It’s been five years since the world lost the legendary Mickey Rooney, but his family still feels the void he left behind. Recently, one of his daughters, Kelly Rooney, opened up about her dad and the profound impact he had on her life. Let’s dive into her heartfelt words and explore the man who lit up the screen in over 300 films and earned four Oscar nominations.
A Man Who Lit Up the Screen and Hearts
When you talk to Kelly Rooney, now 59, you can feel the warmth and admiration she has for her father. In a recent chat with Fox News, she described Mickey as "an inspiration and a magical person in our lives.” She added, "We really loved him, and we cherished him. Growing up, we realized that the entire world loved him too." That love wasn’t just for his performances; it was for the man who put family at the center of his life. Despite being married eight times, Mickey always kept his nine children close to his heart. He was 93 when he passed, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the silver screen.
Life in the Spotlight
As Kelly grew older, she came to understand the life her father led. "As we became adults, we understood that this was something he was born to do since he was just 18 months old," she explained. "He didn’t know anything else. It honestly feels like we lost him yesterday. I miss him so much. We all do." Living in the shadow of a Hollywood icon wasn’t easy, but Kelly found joy in watching her father bring happiness to millions through his films. "As a little girl, I would notice that everyone was always looking— I always thought they were looking at me," she laughed. "But eventually, I realized they were really looking at my dad."
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Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland: A Lifelong Friendship
One of the most fascinating parts of Kelly’s story is her father’s relationship with Judy Garland. "One day, I asked him, 'Daddy, how come you didn’t marry Judy?'" Kelly recalled. "He said, 'Well Kel, that would be like you marrying your brother. I’ve known her since she was a little girl and she knew me since I was a little boy. We grew up together.’" Their bond was special, built on years of shared experiences. "Judy was always so kind and gracious," Kelly said. "A lot of times, she and dad would get the kids together to go swimming at the beach or ride horses in Malibu." When Judy passed away in 1969, it hit Mickey hard. "I heard my dad on the radio crying and talking about it," Kelly shared. "It was very difficult. When he went to Judy’s funeral, everyone expected him to get up and say something. He didn’t. He went up, kissed her coffin, and left. He couldn’t handle it. It was really hard on him."
Remembering a Hollywood Legend
Mickey Rooney wasn’t just an actor; he was a man who touched lives in countless ways. From his early days as a child star to his later years as a respected veteran of the industry, he left an indelible mark on Hollywood and the hearts of those who knew him. His daughter Kelly’s words remind us of the personal side of this larger-than-life figure. As we reflect on his life and career, it’s clear that Mickey Rooney’s legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. We will never forget these legends!
