At 93, Mickey Rooney had appeared in more than 300 films. From its beginning as a children's star to its final role in “Night at the Museum: Secret of the tomb”, filmed six weeks before his death, most of his life was lived on the screen. Now, 11 years after his death, the pieces of his legacy are in auction.
On March 30, 250 lots of personal items of Rooney and cinematographic memories will be ready for offers in a sale of goods. The actor, known for starring in the films “Andy Hardy”, was one of the best paid actors in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. But at the time of his death, all his heritage was valued at $ 18,000. His stepson and caregiver, Mark Rooney, and Mark's wife were his only beneficiaries.
Towards the end of his life, the winning actor of the Academy Award claimed to be a victim of abuse of the elderly. His stepson Chris Aber allegedly stole $ 8.5 million of the movie star. Aber agreed a civil agreement of $ 2.8 million, but declared bankruptcy and never paid the sentence. After presenting the complaint against his stepson, Rooney appeared before the Special Committee of the Senate about aging in 2011 and spoke about the abuse of elders.
“I felt trapped, scared, used and frustrated,” Rooney told the Special Committee of the Senate. “But above all, when a man feels helpless, it's terrible.”
The real estate corridor and the personal property liquidator John Mooradian directs the auction of Rooney's collection of memories.
“In the past, there had been hope to open a museum dedicated to the life and career of Mickey Rooney, but that never accumulated. As time passed, the management of stored memories has shown [to be] Currorrosa, ”said Mooradian in a statement to The Times.
Much of Mooradian's work was to classify through storage units and decide what was worth auctioning. He also said in the light of the recent Los Angeles fires, it is increasingly important to ensure that memories are in the hands of collectors instead of stored in some places.
The online auction of this month will consist of ephemeral of Rooney's life and parts of his legacy on screen. Fans can buy their screen actors Guild and membership cards of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, scripts by “Murder, She Write” and “Life Insurance”, original black and white photos of his first films and costumes he carried on stage.
He signed posters of his theatrical performances in “The Wizard of Oz”, “Babes on Broadway” and “Sugar Babies”, as well as the “Off Limits” and “Boys Town” movies are also available. Personal items such as old Paramount's payment checks, handwritten notes, smoking pipe and defeated credit cards will also be at stake.
“We have been asked to make this great collection of memories and personal items available over time for the public and as many Mickey Rooney fans as possible,” said Mooradian.
