If someone asked me, "Who do you think has had the most amazing career in the show business?," I think would have to answer: "Mickey Rooney." Who has entertained longer? Nobody. He's still acting at the age of 88 after beginning with vaudeville acts in Kansas City at the age of two and in Hollywood films at the age of five. Rooney has done it all: comedies, musicals, dramas, suspense.....you name it. A film star, a Broadway star, a man who earned a Bronze Star for his entertaining the troops on the front lines in World War II.
Here's a guy who has been married eight times, a man addicted to gambling and pills, a guy who was the number one box office hit in America for years and then a nobody, only to rise again at the age of 60........on and on. His career and his life, in general, is just unbelievable!
It's no wonder that famous celebrates interviewed for this "Biography" episode use adjectives like "an inspiration," a "genius," a "legend," "pure box office," "versatile," a "brat," "lovable," a phenomenon," etc.
He became famous by teaming up with greats like Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor, Spencer Tracy, and a veritable Who's Who of famous actors. At one time, he recounts on this show, he accounted for 51 percent of the revenue for MGM studios. His many Andy Hardy films are legendary.
It was fun to see those celebrities talking about Rooney. Most of them are senior citizens themselves but still look good and obviously were happy to contribute to this tribute to Mickey. They included Carl Reiner, Ann Miller, Sid Caesar, Esther Williams, Jackie Cooper, Anthony Hopkins and a handful of Rooney's children.
You could on and on about Joe Yule (Mickey) who is almost beyond description.
