A sad day for fans of the old Mickey Mouse Club as one of its original members, Mickey Rooney Jr., has sadly passed away at the age of 77.

Mickey Rooney Jr. (Born Joseph Yule III)  was the eldest son of Hollywood Legend Mickey Rooney and singer & former Miss Birmingham B. J. (Betty Jane) Barker. Born on July 3rd, 1945 being the son of Hollywood Royalty definitely had its perks. He, and his younger brother Tim, became part of the first generation of Disney’s Mousekateers. 



Later in life he had a brief acting career in films like 1965’s Hot Rods to Hell, 1975’s Beyond the Bermuda Triangle and 1980’s Honeysuckle Rose.



He would later get involved with music, more notably playing with country music legend Willie Nelson and even appearing alongside him in Honeysuckle Rose and Songwriter.



Unlike his father who went on to be beloved by millions until his death in 2014 Junior would somewhat fade into obscurity like most other celebrity child starts from that era.

He passed away in his sleep at his home in Glendale, Arizona at the age of 77, a few weeks after he had celebrated his 77th birthday.

Upon his passing Paul Peterson, head of the “A Minor Consideration” a former child star advocacy group, released the following statement:

“Mickey Rooney, Jr peacefully passed away this morning in Arizona. For the past many years, he lived with and was in the care of Chrissie Brown and her family. I first met Mickey, the oldest of nine siblings sired by his famous father when he and Timmy were hired by Disney to be Mouseketeers in 1955. Mickey Junior was tall and talented. He could sing, dance and act, and get in trouble. We three were fired for Conduct Unbecoming a Mouse!”

Though he may be gone his memory will live on as a true Mousekateer.

Source: WDWNT