awarded an honorary oscar in recognition of his 60 years of versatility and a variety of memorable film performances. mickey rooney was born joseph ewell jr. in 1920 in new york. his mother was a chorus line dancer and his father was a comedian. he made his debut on stage when he was a year and a half old. mickey rooney died yesterday in los angeles. he was 93. ♪ two happy people who say on the square ♪ ♪ request fiddles ♪ isn't ours a lovely love affair ♪ weekdays are for rising to the challenge.