About
"They ask me when I'm going to retire. I'm not going to retire. I inspire."
In his one-hour interview, Mickey Rooney (1920-2014) describes breaking into the business as a child actor and how his name got changed from "Joe Yule" to "Mickey Rooney." He recalls his work in the "Mickey McGuire" film shorts and discusses meeting Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, and Judy Garland. He talks about his appearances on Texaco Star Theater and The Jack Paar Program, and outlines his dramatic television work in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian" and Alcoa Theater's "Eddie." He also speaks of his Emmy-winning performance in the television movie Bill. Dan Pasternack conducted the interview on July 24, 2001 in Westlake Village, CA.
Highlights
Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Mickey Rooney on starring in The Alcoa Theater episode "Eddie"
Mickey Rooney on his work in the "Andy Hardy" movies
Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show
Mickey Rooney on his Emmy-winning performance in the TV movie Bill and the sequel
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his early years and influences; on his start in show business; on his work in the "Mickey McGuire" film shorts; on Walt Disney and how he believes Mickey Mouse got his name; on meeting Charlie Chaplin
On his work in the "Andy Hardy" movies; on making movies with Judy Garland; on his early memories of television
On his appearances on the Playhouse 90 episodes "The Comedian" and the Alcoa Theater episode "Eddie"; on working in live television
Chapter 2
On the sitcom Mickey; on appearing on The Judy Garland Show and walking off The Jack Paar Program; on late-night programs
On his Emmy-winning role in the TV movie Bill; on appearing in the TV series One of the Boys; on his voiceover work and memorable guest appearances
On his then-current work; on advice to aspiring actors; on people with whom he worked throughout his career
Shows
Alcoa Hour, The
Mickey Rooney on starring in The Alcoa Theater episode "Eddie"
Bill
Mickey Rooney on his Emmy-winning performance in the TV movie Bill and the sequel
Jack Paar Program, The (1962-65)
Mickey Rooney on appearing on The Jack Paar Program and walking off
Judy Garland Show, The
Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show
Mickey Rooney Show, The
Mickey Rooney on starring in TV's The Mickey Rooney Show
Playhouse 90
Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Mickey Rooney on working in live television on the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Playhouse 90: "The Comedian"
Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Mickey Rooney on working in live television on the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Rawhide
Mickey Rooney on appearing on Rawhide
Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The
Mickey Rooney on not being invited back on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
Topics
Advice
Mickey Rooney on advice to aspiring actors
Hollywood Blacklist
Mickey Rooney on the Hollywood Blacklist
Television Industry
Mickey Rooney on the Hollywood Blacklist
Mickey Rooney on how television has changed over the years
Mickey Rooney on advice to aspiring actors
Professions
Actor
Mickey Rooney on how acting for television differs for acting for film or the stage
Mickey Rooney on his acting style and preferences
Performers
Mickey Rooney on how acting for television differs for acting for film or the stage
Mickey Rooney on his acting style and preferences
Genres
Classic Anthology Series
Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
People
Red Buttons
Mickey Rooney on working with Red Buttons
Sid Caesar
Mickey Rooney on working with Sid Caesar
Charlie Chaplin
Mickey Rooney on acting with Charlie Chaplin
Perry Como
Mickey Rooney on working with Perry Como
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Mickey Rooney on working with Sammy Davis, Jr.
Walt Disney
Mickey Rooney on how Mickey Mouse got his name
John Frankenheimer
Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Judy Garland
Mickey Rooney on making movies with Judy Garland
Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show
Martin Manulis
Mickey Rooney on working with Martin Manulis on the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
Jack Paar
Mickey Rooney on appearing on The Jack Paar Program and walking off
Burt Reynolds
Mickey Rooney on working with Burt Reynolds
Rod Serling
Mickey Rooney on working with Rod Serling
Elizabeth Taylor
Mickey Rooney on working with Elizabeth Taylor