year.

14. 14

    Father of nine children. Rooney's large family included children from several of his marriages.

15. 15

    Financial troubles plagued him throughout his life. Despite earning millions, he faced bankruptcy multiple times.

16. 16

    Elder abuse allegations surfaced in 2011. Rooney testified before Congress about the abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepson.

Awards and Honors

Rooney's talent did not go unrecognized. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career.

17. 17

    Honorary Academy Award was given to him in 1983 for his lifetime achievement in the film industry.

18. 18

    Two Golden Globe Awards were won by Rooney for his performances in "The Black Stallion" (1979) and "Bill" (1981).

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    Emmy Award for his role in the TV movie "Bill" (1981), where he played a mentally challenged man.

20. 20

    Hollywood Walk of Fame star was awarded to him in 1960, cementing his legacy in Hollywood.

Later Years and Legacy

Rooney continued to work well into his later years, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

21. 21

    Appeared in over 300 films throughout his career, making him one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood history.

22. 22

    Voice acting included roles in animated films like "The Fox and the Hound" (1981) and "Night at the Museum" (2006).

23. 23

    Autobiography titled "Life is Too Short" was published in 1991, offering an inside look at his tumultuous life.

24. 24

    Advocate for elder rights in his later years. Rooney spoke out about elder abuse and financial exploitation.

25. 25

    Final film role was in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (2017), released posthumously.

26. 26

    Passed away on April 6, 2014, at the age of 93. His death marked the end of an era in Hollywood.

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    Posthumous recognition included a tribute at the 2014 Academy Awards, honoring his contributions to cinema.

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    Remembered as a legend in the entertainment industry. Rooney's career spanned nine decades, making him a true icon.

Mickey Rooney's Lasting Legacy

Mickey Rooney's life was a whirlwind of talent, success, and resilience. From his early days as a child star to his later years, he left an indelible mark on Hollywood. His versatility shone through in every role, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Despite personal struggles, his dedication to his craft never wavered.

Rooney's influence extended beyond the screen. He was a pioneer in many ways, breaking barriers and setting standards for future generations of actors. His work ethic and passion for acting inspired countless individuals. Even after his passing, his films continue to entertain and inspire.

Mickey Rooney's legacy is a testament to his incredible talent and enduring spirit. His contributions to cinema will be remembered for generations, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with Hollywood greatness.