Mickey Rooney, the child actor who became the world's top box-office star in the 1930s, has died aged 93. It was first reported by US entertainment magazine Variety. The actor is said to have been ill for some time.
Born in Brooklyn, he began his career aged 18 months in his parents' vaudeville act, Yule and Carter, and never really retired. Initially named Joe Yule Junior, he was barely six years old when he had his first film role as a cigar-smoking midget in Orchids and Ermine. By 1939, Rooney was established as the film industry's top box office draw, and by 1965, his 200 films had earned more than $3bn around the world.
In a film and musical career spanning nine decades, Rooney was nominated for four Academy Awards and received two special Oscars, including one in 1983 for his body of work. But despite his success, Rooney admitted his fame had forced him to grow up too quickly. By the time he was 30, he said he felt 100 years old.
Rooney was married eight times, including to the screen beauty Ava Gardner. The show business legend was declared bankrupt by the early 1960s, with much of his money going to alimony for his ex-wives and a reckless lifestyle. However, his career enjoyed a revival with the film Pete's Dragon in 1977, and his hit show Sugar Babies which hit Broadway in the late 1970s.
True to his motto to “never retire but inspire”, Rooney continued to work in film, television and theatre well into his 80s.
 

Source: Internet