Mickey Rooney Jr., One of the Original Mouseketeers, Has Passed Away

We are sorry to report that Mickey Rooney Jr., one of the original Mouseketeers for The Mickey Mouse Club, has passed away.

© Everett Collection | Deadline | Mickey Rooney Jr. (left) and his father Mickey Rooney (right)

Rooney Jr. died in Arizona on July 16th, according to Deadline. He was 77 years old.

Mickey Rooney Jr.’s death was announced on Facebook by Paul Petersen, a fellow Mouseketeer. Rooney Jr., his brother Tim Rooney, and Paul Petersen were part of the original cast of Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club in 1955. However, both Rooney brothers and Petersen were fired before the first season concluded.

According to Petersen, he met Rooney Jr. when he and his brother were hired as Mouseketeers. Petersen wrote, “[Rooney] could sing, dance, and act….and get in trouble. We three were fired for Conduct Unbecoming a Mouse (sic)!”

Rooney Jr. could play several different instruments such as the guitar, keyboard, and drums, and he appeared in a number of films as well as performed in bands, including alongside Willie Nelson.

© Everett Collection | Deadline | Willie Nelson and Mickey Rooney Jr. in ‘Honeysuckle Rose’ (1980)

Rooney Jr. passed away in the care of his companion Chrissie Brown and her family. Petersen wrote, “Rest in Peace at last. We will see to your wishes.”

Our thoughts are with Rooney Jr.’s loved ones. He will be missed.