Mickey Rooney

Actor

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The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

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.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"They ask me when I'm going to retire. I'm not going to retire. I inspire."

People Talking About ...

Highlights

Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

02:26

Mickey Rooney on starring in The Alcoa Theater episode "Eddie"

01:32

Mickey Rooney on his work in the "Andy Hardy" movies

01:20

Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show

00:59

Mickey Rooney on his Emmy-winning performance in the TV movie Bill and the sequel

02:15

Full Interview

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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"

01:32

Bill

Mickey Rooney on his Emmy-winning performance in the TV movie Bill and the sequel

02:15

Jack Paar Program, The (1962-65)

Mickey Rooney on appearing on The Jack Paar Program and walking off

00:44

Judy Garland Show, The

Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show

00:59

Mickey Rooney Show, The

Mickey Rooney on starring in TV's The Mickey Rooney Show

01:00

Playhouse 90

Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

02:26

Mickey Rooney on working in live television on the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

03:20

Playhouse 90: "The Comedian"

Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

02:26

Mickey Rooney on working in live television on the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

03:20

Rawhide

Mickey Rooney on appearing on Rawhide

00:29

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

Mickey Rooney on not being invited back on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

00:49

Topics

Advice

Mickey Rooney on advice to aspiring actors

00:26

Hollywood Blacklist

Mickey Rooney on the Hollywood Blacklist

01:18

Television Industry

Mickey Rooney on the Hollywood Blacklist

01:18

Mickey Rooney on how television has changed over the years

00:48

Mickey Rooney on advice to aspiring actors

00:26

Professions

Actor

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Mickey Rooney on how acting for television differs for acting for film or the stage

01:01

Mickey Rooney on his acting style and preferences

01:30

Performers

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Mickey Rooney on how acting for television differs for acting for film or the stage

01:07

Mickey Rooney on his acting style and preferences

01:30

Genres

Classic Anthology Series

Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

02:26

People

Burt Reynolds

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Mickey Rooney on working with Burt Reynolds

00:23

Charlie Chaplin

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Mickey Rooney on acting with Charlie Chaplin

00:24

Elizabeth Taylor

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Mickey Rooney on working with Elizabeth Taylor

00:46

Jack Paar

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Mickey Rooney on appearing on The Jack Paar Program and walking off

00:44

John Frankenheimer

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Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

01:48

Judy Garland

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Mickey Rooney on making movies with Judy Garland

01:02

Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show

00:59

Martin Manulis

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Mickey Rooney on working with Martin Manulis on the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"

00:16

Perry Como

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Mickey Rooney on working with Perry Como

00:48

Red Buttons

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Mickey Rooney on working with Red Buttons

00:30

Rod Serling

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Mickey Rooney on working with Rod Serling

00:23

Sammy Davis, Jr.

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Mickey Rooney on working with Sammy Davis, Jr.

01:30

Sid Caesar

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Mickey Rooney on working with Sid Caesar

00:19

Walt Disney

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Mickey Rooney on how Mickey Mouse got his name

01:17