Mickey Rooney was one of the most successful actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He dominated the box office in the late 1930s and early 1940s, earning top-dollar salaries and securing major film contracts.
However, despite his fame and wealth, financial troubles followed him throughout his life. From bad investments to multiple bankruptcies, his financial story is both fascinating and cautionary.
In this article, PBC takes an in-depth look at Mickey Rooney net worth, his salary history, wealth sources, and financial struggles.
Let’s dive into how much he earned, where his money went, and the legacy he left behind.
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 at the time of his death in 2014 was only $20,000, a shockingly low figure for someone who was once Hollywood’s highest-paid actor. His fortune had dwindled due to bad financial decisions, lawsuits, and personal struggles.
While his estate value at death was around $18,000, he had earned millions throughout his career.
In comparison, many actors from his era managed to secure their wealth. For example, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Judy Garland all had higher financial standings when they passed away. However, like Rooney, even some of Hollywood’s greatest stars faced financial hardship later in life.
Related Figures in Hollywood History:
- Clark Gable
- Judy Garland
- Spencer Tracy
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Audrey Hepburn
- Frank Sinatra
- Grace Kelly
- Dean Martin
- Laurence Olivier
- Louis B. Mayer
Interested in discovering more about the wealthiest actors in history? Check out our complete list of the richest celebrities.
Mickey Rooney Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did He Earn Throughout His Career?
At the peak of his career in the late 1930s, Mickey Rooney was earning $150,000 per year—the equivalent of around $2.5 million annually today.
- MGM Contract (1949): $25,000 per film
Notable Movie Salaries:
- Night at the Museum (2006) – $250,000
- Babe: Pig in the City (1997) – $175,000
- The Black Stallion (1978) – $75,000
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1960) – $65,000
- Babes in Arms (1938) – $23,000
What Were His Main Sources of Income?
Rooney’s wealth came from various entertainment sectors:
- Film & Television: Over 300 films and numerous TV roles
- Broadway & Stage Performances: Notably Sugar Babies
- Endorsements & Appearances: Touring with his musical revue
- Military Performances: Entertaining U.S. troops during WWII
Why Did He Face Financial Struggles?
Despite earning millions, Rooney struggled financially due to:
- Poor money management and reckless spending
- Eight marriages with costly divorces
- Legal battles and tax debts
- Unsuccessful investments that drained his finances
What Led to His Bankruptcies?
Rooney declared bankruptcy twice—once in 1962 and again in 1996.
- First Bankruptcy: Due to gambling debts and lavish spending
- Second Bankruptcy: Result of unpaid taxes and financial exploitation
- Legal Issues: Sued his stepson for financial fraud
Did He Try to Rebuild His Finances?
In his later years, Rooney attempted to recover financially by:
- Touring with his musical revue (2005–2011)
- Acting in modern films like Night at the Museum
- Speaking out on elder financial abuse
What Happened to His Estate After His Death?
After passing away in 2014, his estate was valued at $18,000.
- Rooney’s stepson was sued for mismanaging his money
- He had outstanding medical bills and tax debts
- Most of his assets were already gone, leaving little behind for his family
Conclusion
Mickey Rooney’s financial story is a lesson in both Hollywood success and financial misfortune. Despite earning millions, poor decisions left him nearly broke at the end of his life. If you found this article helpful, share your thoughts in the comments or explore more celebrity financial insights at Pennbookcenter.com.
