Photo: Warner Brothers/courtesy Everett Collection
Mickey Rooney Jr., the first child ofMickey Rooneyand an original Mouseketeer, has died at the age of 77.
His longtime companion Chrissie Brown confirmed that he died Saturday in his Glendale, Arizona home but the cause of death is unknown, perThe Hollywood Reporter.
The musician and actor, “peacefully passed away,” according toa Facebook postfrom Rooney Jr.’s long-time friend, actor Paul Peterson. The two worked together as original Mouseketeers at Disney.
Peterson continued, “Mickey Junior was the personification of ‘damaged goods.’ He gave all he could.”
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“I was born on the same day as Mickey’s father and ‘The Mic’ gave me, unsolicited mind you, the most useful advice I ever got. It is one of my greatest sorrows that he didn’t do the same for his son. Mickey Rooney Junior. Rest In Peace at last. We will see to your wishes,” he endearingly concluded the post.
Rooney Jr. played in bands withWillie Nelson, as well as acted alongside him in 80s filmsHoneysuckle RoseandSongwriter. Additionally, he appeared in and scored the soundtrack of John Brahm’sHot Rods to Hell. He also earned a role in the 1975 NBC movieBeyond the Bermuda Triangle.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama with the name Joseph Yule III, he and his brother Tim Rooney were hired as backup cast members on ABC’sThe Mickey Mouse Clubin 1955. They participated in a variety of episodes before both were fired.
Rooney Jr. was an incredibly talented musician, who played guitar, keyboard, bass, drums and harmonica. In the 1960s, he recorded multiple songs, including “The Wandering Wind,” “The Choice Is Yours” and “It Certainly Ain’t a Nice Thing.” He was also involved in a band with brothers Tim and Teddy, and even appeared on the ABC musical seriesShindig!.
source: people.com
