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Mickey Rooney dies at 93

FILE - In this Jan. 5, 1942, file photo, Mickey Rooney, 21, Movieland's No. 1 box office star, and Ava Gardner, 19, of Wilson, N.C., pose together in Santa Barbara, Calif., shortly after the couple applied for a marriage license. Rooney, a Hollywood legend whose career spanned more than 80 years, has died. He was 93. Los Angeles Police Commander Andrew Smith said that Rooney was with his family when he died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at his North Hollywood home. (Associated Press)
FILE - In this Jan. 5, 1942, file photo, Mickey Rooney, 21, Movieland's No. 1 box office star, and Ava Gardner, 19, of Wilson, N.C., pose together in Santa Barbara, Calif., shortly after the couple applied for a marriage license. Rooney, a Hollywood legend whose career spanned more than 80 years, has died. He was 93. Los Angeles Police Commander Andrew Smith said that Rooney was with his family when he died Sunday, April 6, 2014, at his North Hollywood home. (Associated Press)

Mickey Rooney was irrepressible and delightful as an actor, singer, dancer, entertainer.

He debuted as an infant and never stopped. He was the screen’s most famous teen face during World War II – starring as Andy Hardy, the active fun-loving teen.

Rooney’s real life reads like an action film: rich beyond imagination by the time he was 40, earning $12 million, spending it more easily than he made it; he loved risk and adventure with his fortune and gambled early on. He was married eight times. His relationships were marred by his fiery temper and irresponsible habits.

Still, we loved Mickey Rooney on screen and in the news. His 93 years of life have inspired and delighted us all. May his legacy be one of entertaining a nation who adored him. 

(S-R archive photo: In this Jan. 5, 1942, file photo, Mickey Rooney, 21, Movieland's No. 1 box office star, and Ava Gardner, 19, of Wilson, N.C., pose together in Santa Barbara, Calif., shortly after the couple applied for a marriage license.)

 

Spokesman-Review features writer Rebecca Nappi, along with writer Catherine Johnston of Olympia, Wash., discuss here issues facing aging boomers, seniors and those experiencing serious illness, dying, death and other forms of loss.