I have a buddy who wrote GERALD, which starred Rooney. He said that each day, at the end of the shoot, Mickey would have him go to the Wendy’s drive through for ice cream. The teen girl working got to know Rooney through his charm and down to earth demeanor. She, of course, had no idea who this little old man was but fell in love with him. After the film wrapped, my buddy went back and gave her his autograph with a thank you note to her. I know that his heart must be hurting today.
Me and my wife met him when he came to a dragoncon a few years back for a few minutes at his table. Seemed like a nice fellow and was apparently enjoying himself.