The Broadway Breakthrough That Changed Everything
In the whirlwind of a life filled with extraordinary highs and crushing lows, 1979 stood out as a remarkable year for Mickey Rooney. That fall, the legendary performer made his Broadway debut in Sugar Babies, becoming the hottest "new" star on the Great White Way at the age of 59. It was a moment that felt like destiny finally catching up with him.
Reflecting on the experience, Mickey couldn’t help but express his awe. “There’s nothing quite like facing a Broadway audience,” he said with genuine enthusiasm. “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here, but life has a way of guiding us to where we’re meant to be—at the perfect time.”
A Career That Defined an Era
Mickey Rooney’s journey in entertainment began long before his Broadway triumph. Born into a family of vaudeville performers, he made his film debut at the tender age of six. Over the course of his career, he starred in over 200 movies, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile talents. In his teenage years, he became a household name through the wildly popular Andy Hardy film series, making him the most bankable star of his time.
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But as is often the case in Hollywood, the glory days didn’t last forever. As Mickey aged out of youth-oriented roles, he found himself struggling to find work. Yet, against all odds, he bounced back—not once, but multiple times. Along the way, he earned four Academy Award nominations, proving that his talent transcended the fleeting nature of fame.
“Mickey was like putty; he could mold himself into any character,” says William J. Birnes, co-author of The Life and Times of Mickey Rooney. “He was a true entertainer who could act, sing, dance, and even play the piano and drums. He worked tirelessly until the very end.”
From Broadway to Emmy Gold
Mickey’s career resurgence reached new heights in 1981 when he delivered one of his greatest performances in the television film Bill. Playing a developmentally challenged man, he immersed himself in the role with such depth and authenticity that it earned him an Emmy Award. “Mickey didn’t just portray Bill; he became him,” says Birnes. “It was a performance that left audiences in awe.”
The Rollercoaster of Personal Life
While Mickey’s professional life was marked by resilience and reinvention, his personal life was a different story. Early in his career, he developed a habit of spending money as quickly as he earned it. Gambling became a serious addiction, and Mickey frequently lost thousands of dollars at the racetrack. “When he was just 17, MGM’s Louis Mayer went so far as to install an extra phone line in Mickey’s dressing room so he could place bets with his bookie,” reveals Birnes.
His relationships with women were equally tumultuous. Mickey had a reputation for falling in love easily but struggled to maintain fidelity. By the end of his life, he had been married eight times, fathered 10 children, and spent a significant portion of his wealth on alimony and child support payments. Financial troubles eventually led him to declare bankruptcy in 1962, leaving him with only $500 in the bank while owing nearly $500,000 in debts. “To make matters worse, he also faced issues with back taxes, which caused the government to seize everything he owned,” adds Birnes.
A Legacy of Resilience
Despite the challenges, Mickey never lost faith in himself. His ability to rise above adversity time and again was nothing short of inspiring. “Life threw him plenty of curveballs, but Mickey always believed in his own abilities,” says Birnes. “He understood that life is full of pitfalls, but giving up isn’t an option. You have to keep moving forward.”
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Even in his later years, Mickey continued to face hardships, including a successful lawsuit against a stepson for elder abuse in 2013. Yet, amidst the chaos, he maintained one enduring relationship—a 60-year affair with a woman he saw infrequently. “They never married, but their connection was profound,” shares Birnes. “Her husband, one of Mickey’s closest friends, remained unaware of the depth of their bond throughout their lives.”
A Legacy That Endures
Mickey Rooney’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance. Through triumphs and trials, he remained committed to his craft and his belief in the human spirit. Though his relationships with his children, wives, and family were often strained, his impact on the world of entertainment is undeniable. As Birnes puts it, “Mickey worked until the very end, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
