Mickey wants to work forever

9:36am Wednesday 12th September 2007

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AT nearly 87 years old, most men would be happy to sit back, reflect on their life, and enjoy their retirement with their family. But Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney is not most men.

The actor, singer and entertainer has been delighting audiences in nine decades, and this year, Mickey and his eighth wife Jan are returning to England following their first UK tour last year.

"We dearly love the English people," Mickey says. "We had such a wonderful time last year with our first UK tour and enjoyed performing to warm and friendly audiences.

"The show has lots of music, live trio, and stories of early Hollywood. A few impersonations, a little piano playing, and we got ourselves a little show."

Mickey has starred in more than 200 films, and worked alongside some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

Mickey says: "Spencer Tracey in Boys Town was and always will be one of my favourites. He was such a marvellous actor, and very down to earth person. Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet was also fun to work with."

Mickey also worked with Judy Garland in a number of films.

"There has never been anyone like Judy Garland, and there never will be. She was multi-talented, and I will never forget our musical years together. I am happy to say we have a tribute to Judy in our show."

Mickey can also boast success in stage, television and singing.

He says: "I can't say I have a favourite, but I have to say, stage is near and dear to me, because I am actually performing to an audience not a camera. I love to feel the audience's reactions. It keeps me wanting to work forever, and gives me so much energy and satisfaction. That's why I love working with Jan, it's not work, it's sheer enjoyment."

Mickey and Jan have been married for nearly 30 years, and live in California. Mickey credits her with helping to continue his career as an octagenarian.

"If it weren't for Jan, I might not be working today. She insisted that I keep working from the day we met 34 years ago. It's been keeping me active and young. I was at an all time low in my career, and Jan encouraged me to get up off the canvas and keep going, even when I didn't feel like it."

Jan, an actress and singer herself, adds: "I couldn't ask for a more loyal husband. I would like to think that I had a small part in shaping his career in these later years. We both had been wanting to work together for years, and we both made it happen."

Mickey and Jan have just finished a television movie called Stallions, and they were recently awarded a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Jan says she was "thrilled" with the accolade.

"It's one thing to be married to Mickey, it's another to be privileged to share a star with this immense talent."

Mickey's talent was recognised with an honorary Oscar in 1983, and he was nominated for Academy Awards several times. But, he says, there was one role he wished had been rewarded with the gold statuette.

"The Human Comedy was such a touching role and dramatic story. If you are able to rent the film, you might get an idea of how much I loved playing the part of Homer Macauley."

When they are not working together, Mickey and Jan live a quiet life in their California home.

Mickey says: "When we are at home we have our birds and dog to soothe our nerves, and give us comfort. I love my home so much. I love to sit and look out our bedroom window and watch the boats go by on our lake, and see the playful ducks and geese in our yard, and take our dog, Digby for a walk. It brings me such joy to share all this with my wife Jan.

"She is the love of my life. I feel as though I have never been married before."

Mickey Rooney has lived a real Hollywood life, but does he have any regrets? "None," he says firmly.

Mickey and Jan Rooney will be at the Wycombe Swan on Friday, September 14. Details: 01494 512000