Life Is Too Short

by Mickey Rooney

He soared form the wrong side of Brooklyn to the top of the world. And he's still hot six decades later. Now, with crackling wisdom and great humor, Mickey takes us back and tells us The early days, the wild parties, and squandered fortunes . . . The dark days on the downside of
fame . . . The fabled friendships, torrid romances, and legendary marriages . . . The blockbuster films and head-busting moguls . . . Inside stories about Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Spencer Tracy, and a host of others.
Mickey Rooney opens a wide window into an extraordinary life, one of startling adventure, tremendous excess, flagrant hedonism, heart-wrenching love, and an immense and giving talent that looms larger than life itself.
"LIFE IS TOO SHORT is a little masterpiece . . . . Fascinating." --Los Angeles Daily News


From the Paperback edition.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Media Tie In, Autobiography, Biography Memoir, Film

374 pages, Hardcover

First published March 20, 1991

About the author

Mickey Rooney began his show business career as a toddler making his way on stage to steal the applause. He entered the movies not long afterward in the Mickey McGuire series (which prompted him to change his name from Joe Yule Jr. to Mickey Rooney). His talents won him many memorable roles throughout the years and his popularity peaked when he was a teenager when he appeared regularly in the Andy Hardy series and in musicals opposite Judy Garland.

During WWII, Rooney entertained the troops overseas and upon returning to Hollywood found his career in decline. He made sporadic films with little fanfare and seemed to be washed up. However, he continued to find work in television.

In 1981, Rooney played the title role in Bill, a film about a mentally disabled man, and the performance brought him a Golden Globe award. His boundless energy kept him in the spotlight in various stage shows.

In 2011, Rooney appeared before a US Senate committee on the topic of elder abuse claiming that he was the victim of such abuse by members of his own family.

Rooney was married eight times and had nine children.

Reviews

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 4 out of 5]

He soared form the wrong side of Brooklyn to the top of the world. Working in films, television and the stage for nearly seventy five year, from 1926 to 2014.. In 1991 he brought this autobiography and his story, with crackling wisdom and great humour.

Mickey takes us back and tells us about: The early days, the wild parties, and squandered fortunes . . . The dark days on the downside of fame . . . The fabled friendships, torrid romances, and legendary marriages . . . The blockbuster films and head-busting moguls . . .

Inside stories about Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Spencer Tracy, and a host of others. Mickey Rooney opens a wide window into an extraordinary life, one of startling adventure, tremendous excess, flagrant hedonism, heart-wrenching love, and an immense and giving talent that looms larger than life itself.

Yes a fantastic long career, the longest according to Guinness Book Of Records, from childhood fame as Mickey McGuire, to stardom and number one star in the late 30's to early 40's. To great stage comebacks to stunning dramatic performances in Television films like "Bill", huge success on the stage with "Sugar Babies"..

But behind all the success was a man struggling to find happiness, wealth, success, a happy marriage, it took him eight marriages before he find happiness. Forever spending money in gambling, horseracing, ex - wives, and a collection of children. So successful, but always worrying where his next job was, his next payment.

Struggled with tragedies, took a lot of knocks but got back up to make another comeback to the top. Always remembered for a selection of great films mixed with a collection of bad films, saying yes just to gain the pay check at the end.

Was, if you read the book you will see, addicted to women, marriage, finding happiness, making money to pay for the next house, the ex-wife, more money for gambling.

It seemed to be he was never fulfilled as a person and enjoyed the success and the fame, but also very bitter as a person.

I met him in Jersey when he did a tour talking about his career, he was too old, could not sing anymore, could hardly stand, was very unfriendly to fans(you were not allowed to stand next to him for a photo) and gosh yes he was too short at 5' 3 .

Okay a great long career, great success, worked alongside many great stars, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Bob Hope, affairs with many great actress's like Lana Turner.

Maybe he loved working, but it seemed he was always chasing the last dollar/pound.

[KOMET · Rating 5 out of 5]

MICKEY ROONEY was "to the stage born" in Brooklyn, the son of a vaudevillian (who dropped out of his life when he was 5, not to return for many years) and a chorus dancer. He attributes his first big break into acting at the age of 17 months to a sneeze "that revealed my hiding place underneath the shoeshine stand - a piece of scenery on the stage of the Haymarket Theatre in Chicago - where, ... I was watching the show.

"Even then, I was fascinated with the stage. I'd stand and gaze at the footlights. I'd marvel at the make-believe scenery, the bright costumes, the clownlike makeup my dad wore, the long legs of the lovely girls.
"The theatre was an unusual nursery. Instead of blocks, I'd play with props, and my favorite toy was a mouth organ, which my mom tied around my neck , with a stout cord, so I'd never be without it. And now here I was, under the shoeshine stand in the middle of the show, giving away my position by sneezing."

