Mickey Rooney, Hollywood Legend Who Acted In More Than 300 Films, Dies At 93; Stars React To Death Of Oscar-Winning Actor

Mickey Rooney, one of the longest-tenured actors in the history of Hollywood, who spent more than eight decades in show business, died Sunday at the age of 93.

Andrew Smith, Los Angeles police commander, told Associated Press that Rooney’s family was with him at his home in North Hollywood, Calif., at the time of his death. His death was reportedly confirmed by his son, Michael Joseph Rooney. Smith reportedly said that there was nothing suspicious about Rooney's death but the actual cause is yet to be revealed.

Other media reports stated that the actor had not been keeping well for some time. Rooney's wife, Jan, whom he married in 1978, told The Hollywood Reporter late Sunday night that she had not seen Rooney since last April and that she was informed by TMZ of the actor's death. Rooney had been married eight times, including to actress Ava Gardner, from 1942 to 1943.

"He was undoubtedly the most talented actor that ever lived. There was nothing he couldn't do," actress Margaret O'Brien reportedly said, in a statement. She said she had been recently working with Rooney on a film, "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," and he "was as great as ever" during the filming.

Rooney, who was born Joseph Yule Jr., in New York's Brooklyn borough in 1920, appeared in more than 300 films in a career that spanned silent films from the 1920s to recent blockbusters such as “The Muppets” and “Night at the Museum.” He reached his greatest film successes with MGM during the 1930s and 1940s with the “Andy Hardy” series.

Rooney was nominated for four Academy Awards and received two special Oscars, a special Juvenile Academy Award at the age of 18 for his performance as Whitey Marsh opposite Spencer Tracy in “Boys Town,” and 45 years later, an Honorary Oscar “in recognition of his 50 years of versatility in a variety of memorable film performances.”

Here are some tweets from celebrities who reacted to Rooney’s death.

“Mickey Rooney got all the best babes despite being short as hell. #RIP beautiful man.” --- Lena Dunham

“‘Always get married in the morning. That way if it doesn't work out, you haven't wasted the whole day.’ Mickey Rooney, who died today. RIP.” --- Piers Morgan

“Very sad to hear of the passing of Mickey Rooney; A piece of irreplaceable Americana has left us. #CrazyGenius” --- Jeff Dunham

“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mickey Rooney. One of the greats!” --- William Shatner

“Wow. A sad day for comedy. RIP Mickey Rooney.” --- Ben Bailey

“Seems we've just lost Mickey Rooney at age 93. Not only an actor, but a legend. Sad to think of him gone. But what an amazing life he lived.” --- Anne Rice