Iconic Hollywood star Mickey Rooney passed away yesterday at the age of 93.
In an astonishing show business career that spans 10 decades, Mickey’s work with Disney includes his roles as Lampie in “Pete’s Dragon,” the voice of grown-up Tod in “The Fox and the Hound,” and most recently, his cameo appearance in “The Muppets.”
This photo of Mickey was taken during the red carpet arrivals for the grand opening of Disney California Adventure park on February 7, 2001. I had the pleasure of meeting Mickey that night, and I knew then that I was in the presence of a legend. The optimistic personality that defined his early film career and propelled him to superstardom in the 1930s and 1940s was still very much a part of who he was.
In thinking about Mickey’s film work, I was reminded of a small role he had in the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Phantom of the Megaplex.” Mickey’s character, Movie Mason, delivers a monologue about the power of the silver screen in which he says, in part, “When we arrive in this world, magic is all around us … yet as years pass, simple pleasures aren’t quite so simple to find … true wonder is hard to come by, but, there’s always magic at the movies.”
No one made more of that magic than you, Mickey.
Comments
Mikey Rooney was also in my absolute FAVORITE childhood movie. It happened to be a “Disney Sunday Family Movie” which used to air at I think 7pm on ABC (before the aquisition, I believe). They were introduced at the time by Mr. Michael Eisner. That movie was “Little Spies.” Oh how I wish I could get my hands on a copy. It would make my day to show my kids. RIP Mr. Rooney.
thank you mickey rooney for making us smile, laugh,cry and singing along with you. now you are over the rainbow with judy garland. you will be in our hearts forever we will never forget you thank you
Comments are closed.