Little Mickey was pulled out of his hiding place (in plain view of his parents, who were backstage, each indicating to him by silent gestures that he had been naughty and a punishment was forthcoming), and made a part of the ongoing act. Mickey put the mouth organ to his lips and blew. The audience responded with roaring laughter. For his performance, Mickey's parents were offered $3.00 and Mickey became a part of the show.

In the years to come, Mickey proved himself a quick study in vaudeville. Later, after his father had left, and Mickey and his mother had relocated to Kansas City (where he lived among family), both Mickey and his mother made their way to Hollywood. There the both of them struggled and lived hand-to-mouth for sometime. Mickey got into movies in 1927 (appearing in a silent film as a midget, complete with hat, moustache, and an eye for the ladies) and had some success in a series of "Mickey McGuire" films as a wily, mischievious character not unlike the child stars of the successful "Our Gang" comedies.

By the time Mickey was 14, he was already a veteran of film and the stage. Notwithstanding that, a career in Hollywood was not a sure thing. Indeed, when Mickey was first brought to the attention of Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM Studios (one of the most successful movie franchises in the world), he wasn't interested. He regarded Mickey as a "has been." But Mickey had a powerful and influential supporter in film producer David O. Selznick (who later figured prominently in the making of "Gone with the Wind"), who convinced Mayer that Mickey Rooney had talent and star potential. So began a film career with MGM that lasted for 2 decades. During that time, Rooney starred in such film classics as "Captains Courageous", "Boys Town", "Young Tom Edison" (which I watched on TV when I was a pre-teen), "Babes on Broadway", and "National Velvet." He became, not only a bankable star (earning millions for MGM, of which he received a pittance, such was the power and control the studio system held over the motion picture industry and the lives of its stars), but also Hollywood's top star, ranked by movie fans between 1939 and 1941 above the likes of Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, and Spencer Tracy.

Rooney goes on to talk about in great detail his many relationships with women (he had flings with Lana Turner and Norma Shearer, who, for me was one of the most talented and BEAUTIFUL actresses of that era), his 8 marriages (beginning with Wife No. 1, Ava Gardner, whom he married in 1941; it proved to be a short marriage because - aside from their sexual chemistry - they had very little in common), his Army service in Europe during the Second World War, the postwar slump in his film career, his relationship with Judy Garland (they were like brother and sister), and his various ups and downs.

This is a wonderful book, which has increased my respect and admiration for Mickey Rooney even more. He's a gutsy guy. Besides, his "Andy Hardy" movies (which were a massive success for MGM) will always be among my special favorites. I first watched them on Sunday mornings as a teenager. They always made me smile. Thanks for the memories, Mickey Rooney.

[Samantha Glasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mickey Rooney is a force to be reckoned with. He began his career on the stage; both of his parents were performers. As a toddler, he looked more like a midget than a baby, so he was cast in various roles as such. Hal Roach's Our Gang series' popularity gave reason for Rooney to star in his own series as a kid as Mickey McGuire. Later, he moved his way into the "in" crowd, rubbing elbows with some of the most famous names in classic Hollywood. A B-picture that took America by storm, however, cemented his fame as the mischievious son of a judge with a heart of gold. Mickey Rooney became Andy Hardy in the hearts and minds of millions and also began his long companionship with Judy Garland. When WWII came, Rooney joined up to entertain the troops. Afterward, he juggled his way through eight wives and a downward spiral that left him struggling to revive his career.

This book have certain elements of a tell-all biography, but it is also a great source for information. Rooney's vibrant personality shines through the entire book and helps it to flow. The chapters are short and easy to read.

It is obvious that Rooney is a conflicted person, but also that he truly loves performing and the people he associated with in his life. His love for Garland shines brightly and makes one wonder if she was the love of his life, only he didn't notice until it was too late. Rooney is not bitter about his many wives; he never says anything to tarnish their names and he accepts blame for the failure of the relationships.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

mickey rooneys life and career, and his bittersweet friendship with judy garland have been a sometimes tragic rollercoaster,this is about his life and career as he tells it in his own words

[Josh Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another sad story of someone who hit it BIG in Hollywood, but not so much in life. Rooney was married eight times, with six of the marriages ending in divorce. A good example of the Biblical truth that "the way of the transgressor is hard."

