Mickey Rooney

Actor


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

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Mickey Rooney on starring in The Alcoa Theater episode "Eddie"
01:32

Bill

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Mickey Rooney on his Emmy-winning performance in the TV movie Bill and the sequel
02:15

Jack Paar Program, The (1962-65)

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Mickey Rooney on appearing on The Jack Paar Program and walking off
00:44

Judy Garland Show, The

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Mickey Rooney on appearing on the premiere episode of The Judy Garland Show
00:59

Mickey Rooney Show, The

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Mickey Rooney on starring in TV's The Mickey Rooney Show
01:00

Playhouse 90

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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"

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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

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Mickey Rooney on appearing on Rawhide
00:29

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

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Mickey Rooney on not being invited back on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
00:49
Topics

Advice

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Mickey Rooney on advice to aspiring actors
00:26

Hollywood Blacklist

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Mickey Rooney on the Hollywood Blacklist
01:18

Television Industry

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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

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Mickey Rooney on starring in the Playhouse 90 episode "The Comedian"
02:26
People

Red Buttons

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Mickey Rooney on working with Red Buttons
00:30

Sid Caesar

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Mickey Rooney on working with Sid Caesar
00:19

Charlie Chaplin

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Mickey Rooney on acting with Charlie Chaplin
00:24

Perry Como

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Mickey Rooney on working with Perry Como
00:48

Sammy Davis, Jr.

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Mickey Rooney on working with Sammy Davis, Jr.
01:30

Walt Disney

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Mickey Rooney on how Mickey Mouse got his name
01:17

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

Jack Paar

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Mickey Rooney on appearing on The Jack Paar Program and walking off
00:44

Burt Reynolds

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Mickey Rooney on working with Burt Reynolds
00:23

Rod Serling

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Mickey Rooney on working with Rod Serling
00:23

Elizabeth Taylor

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Mickey Rooney on working with Elizabeth Taylor
00:46

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