Liza Minnelli wanted Rooney to do the eulogy at the funeral for her mother, Judy Garland in June of 1969, but decided against it because she felt that Rooney might not be able to get through it, given his and Garland's long and close friendship.
Donald Trump, Tony Bennett and Regis Philbin were amongst the people to attend his 90th birthday party.
According to one story, Mickey Mouse was named for Rooney. Walt Disney saw a young Rooney while he was working on the first drawings of what was to become Mickey Mouse. He asked the child actor what he thought of the drawings and also asked what his name was. This later proved to be false.
As of 2007, he is the only surviving screen actor to appear in silent films and still continue to act in movies into the 21st century. His film debut was in the movie Not to Be Trusted (1926) in 1926 at the age of four.
At age nineteen became the first teenager to be Oscar-nominated in a leading role for Babes in Arms (1939).
Attended the 2006 Twilight Zone Convention at the Hilton Hasbrouck Heights, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, August 12-13, 2006.
Attended the funeral of Liza Minnelli's former stepfather, Sidney Luft, just days before he had his 85th birthday.
Attended the state funeral of former President Ronald Reagan. (11 June 2004).
Began his career as a contract player for MGM in 1934.
Began performing at the age of 17-months, as part of his parents' routine, wearing a specially tailored tuxedo.
Best known by the public for his starring role as Henry Dailey on "The New Adventures of the Black Stallion" (1990).
Chris Aber, his step-son, has worked with Mickey for 30 years as his personal assistant.
During World War II he served 22 months in the U.S. Army, five of them with the Third Army of Gen. George S. Patton. Rooney attained the rank of Sergeant, and won a Bronze Star, among other decorations.
Father of Jimmy Rooney and Jonelle Rooney, from his marriage to Carolyn Hockett.
Father of Kelly Ann Rooney, Kerry Yule Rooney, Michael Joseph Kyle Rooney and Kimmy Sue Rooney, from his marriage to Carolyn Mitchell.
Former roommate of Blake Edwards.
Graduated from Hollywood High School in Hollywood, California, in 1938.
Has four (4) Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame including a star for Motion Pictures at 1718 Vine Street, a star for Television at 6541 Hollywood Boulevard, a star for Radio at 6372 Hollywood Boulevard, and shared with wife Jan Rooney a star for Live Theater at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard.
Has two grandchildren (Shannon Rooney and Dominique Rooney) and two great-grandchildren (Kaitlyn Rooney and Hunter Rooney).