His Hollywood career spanned 80 years and saw him appear in over 200 films.

Rooney began his career when he was just 15 months old, appearing in his parents' vaudeville act.

in 1937 Rooney made his first film alongside Judy Garland Band from there they appeared together in a string of successful musicals, including the Oscar-nominated Babes in Arms (1939). The tow actors forged a lasting friendship from there.

His most memorable and popular films were National Velvet (1944) starring opposite actress Elizabeth Taylor and Boys Town made in 1938 starring Spencer Tracey. 

More recently, Rooney appeared in the 2006 comedy Night at the Museum, and in the 2011 movie The Muppets.

Rooney was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1982 for lifetime achievement. 

He developed a reputation as a partying Lothario in his heyday and married eight times. He found a lasting marriage to country singer Jan Chamberlin in 1978.

He had five sons and five daughters.