Stories of Faith and Miracles: Mickey Rooney
By Diane Howard, Contributing Writer
The Bible says, “He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20) The Bible also says to “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.’ (Hebrews 13:7). It is important that we follow the example and excellent work of wise men and women of faith in all areas of lives, including that of filmmaking.
A delightful man of faith and skill in movie history is Mickey Rooney. In a YouTube video he tells of his faith. He says, “You should take your children to church and teach them about Jesus Christ and about God, who makes the sunshine and the moon glow and gives us so many blessings…I talked before the House and Senate about (elder) abuse. No one had more abuse than Jesus Christ…If you go with God and with Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, and leave the troubles and everything to God, everything will work out for you.”
As the son of vaudevillians, this award-winning actor was a star in his teens when he played the character Andy Hardy in A Family Affair. Legendary actor Mickey Rooney, one of Hollywood’s last surviving stars of the classic era in which he performed in many family movies, went to be with his Lord, April 6, 2014, at 93 years of age. He left us a legacy of great movies and wisdom, some of which was gained through a turbulent life.
Rooney gave Kira Albin a wonderful interview in 1995. He told her about how he at five years old walked into Walt Disney’s office. “Come over and sit on my lap,” Disney said. When Mickey Rooney sat on Disney’s lap, he held up a mouse he had drawn. “That’s a good-looking mouse, Mr. Disney,” Rooney blurted out. “It sure is, Mickey,’ he said, and then said, “Mickey, Mickey.” “Tell me something, how would you like me to name this mouse after you?” “I sure would like that, but right now I got to go and get a tuna sandwich,” Rooney replied, and he jumped off Disney’s lap. “It’s a true story,” said Rooney.
In the same interview, Mickey Rooney tells how at a very low point in his life how over breakfast at a Lake Tahoe coffee shop, he was greeted by a busboy with “blond curls, a white-rose complexion, and shining teeth,” When the young man called his name, Rooney tells that he started to stand, thinking he had a telephone call. However, the busboy leaned toward him whispering in his ear, “Mr. Rooney, Jesus Christ loves you very much.” Rooney says that the mysterious busboy then vanished. Rooney looked for the young man and gave his description to the manager of the establishment, but he was told that no such person worked there. Rooney believes he was visited by an angel.
Albin says that Rooney boldly proclaimed a very orthodox faith centered on Jesus Christ as his Savior and described Rooney as an “unabashed Christian.” Rooney tells Albin, “I’ve given my life to God…and I try and do the right thing, but inevitably, and unfortunately, I do the wrong thing. I suffer from being human.”
In 1993, The New York Times quotes Mickey Rooney as saying, “I believe God gave me my career. I was sent here to do my Father’s work.”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…( Hebrews 12:1)
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
