Posted on 02/16/2011 8:13:08 AM PST by MissTed
I still remember Mickey picking his son up at school in his T-Bird convertible; always had that sh*t-eating grin.
Tim died about five years ago from some rare malady.
Wonderful movie! Also, the Black Stallion features a wonderfully quiet performance by Rooney.
Sounds like the parasite step-son is tired of waiting for Rooney’s money. I hope his will has been filed stating that all his worldly goods go to charity.
How old is his son?
52.
“Veteran actor Mickey Rooney has been granted a restraining order against his step son who he claims has been threatening, intimidating, and harassing him. The 90-year-old “A Family Affair” star claims Christopher Aber, 52, is coercing him to sign over his assets to him.”
Sir Lawrence Olivier called Rooney the greatest actor in the world. He was also considered the best athlete in Hollywood in the early 40’s(swimming, tennis(pro material),football, baseball etc
My sister met him once. She said that he was very approachable, and extremely nice.
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Let’s cut this great old gentleman a little slack.
Mickey Rooney has a lot of rumors spread about him and he is snubbed in Hollywood because:
a He is NOT a Lib/Democrat
b He is a Christian
c He does NOT approve of gays
(see ‘Trivia’ below)
Mickey Rooney has been called the most talented movie star of them all.
He could do it all.
He was an accomplished actor, pianist, drummer, singer, songwriter and dancer.
He has the longest career of any of them, starting out at the age of 17 months (as part of his parent’s vaudeville show) to the present. He is over 90 years old.
His long career he has been a wildly successful movie star, television star and nightclub performer as well as conquering broadway (Sugar Babies)
Rooney became a born-again Christian in the 1970s
In 1944, Rooney entered military service. He served more than 21 months, (earning a bronze star) until shortly after the end of World War II. During and after the war he helped entertain the troops in America and Europe, and spent part of the time as a radio personality on the American Forces Network.
During the course of his career, Rooney received two Best Actor and two Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations, the last of which for his work in 1979’s The Black Stallion.
Mickey is also an accomplished musician and can play almost every instrument in an orchestra. As a member of ASCAP, Mickey has composed numerous pop songs, a symphony and several film scores.
During the course of his career, Rooney received two Best Actor and two Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominations, the last of which for his work in 1979’s The Black Stallion.
He was awarded a special Lifetime Achievement Oscar “in recognition of his 60 years of versatility in a variety of memorable film performances.” Rooney published his autobiography, Life Is Too Short, in 1991.
In 1979, Mickey achieved a new triumph, which took him to the cover of ” Life” magazine, the starring role in the theatrical production of ” Sugar Babies” for which he received a Tony® nomination. The show ran successfully on Broadway for three years and had a record breaking eight-year run on the road. In 1988, he wowed London’s West End audiences in ” Sugar Babies” .
He won a Golden Globe for the 1981 TV movie Bill
In 1939 [Rooney] became the top box-office star in the world, a title he held for three consecutive years.
_____________
From
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001682/bio
Spouse
Jan Rooney (28 July 1978 - present)
Carolyn Hockett (27 May 1969 - 24 January 1975) (divorced) 2 children
Margaret Lane (10 September 1966 - 14 December 1967) (divorced)
Carolyn Mitchell (1 December 1958 - 31 January 1966) (her death) 4 children
Elaine Devry (18 November 1952 - 18 May 1958) (divorced)
Martha Vickers (3 June 1949 - 25 September 1952) (divorced) 1 child
B.J. Baker (30 September 1944 - 3 June 1949) (divorced) 2 children
Ava Gardner (10 January 1942 - 21 May 1943) (divorced)
Trivia
Liza Minnelli wanted Rooney to do the eulogy at the funeral for her mother, Judy Garland in June of 1969, but decided against it because she felt that Rooney might not be able to get through it, given his and Garland’s long and close friendship.
Was nominated for Broadway’s 1980 Tony Award as Best Actor (Musical) for “Sugar Babies.”
With movie appearances stretching from 1926 to 2007, totaling 81 years, his is the longest career in cinema history, surpassing that of Lillian Gish.
