by Lola Rossi-Meza
In association with Chi-Chi Productions, Lyons English Grille located at 233 East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, continues “The Legends At Lyons” series on Monday, November 12, with the Iconic Hollywood Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, Mickey Rooney. The Dinner Seating begins at 6 p.m. with Showtime at 7 p.m. The cost for “An Evening With Mickey Rooney” is $64.95. Reservations are required by calling (760) 327-1551. Having an opportunity to attend this Series, has proven to be a very personal way to meet and greet these Hollywood Stars and enjoy the stories they share.
The photo used for this article, coined by Rooney as he posed with his arms outstretched, “Mickey Rooney, Just for you at 92”, was taken by Michael Schwibs during Rooney’s birthday party at Tam O’Shanter, his favorite restaurant serving his favorite food,Scottish and Irish Cuisine, and in business for 90 years. Pictured are comedic icon Rose Marie; legendary actress Margaret O’Brien; legendary comedic singer, dancer and actor, the birthday boy himself, Mickey Rooney; actor and host of this special birthday party Randal Malone; a rare appearance by Rooney’s close friend Jane Withers; and Judy Garland’s only son Joey Luft. “I wanted to spend my birthday with my family and my close friends,” said Rooney. “This is the best birthday party I ever had. And, having Randy Malone give me this party, was the best gift I ever received.”
Born Joe Yule, Jr. on September 23, 1920, in Brooklyn, New York, this toddler felt “at home” on the stage as part of his parents, Joseph and Nell’s Vaudeville act. At the age of six, he made his first film appearance playing a midget. However, when he was seven years old, Yule became Mickey Rooney after he played the lead character in the first Mickey McGuire Short Film. In 1937, this talented young actor portrayed a beloved character “Andy Hardy”, an all-American teenager, who was introduced to the world in “A Family Affair”. Although this film was not intended to launch a series, it became so popular, Rooney appeared as this character in 16 films and it made him a box office favorite. The MGM series ran from 1937 through 1946 and later, in 1958 returned only to conclude the series with a cast reunion in “Andy Hardy Comes Home.” In 1938, Rooney received a special Academy Award for his “Contribution in bringing to the screen, the spirit and personification of youth” for his work in this series.
In addition to working with Judy Garland in “Love Finds Andy Hardy”, he appeared in a several musicals with her including “Babes In Arms” (1939) and “Girl Crazy” (1943). He once told an interviewer about Garland, “We weren’t just a team, we were magic.” He and Garland performed in “Babes on Broadway” in 1941 with friend Margaret O’Brien during her first film appearance, when she was four. He also appeared in “National Velvet” (1944) with Elizabeth Taylor. He did serve in the military during World War II, but returned to the “Silver Screen” where he continued to touch the hearts of his loyal fans. His movie career is extensive, along with his television career and personal appearances. Google his name and you will be amazed at all of his work through the years.
The late 1970s brought him back to the Broadway Stage in a revival of “Sugar Babies” with Anne Miller. In 1981, he won the Emmy Award for his portrayal of a mentally challenged man in “Bill”. He later received an Academy Award “In recognition of his 60 years of versatility in a variety of memorable film performances.” Rooney has many loyal fans as he soon discovered when he traveled the world in a multi-media live stage production called “Let’s Put On A Show!” recounting his long eventful life in show business. In 2006, he appeared in “Night at the Museum” with Ben Stiller and most recently in 2011, “The Muppets.”
“There is only a handful of legends left in this world,” said Malone. “I am so grateful to be part of their lives.”
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