R.I.P. Mickey Rooney

by chuckofish

Well, Mickey Rooney has died–at age 93–one of the last of the great Hollywood stars.

Interestingly, he was born Joseph Yule, Jr., the son of a Scotsman and his American wife who hailed from Kansas City, MO. His parents were both in vaudeville and he began performing at the age of 17 months as part of his parents’ routine, wearing a specially tailored tuxedo.

So the freckle-faced, red-haired kid was not even Irish. Go figure.

Love Finds Andy Hardy 1938

Love Finds Andy Hardy 1938

I have never been a particular fan of Mickey Rooney, but it is undeniable that he was a very talented and hugely successful star. He always gave 100% and seemed to enjoy what he was doing. In 1939 he was the biggest box office draw–more popular than Clark Gable or Errol Flynn or Cary Grant.

And what a long career! He kept working throughout his long life–he was even in a Full House episode. Remember Mr. Dreghorn in the classic Christmas episode “Arrest Ye Merry Gentlemen”?

mickey-rooney-full-house

He was a trouper.

Into paradise may the angels lead thee and at thy coming may the martyrs receive thee, and bring thee into the holy city Jerusalem. (BCP, Burial of the Dead, Rite I)