Mickey Rooney Biography: Movies, Spouse, Cause of Death, Age, Height, TV Shows, Awards, Children, Net Worth, Parents, Siblings

Mickey Rooney, born Joe Yule Jr., was an American actor whose career spanned nearly nine decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in Hollywood history.

He first gained widespread recognition for his role as Andy Hardy in the late 1930s and early 1940s, a character that resonated with audiences and cemented his status as a leading actor.

Profile

• Full name: Joe Yule Jr.
• Nickname: Mickey Rooney
• Date of birth: September 23, 1920
• Age as of 2025: Deceased in 2014
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Brooklyn, New York, USA
• State of origin: New York
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor, Entertainer
• Height: 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm)
• Parents: Father – Joe Yule; Mother – Nellie W. Carter
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Ava Gardner (m. 1942–1943), Betty Jane Phillips (m. 1944–1949), Martha Vickers (m. 1949–1951), Elaine Devry (m. 1952–1958), Barbara Ann Thomason (m. 1958–1966), Margaret Lane (m. 1966–1967), Carolyn Hockett (m. 1969–1975), Jan Chamberlin (m. 1978–2014)
• Children: Mickey Rooney Jr., Timothy Rooney, Teddy Rooney, Kelly Ann Rooney, Kerry Yule Rooney, Kimmy Sue Rooney, Jonelle Rooney, Jimmy Rooney
• Relationship status: N/A (deceased)
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Ethnicity: Scottish-Irish descent
• Net worth: approx. $18,000 at the time of death

Early Life and Education

Mickey Rooney, born Joe Yule Jr. on September 23, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, was the only child of vaudevillians Joe Yule and Nellie W. Carter. His father, a Scottish immigrant, and his mother, a former chorus girl from Kansas City, introduced him to the entertainment industry at an early age.

Rooney made his stage debut at 17 months old, appearing in his parents’ vaudeville act. After his parents separated when he was four, Rooney and his mother moved to Hollywood in 1925. He attended the Hollywood Professional School and later Fairfax High School, balancing his education with an burgeoning acting career.

Personal Life

Mickey Rooney‘s personal life was as eventful as his professional one. He was married eight times, beginning with actress Ava Gardner in 1942; the marriage lasted a year.

His subsequent marriages were to Betty Jane Phillips (1944–1949), Martha Vickers (1949–1951), Elaine Devry (1952–1958), Barbara Ann Thomason (1958–1966), Margaret Lane (1966–1967), Carolyn Hockett (1969–1975), and Jan Chamberlin (1978–2014).

Rooney had a total of nine children: Mickey Rooney Jr., Timothy Rooney, Teddy Rooney, Kelly Ann Rooney, Kerry Yule Rooney, Kimmy Sue Rooney, Jonelle Rooney, and Jimmy Rooney.

Career

Mickey Rooney‘s career began in vaudeville and transitioned to film with his debut in 1926. He gained prominence playing the title character in the “Mickey McGuire” short film series from 1927 to 1934.

His portrayal of Andy Hardy in the late 1930s and early 1940s solidified his status as a leading actor. Rooney‘s versatility allowed him to navigate various genres, from musicals to dramas.

He appeared in over 300 films, including notable roles in “National Velvet” (1944) and “The Black Stallion” (1979). His career experienced fluctuations, but he remained a resilient figure in the entertainment industry, also making significant contributions to television and stage productions.

Awards

Throughout his extensive career, Mickey Rooney received numerous accolades, including a Juvenile Academy Award in 1939 and an Honorary Academy Award in 1982.

He earned multiple nominations for Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards, winning a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in “Bill” (1981).

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 2014, Mickey Rooney‘s net worth was approximately $18,000. Despite a successful career, he faced financial challenges due to mismanagement and personal issues.

Death

Mickey Rooney passed away on April 6, 2014, at the age of 93, due to natural causes. He died at his home in North Hollywood, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most enduring and versatile entertainers.

Social Media

N/A

Filmography

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935)
• Boys Town (1938)
• Babes in Arms (1939)
• National Velvet (1944)
• The Black Stallion (1979)
• Night at the Museum (2006)

Discography

Mickey Rooney‘s contributions to music include:

• Mickey Rooney Sings (1957): An album showcasing his vocal performances.
• The Many Sides of Mickey Rooney (1962): An album reflecting his versatility as a performer.

Books

Mickey Rooney authored several books, including:

• I.E.: An Autobiography (1965): An early autobiography detailing his life and career.
• The Search for Sonny Skies (1994): A novel reflecting his storytelling abilities.
• Life Is Too Short (1991): A candid autobiography discussing his personal and professional experiences.