Underwent double heart bypass surgery in 2000.
Was number 7 on the World Poker Tour Invitational even though he had never played Texas Hold ‘Em poker before.
His first of eight marriages was to Ava Gardner but has been married to current wife Jan Rooney longer than all of the other seven wives combined.
As of 2007, he is the only surviving screen actor to appear in silent films and still continue to act in movies into the 21st century. His film debut was in the movie Not to Be Trusted (1926) in 1926 at the age of four.
Attended the state funeral of former President Ronald Reagan. (11 June 2004).
He was a close friend of the Reverend Jerry Falwell.
Has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star for movies is at 1718 Vine Street. His star for TV is at 6541 Hollywood Blvd.
He and Jan Rooney were awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
He was awarded 3 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Motion Pictures at 1718 Vine Street, for Radio at 6372 Hollywood Boulevard, and for Television at 6541 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.
During World War II he served 22 months in the U.S. Army, five of them with the Third Army of Gen. George S. Patton. Rooney attained the rank of Sergeant, and won a Bronze Star, among other decorations.
Is best/good friends with actors: Al Pacino, Betty Grable, Judy Garland, Ava Gardner, Dick Van Dyke, Lana Turner, Gloria DeHaven, Linda Darnell and Norma Shearer.
Is best/good friends with former child stars: Bill Mumy, Johnny Crawford, Susan Olsen, Adam Rich, Tony Dow and David Cassidy.
He has 12 hobbies: listening to music, singing, football, dancing, praying, reading the Bible, golfing, travelling, horse racing, spending time with family, swimming, and watching classic movies.
Moved with his mother to Hollywood, California, in 1925, when he was five. This was one year after his parents’ separation.
His future “The New Adventures of the Black Stallion” (1990) co-star, Richard Ian Cox, was a childhood movie hero of his.
Began his career as a contract player for MGM in 1934.
May be the only actor in history to appear in at least one film in ten consecutive decades.
Ranks first in front of Barbara Stanwyck, Bette Davis, Jane Wyman, Eddie Albert and Ernest Borgnine, in the number of movies, he appeared in over 100 films.
Personal Quotes
All the muddy waters of my life cleared up when I gave myself to Christ.
[Bill Clinton] was a Rhodes Scholar. Do you know who the scholars were? Marxists!
If it’s immorally wrong, it’s not normal. Jesus Christ said, “The effeminate are an abomination to me”. Are you aware of that? I don’t watch the [Ellen DeGeneres] show. I wish her all kinds of luck. Except that I’m not a fan. But there are a lot of people who aren’t fans of Mickey Rooney and you can’t please everyone.
I never knew anything about anyone being gay in Hollywood when I was working in the studios. Did you know that? They weren’t in closets, they were in safes.
[at 58 years old] I’m in pretty good shape for the shape I’m in.
[asked if he would marry all of his eight wives again] Absolutely. I loved every one of them.
The audience and I are friends. They allowed me to grow up with them. I’ve let them down several times. They’ve let me down several times. But we’re all family.
[upon winning his lifetime achievement Oscar, 1983] Tonight, I could even kiss Louis B. Mayer!.
I didn’t ask to be short. I didn’t want to be short. I’ve tried to pretend that being a short guy didn’t matter.
I just want to be a professional. I couldn’t live without acting.
I’ve been through four publics. I’ve been coming back like a rubber ball for years.
[in 2007] I think the family pictures are what people really want to see - and musicals, of course.
Sure, I love the chicks. I love ‘em all. But when you’re nuts about too many, how can a guy settle down to one?
I keep looking for a picture of Rooney saluting the coffin at Reagan’s burial. One of the most moving scenes of the whole day.
“Also, the Black Stallion features a wonderfully quiet performance by Rooney.”
You are correct. I had forgotten about the Black Stallion movie. Rooney played the part of Henry Dailey. It was wonderful.
(Since I was always a horse lover, I loved Walter Farley’s books. I particularly loved, “The Black Stallion Returns.” I must have read his books a zillion times.)
