THE GREAT MICKEY ROONEY DIES IN NORTH HOLLYWOOD

BUILDING A GREAT MUSEUM FOR THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Long before he began elementary school, Mickey Rooney was on the stage with his parents in vaudeville. With the exception of a short stint in the US Army during world War II, Mickey Rooney worked as a regular performer in films, television and in the theatre. Mickey was a lifelong resident of the San Fernando Valley. He died on April 6th. 

MICKEY ROONEY    1920 - 2014

Cover or program for Mickey Rooney in "Girl Crazy" - Library of San Fernando Valley Entertainment Industry History - Museum of the San Fernando Valley

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY                       2013

When the San Fernando Valley's population exploded after World War Two, the enormous concentration of artists in the entertainment industry suddenly had an immense audience for their talents right here in Los Angeles. Production houses such as the Greek Theatre, the Holywood Bowl, and the theaters of the Music Center laid the foundation of today's live theater in our city. The theaters of North Hollywood are the envy of most cities across the planet.

 "Girl Crazy" A Greek Theatre Production - 1951

Encino-based film and theater star Mickey Rooney honed his audience skills in Los Angeles theater between "gigs" in film.

MICKEY ROONEY BELOVED VALLEY PERFORMER

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY               2012

One of the most loved performers of his era was San Fernando Valley movie actor, Mickey Rooney. Here is photographed with the great Judy Garland in the film Strike Up The Band in 1942. (If I am right, this was about the same time that UCLA adopted the music Strike Up The Band as its football fight song.)

SUPERSTAR OF FILM MICKEY ROONEY OF ENCINO

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY   2011

One of the major goals of your Museum is to regularly show the fabulous films made throughout the years by San Fernando Valley movie star residents, like the great Mickey Rooney.
Classic postcard - Gift to the Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg -  2011
(click on image to enlarge)