Mickey Rooney

Mickey Rooney, born Joseph Yule Jr., was a prodigious American entertainer whose nine-decade career saw him transition from child vaudeville performer to Hollywood icon, then to revered character actor. His Andy Hardy films of the 1930s and 1940s established him as a symbol of American family values, while his Oscar-nominated role in "Babes in Arms" at 19 showcased his early promise. Rooney's versatility was evident in his dramatic turns in "National Velvet" and "The Human Comedy," praised by luminaries like Laurence Olivier and Clarence Brown. Despite stardom and a Bronze Star for wartime entertainment, his later years saw a mix of hit and miss, yet he remained a respected figure with acclaimed roles in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "The Black Stallion.