At his death, Vanity Fair called Rooney "the original Hollywood train wreck". Despite earning millions during his career, he had to file for bankruptcy in 1962 due to mismanagement of his finances. In his later years, Rooney had entrusted his finances to his stepson, who funneled Rooney's earnings to pay for his own lavish lifestyle. His millions in earnings had dwindled to an estate that was valued at only $18,000. He died owing medical bills and back taxes, and contributions were solicited from the public.

I grew up watching many old black & white movies. A good number of those movies including the talented acting of a young Mickey Rooney (In "Boys Town," Rooney is brilliant as an out of control bully sent to a reform school for boys).

This book was another reminder that just because many of the movies of yesteryear were wholesome, the actors (mostly) were as heathen and as pagan as could be. Life in Hollywood was (and is) full of successful, insecure, wicked, sensuous, empty people. Rooney's book is a prime example of that empty life.

[Harish rai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing life and honestly delivered thoughts.In some instances it might be only his side of the story but it takes courage to come out in public with what has happened to you in personal life.I think this aspect makes biographies so much difficult to be written and requires courage.

Story of Mickey Rooney covers a time period really long and starts from an era so long gone by ,Still it takes you back to the simpler times .We can only imagine how many lives Mickey Rooney has touched/influenced in his life time .

This is an absolutely interesting read and gives you a feeling that Mickey is telling you the story sitting right in front of you .

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super interesting to view Hollywood through an insiders eyes...and what they went through for the opportunity to entertain us and become famous hopefully.

[Caitlin Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't really rate this book as a work of art, but it is a work of a life, and I had a 5 star experience reading it. I met Mickey Rooney on the set of a tv show called Black Stallion that followed up on the film of the same name. He got an academy award nomination for his role in the film, but he doesn't mention the tv show in his book, so it may not have happened by the time the book was finished. Of course Mickey Rooney was so well known all through his life and I knew my dad liked him, so I got a snapshot of the two of us on set and it was displayed on the family fridge for years. At the time, he looked like the guy on the cover of this book. On set with him for hours during our shoot, I didn't like Mickey Rooney at all, was very disappointed in how macho and rude he was, especially his comments about women. So I didn't give him a chance. But with this book, I got to know him. I don't know if the book was ghost-written, but Mickey's voice really came through loud and clear. I appreciated all the photos so I could really get a sense of who he was and how he came across to others during the various stages of his life. I was so curious about how he got married so many times, and I can see it now why it happened that way. The world always revolved around him, he was a very self-centered person, clueless sometimes, but not a bad guy. My own judgement of him as an actor was that he was too eager, and over-the-top but he did have some roles that he nailed and was more subtle, esp later in his life. It was really interesting that he shared what he got paid at every turn and then compared it with what the producers were making on him; in his later years he made more money than he had as a young star, although at that time he was probably one of the most famous people in the world. It was interesting seeing him with other famous people - Ava Gardner (his first wife) Judy Garland just to name two, there are many more. I appreciated what he tried to do with some of his money in his later years - to sue MGM and all the others who took advantage of all the actors by having them sign away their rights to all future screenings of their films; they just got a salary and that was it. His lawsuit was unsuccessful; He tried to bring awareness to this issue and I applaud him for that. It was really satisfying to follow him throughout his ups and downs, and I was certainly rooting for him when he got a really big break with Sugar Babies, in his later years, a stage show that toured everywhere and made him thousands and thousands of $. Now I find myself curious to see his films. He was such a hard worker - He made 147 films, unbelievable! I wish he were still here; he's so human!

[S.J. Tyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is off-limits as Mickey Rooney recounts his life story with humor and a forthright, sometimes risque, openness. This memoir was published in 1991, 23 years before his death at age 93, but it encompasses a career that began in his childhood and was still active at the time of the book's writing. (In fact, he continued to act for another 20 years on; his last performance came in 2021.) With a career that ultimately spanned more than 8 decades, and a personal life that included the same number of marriages, he certainly had a lot to talk about! He led a storied life full of ups and downs, but recounts all of it with a no-holds-barred narrative that is both humorous and poignant. Be prepared: the man does not mince words.

SYNOPSIS:
He soared form the wrong side of Brooklyn to the top of the world. And he's still hot six decades later. Now, with crackling wisdom and great humor, Mickey takes us back and tells us about: The early days, the wild parties, and squandered fortunes . . . The dark days on the downside of
fame . . . The fabled friendships, torrid romances, and legendary marriages . . . The blockbuster films and head-busting moguls . . . Inside stories about Ava Gardner, Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Spencer Tracy, and a host of others.
Mickey Rooney opens a wide window into an extraordinary life, one of startling adventure, tremendous excess, flagrant hedonism, heart-wrenching love, and an immense and giving talent that looms larger than life itself.

