Mickey Rooney’s life was marked by incredible highs and devastating lows. While he amassed a fortune as one of Hollywood’s most famous actors, his wealth fluctuated throughout his nine-decade career.
In this article, we dive into Mickey Rooney net worth, how he earned his money, and the financial challenges he faced over the years. We’ll also explore his legacy in Hollywood, his salary highlights, and how he became an advocate for financial protection in his later years.
Mickey Rooney Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Ninnian Joseph Yule Jr. |
| Popular Name | Mickey Rooney |
| Birth Date | September 23, 1920 |
| Age | Died: April 6, 2014 (age 93 years) |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Scottish-American |
| Education | Hollywood Professional School, Fairfax High School |
| Marital Status | Married 8 times |
| Spouse(s) | Ava Gardner, Betty Jane Phillips, Martha Vickers, Elaine Mahnken, Barbara Ann Thomason, Marge Lane, Carolyn Hockett, Jan Chamberlin |
| Children | 9, including Tim Rooney, Michael Rooney, Teddy Rooney, Mickey Rooney Jr. |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | None (only child) |
| Parents | Joe Yule (father), Nellie W. Carter (mother) |
| Height | 1.57 m |
| Net Worth | $20,000 (At death in 2014) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Film Production, Radio, Vaudeville |
What is the Net Worth of Mickey Rooney in 2025?
Mickey Rooney’s net worth has fluctuated greatly over the years. While at his peak, he earned millions, his financial situation deteriorated toward the end of his life due to poor investments, multiple divorces, and legal battles.
At the time of his death in 2014, his estate was worth only $20,000. However, when comparing his wealth to other stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, it’s clear that his financial legacy is complicated.
In 2025, Rooney’s wealth still offers an interesting contrast to other famous actors like Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, and Spencer Tracy. All of them faced their own challenges, yet managed to maintain more financial stability than Mickey Rooney did in his later years.
- Gene Kelly
- Judy Garland
- Spencer Tracy
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Clark Gable
- Frank Sinatra
- Fred Astaire
- Cary Grant
- Grace Kelly
If you’re interested in knowing more about how celebrities manage their finances, check out our guide to the wealthiest entertainers.
Mickey Rooney Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
Early Career and Wealth
Mickey Rooney’s early career skyrocketed in the 1930s when he was cast as the beloved Andy Hardy in a string of MGM films. By the late 1930s, he was the top box-office draw in Hollywood, earning a remarkable salary of $150,000 per year — equivalent to $2.5 million today. This incredible earning power set the stage for his lavish lifestyle.
However, despite his initial success, Rooney faced financial difficulties due to reckless spending, bad investments, and numerous failed marriages. Throughout the years, Mickey’s financial decisions led to bankruptcy filings and lawsuits that drained his wealth.
Salary Highlights
At various points in his career, Rooney commanded large paychecks for his acting roles. In 1949, he signed an impressive five-film deal with MGM worth $25,000 per movie, a deal that would be worth about $275,000 in today’s terms.
Over the decades, Mickey continued to earn from a wide range of projects, including high-profile films like Night at the Museum, where he earned $250,000, and Babe: Pig in the City, which paid him $175,000.
Despite this, the money did not last. By the 1990s, he faced financial turmoil as gambling and other poor choices caused him to declare bankruptcy twice. His financial woes extended to his later years when his estate was mismanaged by a stepson, leading to legal action.
Financial Troubles and Legal Issues
Mickey Rooney’s later years were marred by financial and personal struggles. Despite his earnings from iconic roles, he was forced to sue his stepson for mismanaging his finances. The resulting lawsuit revealed that millions of dollars had been lost due to his stepson’s poor handling of his estate.
In addition, Mickey Rooney was deeply involved in advocacy against elder financial abuse. He became a spokesperson for senior financial rights, testifying before the U.S. Senate in 2011 about how elder abuse had drained his finances.
Real Estate and Assets
At the peak of his career, Mickey owned several properties, one of the most notable being his home, which he sold for $1.3 million in 2012. However, much of his real estate holdings were sold off to cover mounting medical bills, back taxes, and other debts.
Bankruptcy Filings
Despite earning millions over the years, Mickey Rooney declared bankruptcy twice: once in the 1960s and again in the 1990s. His financial decline culminated in the sale of his assets and eventual legal battles over his estate.
Final Years and Advocacy
Mickey’s advocacy for elderly financial protection became a significant part of his life after he was victimized by financial abuse. By the time of his death in 2014, his wealth had dwindled significantly, with his estate valued at just $18,000. Despite this, Mickey Rooney’s efforts to protect seniors from financial exploitation continue to resonate today.
Conclusion
Mickey Rooney’s life was one of extremes: from immense wealth to significant financial hardship. Despite facing multiple challenges, his legacy remains a part of Hollywood history, and his efforts to fight elder financial abuse left a lasting impact.
For more fascinating celebrity financial stories, visit AndoMoney.com. Leave your comments below, share this article, or explore more to stay informed!
