Mickey Rooney, actor was 93

They don't make Hollywood careers like this any more. Mickey Rooney was born in Brooklyn and at about 15 months old debuted on stage (in 1922) in his parents' vaudeville act. He appeared in film serials in the 1920s and 30s, starred as Andy Hardy in a series of films, starred opposite Judy Garland in some movies, became a mainstay in the new medium of television, continued to make movies and do voice work, and remained active in Hollywood until very recently. Rooney received a juvenile Oscar in the 30s and a special Oscar in 1983 for his body of work. He was nominated twice for the best actor Oscar, for "Babe in Arms" in 1939 and "The Human Comedy" in 1943, and for the best supporting actor Oscar for The Bold and the Brave" in 1956 and "The Black Stallion" in 1979. This is noteworthy if it's true: He may have been the last silent film actor to still be appearing in movies.

An ongoing Rooney gag and character trait was his lack of height, and his 1993 autobiography was titled “Life Is Too Short.” Rooney was married eight times, the first time to his MGM co-star Ava Gardner. Rooney was born Ninian Joseph Yule Jr.

Mickey Rooney's death today at age 93 is being reported in the Hollywood trades as confirmed by sources. Or not: Reuters moved a story using TMZ as the sole attribution. Obits are just coming together, but here's a start on the media coverage: Variety, USA Today. (*Update: Rooney died at home in North Hollywood.)

Rooney's IMDb credits runs to 340 listings (including three dated 2014.) Rooney has four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: For motion pictures at 1718 Vine Street, for television at 6541 Hollywood Boulevard, for radio at 6372 Hollywood Boulevard, and shared with wife Jan Rooney for live theater at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard. He graduated from Hollywood High School.