Rooney was the eldest of Mickey Rooney’s nine children.
Rooney’s longtime companion Chrissie Brownconfirmed his death toThe Hollywood Reporterand said the cause was unknown.
Paul Petersen, a fellow Mouseketeer, paid tribute to Rooney in aFacebook postover the weekend.
Mickey Rooney Jr.Bettmann/Getty Images
“Mickey Junior was tall and talented.
He could sing, dance and act…and get in trouble.
We three were fired for Conduct Unbecoming a Mouse!
Mickey Junior was the personification of ‘damaged goods.’
He gave all he could.”
Rooney went on to make a name for himself through his music career.
He also logged appearances with Nelson in the filmsHoneysuckle RoseandSongwriter.
He also had in a role in the NBC movieBeyond the Bermuda Triangle.
Rooney was previously married to Merci Montello and Laura Hollander before meeting Brown nearly two decades ago.
Brown toldTHRthat Rooney had overcome drug and alcohol problems he’d struggled with earlier in life.
“He was a wonderful man,” she said.
“The last 18 years with me and my family, he’s been an angel.”
