Mickey Rooney’s eldest son and first Mouseketeer, Mickey Rooney Jr, has died

Lucas2022-07-19

Mickey Sr died in 2014 at the age of 93

Mickey Rooney Jr. Getty Images

Mickey Rooney’s eldest son, Mickey Rooney Jr, has died aged 77.

One of the original Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers, he died Saturday at his home in Glendale, Arizona.

His longtime actor friend Paul Petersen – who appeared with Mickey Jr on the first season of « The Mickey Mouse Club » – confirmed the news on Facebook, paying tribute to the multi-talented character of Mickey Jr.

He said: « Mickey Rooney, Jr passed away peacefully this morning in Arizona.

“For the past few years he has lived and been in the care of Chrissie Brown and her family.

« I first met Mickey, the eldest of nine siblings sired by his famous father, when he and Timmy were hired by Disney to be Mouseketeers in 1955.

« Mickey Jr. was tall and talented. He could sing and dance and act…and get in trouble. The three of us got kicked out for mouseless conduct!

He continued: “Mickey Junior was the personification of ‘damaged goods’. He gave everything he could. I was born the same day Mickey’s dad and ‘The Mic’ gave me, unsolicited, the most helpful piece of advice I’ve ever received.

« It’s one of my greatest sorrows that he didn’t do the same for his son. Mickey Rooney Junior. Rest in peace at last. We’ll see to your wishes.

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Mickey Jr’s longtime girlfriend Chrissie Brown also confirmed news of his death to The Hollywood Reporter, but did not provide a cause of death.

She said: « He was a wonderful man. The last 18 years with me and my family he has been an angel.

The actor’s father was the top box office draw from 1939 to 1941 and one of the highest paid actors of the silent film era of the time.

Best known for his role in « Breakfast at Tiffany’s », Mickey Sr died in 2014 at the age of 93.

Mickey Jr and his brother Tim were hired as backup cast members on ABC’s « The Mickey Mouse Club » in 1955.

He worked on several shows before being fired after mischief in Disney’s paint department.

Ronney Jr later appeared in the 1975 TV movie « Beyond the Bermuda Triangle » and the 1980 movie « Honeysuckle Rose ».

He also recorded songs such as « The Wandering Wind », « The Choice is Yours » and « It Certainly Ain’t a Nice Thing », and worked with Willie Nelson.

His first marriage was in 1972 to ex-Playboy Playmate Merci Montello, now 72.

He met Laura Hollander in 1986 and they married that year, before settling down with singer Chrissie in 2004.