Mickey Rooney (born Joseph Yule, Jr; September 23, 1920 – April 6, 2014)
Yesterday evening, we learned of the passing of film legend Mickey Rooney. Although he lived a full life at the age of 93, it was still so sad to hear that he’s no longer with us. Not only was Mickey Rooney a classic actor known for his Andy Hardy movies when he was younger, he also had some major ties to the Disney empire as well. Here are some Disney facts about Mickey Rooney that you may have not known:
First and foremost, our favorite character, Mickey Mouse, was named after Mickey Rooney.
Mickey Rooney was one of the people who voiced Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
In 1939, he was caricaturized by Walt Disney himself in the Donald Duck short, The Autograph Hound.
Mickey Rooney’s other Disney credits include ~
He voiced adult Tod in the 1981 Disney animated film, The Fox and the Hound and played the role of Lampie in the 1977 film Pete’s Dragon. He also played Movie Mason in the 2000 Disney Channel Original Movie, Phantom of the Megaplex and the voice of Sparky in the 2001 direct-to-video film Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure, as well as a Smalltown resident in the 2011 film The Muppets.
In addition to his Disney working history, Rooney’s career was spanned over 8 decades, where he was featured in many beloved films, including 20 of which where he played the lovable teenager, Andy Hardy. Let’s not forget his recent appearance as the scrappy night watchman in Night at the Museum. I think for me, part of the appeal of Mickey Rooney was the fact that the characters he played reflected a time of innocence. The movies he was in were from a time so different from now, when life was simpler and people seemed to behave better towards others. There was nothing objectionable or any reason to cover your child’s eyes when it comes to a Mickey Rooney film, and that’s a good thing. His career is something of amazing character and is so well respected in the film industry. We appreciate his contributions to the entertainment business and to the Disney community as well. God bless you Mickey Rooney. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, as well as to all whose lives he touched.
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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