Who Is Mickey Rooney? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mickey Rooney, born on September 23, 1920, passed away on April 6, 2014, at the age of 93. He was a legendary American actor known for his extraordinary talent and versatility that spanned nearly nine decades. With a career that began in the silent film era and flourished in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Rooney became one of the most recognized faces in the entertainment industry. His impressive filmography includes classic films such as "Babes in Arms," "National Velvet," and "The Black Stallion." Rooney's contributions to film, television, and stage earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 23, 1920 |
| Age | 93 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 6 April, 2014 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Mickey Rooney's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though Mickey Rooney's physical stats may no longer be applicable in 2025, during his lifetime, he was known for his petite stature. At approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) tall and weighing around 130 pounds (59 kg), Rooney's compact build was well-suited for the youthful roles he often portrayed. His charm and energetic presence were the hallmarks of his performances.
Mickey Rooney (born Ninnian Joseph Yule Jr.; other pseudonym Mickey Maguire; September 23, 1920 – April 6, 2014) was an American actor. In a career spanning nearly nine decades, he appeared in more than 300 films and was among the last surviving stars of the silent-film era.
He was the top box-office attraction from 1939 to 1941, and one of the best-paid actors of that era. At the height of a career ultimately marked by declines and comebacks, Rooney performed the role of Andy Hardy in a series of 16 films in the 1930s and 1940s that epitomized the mainstream United States self-image.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mickey Rooney was married eight times throughout his life, showcasing his complex personal life. He had a total of nine children, highlighting the deep roots he established within his family. Notable among his marriages was his union with actress Ava Gardner, which attracted significant media attention. By the time of his passing, he had been married to Jan Chamberlin since 1975, who was by his side until the end. In 2025, the legacy of Rooney's family continues through his offspring, who often share tributes and memories of the beloved actor on social media.
Carter and Joe Yule. His mother was an American former chorus girl and burlesque performer from Kansas City, Missouri, while his father was a Scottish-born vaudevillian, who had emigrated to New York from Glasgow with his family at the age of three months. They lived in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn.
He later recounted in his memoirs that he began performing at the age of 17 months as part of his parents' routine, wearing a specially tailored tuxedo.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Mickey Rooney had an estimated net worth of $18 million. His career, spanning many decades in various roles, contributed to his financial success. Posthumously, his estate continues to generate income through royalties from his extensive film catalog and memorabilia sales. Rooney's financial legacy remains significant as his contributions to the entertainment industry are continually celebrated.
Despite the millions of dollars that he earned over the years, such as his $65,000-a-week earnings from Sugar Babies, Rooney was plagued by financial problems late in life. His longtime gambling habit caused him to "gamble away his fortune again and again". He declared bankruptcy for the second time in 1996 and described himself as "broke" in 2005.
He kept performing on stage and in the movies, but his personal property was valued at only $18,000 when he died in 2014.
Career, Business and Investments
Mickey Rooney's career was nothing short of phenomenal. He started performing at an early age, starring in vaudeville and Broadway before making his way to Hollywood. The actor became a box office draw in the 1930s and 1940s, featuring in more than 300 films, television shows, and stage performances throughout his illustrious career. In addition to acting, he ventured into producing, writing, and even venturing into music, showcasing his diverse talent. Rooney also made savvy investments, exhibiting an entrepreneurial spirit that secured his financial stability well into his later years.
At the peak of his career between ages 15 and 25, he made 43 films, and was one of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's most consistently successful actors. A versatile performer, he became a celebrated character actor later in his career. Laurence Olivier once said he considered Rooney "the best there has ever been".
Clarence Brown, who directed him in two of his earliest dramatic roles in National Velvet and The Human Comedy, said Rooney was "the closest thing to a genius" with whom he had ever worked.
He won a Golden Globe Award in 1982 and an Emmy Award in the same year for the title role in a television movie Bill and was awarded the Academy Honorary Award in 1982.
Social Network
In an era when social media has become a powerful tool for connection, Mickey Rooney's legacy is honored by fans on various platforms. Many dedicated fan pages celebrate his life's work, sharing clips from his classic films and posting nostalgic photographs of his career milestones. While Rooney himself was not active on social media during his lifetime due to the era's technological limitations, his family and fans have ensured that his memory lives on through these online communities.
According to author Barry Monush, MGM wanted the Andy Hardy films to appeal to all family members. Rooney's character portrayed a typical "anxious, hyperactive, girl-crazy teenager", and he soon became the unintended main star of the films.
Although some critics describe the series of films as "sweet, overly idealized, and pretty much interchangeable," their ultimate success was because they gave viewers a "comforting portrait of small-town America that seemed suited for the times", with Rooney instilling "a lasting image of what every parent wished their teen could be like".
Education
Mickey Rooney's formal education was primarily in the performing arts, as he often participated in local theater productions and learned the craft through practical experience. While he did not have a traditional academic background, his years in show business provided him with extensive knowledge and skills in acting, performing, and entertainment.
In 1961, Rooney appeared on television's What's My Line?, and mentioned that he had already started enrolling students in the Mickey Rooney School of Entertainment. His school venture never came to fruition. This was a period of professional distress for Rooney; as a childhood friend, director Richard Quine put it: "Let's face it.
It wasn't all that easy to find roles for a 5-foot-3 man who'd passed the age of Andy Hardy." In 1962, although he had earned $12 million by that point, his debts and multiple divorces had forced him into filing for bankruptcy.
Conclusion
Remembering Mickey Rooney today in 2025 highlights the enduring impact he had on the world of entertainment. His remarkable career, filled with both triumphs and challenges, left a profound legacy that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the globe. Through this retrospective look at his life—covering his biography, relationships, physical stats, and financial affairs—we celebrate the iconic figure that is Mickey Rooney.