[Blueglass · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I know of Mickey Rooney of course, but I have not really seen his movies. This was an interesting historical account of Hollywood and the studio system. Mickey had been entertaining since he was 18 months old in the vaudeville circuit and he often mentions that he had become addicted to the applause and attention. It was sad to realize that the actors during the studio system were not as financially successful as you would think. While he even sued to receive the royalties/residuals from his films and recordings, his suit was thrown out. After all, he had signed a contract years prior that indicated that he waived those rights.
But still, he believed that the studio system helped actors. He talked about the actor Tom Hulce, who placed Mozart in the movie "Amadeus" and was nominated for an Academy Award. However, after that his career kind of stalled. Mickey claimed that if he was part of the studio system of yesteryear his career would have been nurtured to take the right roles. I thought that was an interesting idea that could perhaps be true. But now actors have more rights and retain more of their money.
Mickey's personal life was a little chaotic. He married for 8 times and seemed to be in love with the idea of love. Maybe because of the time he lived in, he could be a little crass, especially when talking about his ex-wife Ava Gardner. I did enjoy learning more about his friendship with Judy Garland and it was sad to see her turbulent life depicted.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I did not finish this book- ran out of time - but if you want to learn about Mickey Rooney, this is your book. Though the author could have said just about anything about himself, he really does seem to be telling the truth: he includes mistakes and bad moves with the good ones, as well as the benefit of some hindsight, and he wrote well.

[Bill Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am old he was older. Nice read about the his life in the movie business and his pals and lovers.

[Jane Elliston · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account of his life without wallowing in the injustices. Times have certainly changed though.

[Patrick Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think the family of Norma Shearer should have sued Rooney for what he wrote in his book. Disgraceful!

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting life of a man, ab actor from a bygone era. He was a very talented man from an early age up through his senior years.

[E.H. Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mickey Rooney’s autobiography is full of equal parts expected and unexpected. You expect from his ironic title that the book will be full of humor and tongue-in-cheek anecdotes about Hollywood’s golden age. Since he had such a long career, he tells us stories all the way back to the 1920s. What you might not expect from his spunky, aw-shucks, Andy Hardy persona from the screen, was that he was quite different off the screen. Partying at every opportunity with the rowdiest crowd, he pursued every woman he met – and managed to charm countless conquests into his bed! If you don’t want to hear details about Andy Hardy’s sex life, avoid this book.

I already knew a cursory amount about his life, so I was in good shape to appreciate all the new tidbits he cared to share; I wasn’t preoccupied with recovering from shock. I had already read an extensive Ava Gardner biography and knew Mickey’s sex-crazed tendencies. I knew he was pushed into show business by his parents, I’d seen dozens of his movies, and was aware of his many marriages. Hearing all his sorrows, like how he felt rejected as an adult actor since no one wanted to hire him in anything but juvenile roles, made me imagine how humbling the writing experience must have been for him. It’s no wonder he peppered his pages with sex; he wanted to remember the good times and the fun, youthful adventures he used to have!

If you don’t mind a lot kissing and telling in biographies and memoirs, you’ll probably really enjoy Mickey’s account. He was a very funny man with a lot of spunk, but with the typical actor’s bottomless pit of feeling unloved, and it’s a treat to get to know him.

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[Sull · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was readable, partly because I remember Andy Rooney well, though the Andy Hardy movie series in which he first gained fame was from my parents' time, not mine. He was almost always the good-hearted, joke-cracking little Irish over-achiever, embodying that all-American cheerful can-do spirit. By my time he was something of a joke, a bit too manically unfunny, an old guy with old jokes trying too hard. But in the 30s-40s, as a teenager (!) & young man he was the number-1 money maker for the old-style movie studios.

So two people wrote this memoir--the starry-eyed poor boy who grew up in Vaudeville when it was dying and never imagined he'd reach the heights he did. This guy writes with bated breath about Ava Gardner, his first (and major) love, L. B. Mayer his studio head boss, and many, many other film stars of my growing-up years. This is the fun but slightly shallow Mickey.

The other one is the later, bitter Mickey who never saw more than pocket change doled out by his employer MGM studio, his parents, and a series of agents who cheated him. By the time he was in his 30s and had been booted out of MGM, he had to scramble for parts and money, and the bad decades of booze and pills take over the story. This darker version of Mickey holds many grudges. But all this is interesting reading too, of course, as is how he finally kicked his substance-abuse problems and came clean later in life.

