Mickey Rooney was born Joe Yule Jr. on September 23, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York. He began his career in show business at a tender age, taking the stage as a toddler in his parents' vaudeville act at 17 months old. He made his film debut in 1926 and went on to play the lead character in the popular Mickey McGuire short film series, which earned him the stage name Mickey Rooney.
Rooney's breakthrough role came in 1937 with A Family Affair, introducing the character of Andy Hardy, a beloved all-American teenager. He starred in nearly 20 films as Andy Hardy, becoming the top star at the box office from 1939 to 1941. Rooney also demonstrated his dramatic range in films like Boys Town (1938) and proved himself an excellent dramatic actor.
In the 1940s, Rooney teamed up with Judy Garland, starring in a string of musicals, including Babes in Arms (1939),Strike Up the Band (1940),Babes on Broadway (1941),and Girl Crazy (1943). The duo became close friends, and Rooney credited their partnership as "magic." During this period, he also appeared with Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet (1944).
Rooney joined the service in 1944, entertaining troops and working on the American Armed Forces Network. After his military service, he returned to Hollywood, starring in films like Love Laughs at Andy Hardy (1946),Killer McCoy (1947),and Words and Music (1948). Rooney continued to work throughout the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in films like Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) and Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962).
In the 1970s and 1980s, Rooney continued to showcase his range, starring in films like The Black Stallion (1979) and receiving an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role. He also turned to the stage, starring in Sugar Babies with Ann Miller and receiving a Tony Award nomination. Rooney won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of a mentally challenged man in Bill (1981).
Throughout his life, Rooney was married eight times and had numerous children. He was known for his frequent trips to the altar, and his personal life was often as dramatic as his on-screen performances. Rooney filed elder abuse and fraud charges against his stepson Christopher Aber and Aber's wife in 2011, and he appeared before the Senate in Washington D.C. to share his own story of abuse.
Rooney passed away on April 6, 2014, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones. He was remembered as a true Hollywood legend, with a career spanning over 90 years and a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and entertainers.