I know. That was very moving.
I looked for it also, but can’t find it.
FReepers?
I'll never forget it.
I was lucky to be front row center....close enough to see the sweat on their brows as the three-hour performance waxed on.
What a show these two perfectly-matched, show biz born-and-bred guys put on! It was unbelievable!
Mickey was in his low eighties, Donald in his seventies. They were immaculate in tuxedos and made a handsome pair. Mickey was a little chubby and got red and sweaty in the face as they did their numbers, but when he danced he was graceful as when he was on the silver screen.
Both of them were born in costume trunks and raised on the vaudville stage. This night they did old vaudvillian skits, they did songs and dances from their old movies (including Donald's "Singin' In the Rain" and "There's No Business Like Show Business").
They did slapstick, sang all the old songs, the old jokes....and astounded the standing-room-only audience with the nimble way they did the various dance routines, including tap, at their ages. The danced with terrific energy, finesse, humor, flourish and agility. It was amazing....how could they perform the steps as if it were the 1940's again!
The air in the theater was electric. They received standing O's and huzzahs after EVERY SINGLE NUMBER, bar non!
I knew in my heart that everyone in the audience was re-living their growing-up days at their neighborhood Tivolis, including me.
There was not a few tears at the end of the show amidst the wild applause and shouts for encores, which they graciously gave in response.
What struck me was how these two old troupers gave their all, holding nothing back as if entertaining us was the most important thing in the world to them...and we just knew it was.
Not a swear word, nothing off-color during the whole performance....just pure heaven covered in tuxes and tap shoes.
At one point, they rested on stools at the edge of the stage and reminisced intimately, poignantly and humorously with each other and with the audience about their long-time careers and the stars they knew and loved.
Donald O'Connor, always a gawky-looking guy as we knew him in those days had filled out in the face and neck over the years. He looked great. He had astonishingly brilliant blue eyes. In his tux and with his Irish charm and expressive face, he captivated the audience. He was unbelievingly handsome.
I thank my lucky stars I bought tickets for that show. I'll never forget that magical evening with two of the best that ever trod the boards!
THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT, FOLKS!
Leni
As you know I'm a big fan of Mickey Rooney.
I like all of his work but my all time personal favorite is "Love laughs at Andy Hardy".
The dance scene between Dorothy Ford (Coffy Smith) and Mickey (Andy Hardy) is one of the greatest scenes on film.
If you ever come across a clip of this, ping me....please!
Leni
Leni
.
You’re welcome.
I’m a big classic movie fan, and I adore Mickey Rooney.
In a time when classic stars were required to ‘do it all’-
sing, dance, etc, Mickey did it all better than anybody else.
His many talents are nothing short of amazing.
I’ve read about many times at Hollywood events he’s been overlooked and snubbed.
I don’t think that this is because he’s a ‘jerk’ but because he’s a Christian, NOT a Lib, and does not approve of the homo life style. This goes against the HW grain.
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Here’s a clip of Mickey dancing with the tall girl:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXpymc7MDMc
The skit was not at all dated for me....I was tall in high school and outgrew all my potential boyfriends, LOL. I ended up normal height....but there were some years I longed to be 5 foot 2 with eyes of blue jitterbugging with Mickey Rooney.
When I watch these old clips, I truly wonder at those who sit enthralled for hours by the likes of Jon Stewart and David Litterpan who are referred to by the media (and themselves) as "comedians".
When you watch classic comedians you know that the unfunny, repulsive Stewarts and Lettermans of TV fame have more nerve than a sore tooth to consider themselves in the same comedic class.
Leni
His wife of 32 years and the son (against whom he filed the restraining order) were on ‘Entertainment Tonight’ stating that the charges in the restraining order are false.
They claim her other son and his wife, who live with them, are stiring up trouble.
Sounds like they’re fighting over Mickey’s money and he’s not even passed away yet.
Thank you! Great clip! I’ve always liked that movie. I believed it demonstrates
the versatility of Mickey’s many talents.
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