Musician, Actor, and Former Mouseketeer, Mickey Rooney Jr, Dies at 77
We here at MickeyBlog have sad news to report today, On Saturday, July 16th, Musician, Actor, and Former Mouseketeer, Mickey Rooney Jr, Dies at 77.
Rooney Jr. died quietly at his home in Glendale, Arizona, his cause of death is unknown.
Friend and former actor, Paul Petersen, announced Rooney’s death who posted the sad news on Facebook.
Paul shared that Rooney Jr peacefully passed away and shares fond memories of him. “Mickey Junior was tall and talented he could sing, dance and ask… And get in trouble!” Referring to Rooney as “Damaged Goods” and referencing his struggles, Petersen shares his regret at not being able to share advise and assist more.
Mouseketeer, Actor, and More
Mickey Rooney Jr. was the eldest of 9 kids and the son of Mickey Rooney and Betty Jane Baker.
He was an original Mouseketeer, musician and actor playing in bands with Willie Nelson and appearing in Jerry Schatzberg’s Honeysuckle Rose (1980) and Alan Rudolph’s Songwriter (1984).
Photo: COURTESY EVERETT COLLECTION
Mickey and brother Tim Rooney were hired as backup Mouseketeers in 1955 for The Mickey Mouse Club. However, Disney fired the the boys in the first season after causing some trouble in the Disney paint department.
Talented Actor and Musician
Rooney Jr. was also a talented musician with a passion for music. He played multiple instruments including guitar, keyboard, bass, drums and harmonica.
He recorded multiple songs in the 1960s and performed in a band with brothers, Tim and Teddy.
Personal Struggles
Rooney Jr struggled with drug and alcohol problems in his early life and worked to overcome his addictions. He made great strides and had also stopped smoking.
Mickey Rooney Jr. is survived by his companion, Chrissie Brown.
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Article Source: Deadline.com
Feature Photo: Deadline