At the very least, this is a generally honest, heartfelt, more or less intelligent look back by an ordinary guy who led an extraordinary life. And that's more than you can say for many of these celeb autobiogs....

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read and had it's good points. Rooney is always funny and I learned a lot about his early years. However, if you are looking for facts about the golden years of Hollywood, Rooney's version is questionable. I don't fault him, but I found a couple of errors in his recollections. For example, he talked about his Oscar nomination for 'Young Thomas Edison' (1940). He was not nominated for an Oscar for this film. Privately, he certainly had his ups and downs, but I also wondered what his wives would have had to say (he had 8 of them)--especially Ava Gardner. His descriptive passages about their sex life was more than I cared to know. I also wondered what his good pal Judy Garland might have said about him. They were friends for many years and he seemed to feel that he didn't do enough for her. The book was written in 1991 and Rooney lived a long time after that so I am sure there is more to his story. I will have to find a good book written by a good biographer and get to reading.

[John P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read about a talented entertainer. The book is written in a conversational style - very easy to read. I could imagine the author's voice throughout. The pictures are a welcome inclusion.

There are a very few unnecessary lapses into profanity as well as a few passages that cross over into TMI. I don't understand the motivation on the part of the author to include them unless he perceived them as a way to increase sales or, possibly, the latter are a symptom of a Napoleon complex. Also, being a member of the stage and screen elite, there is a lot of name dropping - too much to my taste. Again, why? Perhaps this is another attempt at boosting sales.

I don't want, however, to suggest that these faults outweigh the positive aspects of the book. What Mickey may lack as a writer he more than makes up for as an entertainer. His story is captivating.

[Holly Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I knew the name "Mickey Rooney", but was not really familiar with who he was prior to reading this book. The book was given to me in a box of books from a friend, and I ended up reading it because I ran out of anything new to read. I am so glad I did! The book takes the reader back to the golden age of movies, making the stars of the day more realistic and adding nostalgia for lost talent.

Rooney tells all the grit and dirt he witnessed, but also defends his fellow actors and actresses, adding more layers to their personas than most of us ever knew. Granted, I wasn't familiar with everyone he included, but the story held me just the same. His portrayal of Judy Garland is particularly bittersweet. A smattering of old pictures bring parts of his story to life.

It was a great read, and I am very glad I took the opportunity to read it!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mickey is a great storyteller! The pace was high during the whole tale; even the sad parts were neither boring nor dwelled upon.

I love how Mickey always looked upwards, at what could be and not at what was happening around him. This (at times) painful optimism kept the man working right up until his death. I can't believe how many films he made, just up until publication of this autobiography!

I finished this book today, just two days after his death. The world really has lost a film legend.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a funny and engaging biography of the famous and iconic star who began his career at 6. He was a major star of the 1930s and 1940s and then gradually transitioned to more adult roles in the 1950s and beyond. I found some of his romantic memoirs a bit unbelievable amd ill-fated but it is his autobiography. It is an enjoyable read for anyone who is a movie fan.

[Bookworm Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was fast paced and easy to read. Mickey does come off as a happy go lucky guy....Also very bitter about the studio system in the end. *we didn't know*....ignorance does not give you a clear way sadly. He came off even in his own words very selfish and marrying your dead wives best friend weeks after her murder. wife 6 she was for 100 days or less....I mean come on now

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun review of the stars, and personalities of Hollywood's golden era, as told my "The Mick". Some provocative comments, as he relates how a famous Cougar, swept him into sexual adventure, while he a young star.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Mickey takes the blame for a lot of his immature behavior. He admits he is a real sap when it comes to beautiful women. I especially enjoyed his comments about his relationships with other well known actors. He really details his friendship with Judy Garland. It was a good read.

[AnnaClaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it took a while to finish, this book was quite enjoyable. Rooney is a wonderful storyteller and the voice of the book is as if we were sitting around the table after dinner.

Mickey will be 92 this September and I'll be sad when he goes.

[Roy Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. If you like classic movies, this book is a must read. It gives you a picture into the mind of Hollywood in the early day's and touches on some close friends such as Judy Garland. A must read for the movie or biography buff.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting story of Hollywood. I would have liked more background on experiences making some of his movies. But since I ended up skimming anyway, I guess the book is about right. By the way, the troopship noted on page that Rooney returned from Europe on, was the General G. O. Squier, not Squire.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written by Mickey himself. He describes that he had a very rich and full life full of hedoism (or what I call a sense of that he was so great the world owed him everything). He for sure had tremendous talent and he entertained millions.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book about MIckey's life, but I think I could have done without the grapic description of Ava Gardner's vagina. Have some class, Mickey!