Life Is Too Short
by Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney’s autobiography is full of equal parts expected and unexpected. You expect from his ironic title that the book will be full of humor and tongue-in-cheek anecdotes about Hollywood’s golden age. Since he had such a long career, he tells us stories all the way back to the 1920s. What you might not expect from his spunky, aw-shucks, Andy Hardy persona from the screen, was that he was quite different off the screen. Partying at every opportunity with the rowdiest crowd, he pursued every woman he met – and managed to charm countless conquests into his bed! If you don’t want to hear details about Andy Hardy’s sex life, avoid this book.
I already knew a cursory amount about his life, so I was in good shape to appreciate all the new tidbits he cared to share; I wasn’t preoccupied with recovering from shock. I had already read an extensive Ava Gardner biography and knew Mickey’s sex-crazed tendencies. I knew he was pushed into show business by his parents, I’d seen dozens of his movies, and was aware of his many marriages. Hearing all his sorrows, like how he felt rejected as an adult actor since no one wanted to hire him in anything but juvenile roles, made me imagine how humbling the writing experience must have been for him. It’s no wonder he peppered his pages with sex; he wanted to remember the good times and the fun, youthful adventures he used to have!
If you don’t mind a lot kissing and telling in biographies and memoirs, you’ll probably really enjoy Mickey’s account. He was a very funny man with a lot of spunk, but with the typical actor’s bottomless pit of feeling unloved, and it’s a treat to get to know him.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's page dedicated to Mickey Rooney's movie reviews here!
I already knew a cursory amount about his life, so I was in good shape to appreciate all the new tidbits he cared to share; I wasn’t preoccupied with recovering from shock. I had already read an extensive Ava Gardner biography and knew Mickey’s sex-crazed tendencies. I knew he was pushed into show business by his parents, I’d seen dozens of his movies, and was aware of his many marriages. Hearing all his sorrows, like how he felt rejected as an adult actor since no one wanted to hire him in anything but juvenile roles, made me imagine how humbling the writing experience must have been for him. It’s no wonder he peppered his pages with sex; he wanted to remember the good times and the fun, youthful adventures he used to have!
If you don’t mind a lot kissing and telling in biographies and memoirs, you’ll probably really enjoy Mickey’s account. He was a very funny man with a lot of spunk, but with the typical actor’s bottomless pit of feeling unloved, and it’s a treat to get to know him.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's page dedicated to Mickey Rooney's movie reviews here!