9. Mickey Rooney
Mickey Rooney, born Joseph Yule Jr., was an American actor who appeared in more than 300 films and was one of the last surviving stars of the silent film era. Rooney was a top box-office draw from 1939-1941 and one of the highest paid actors of the era. In June 1944, Rooney was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served more than 21 months entertaining U.S. troops at home and in Europe.
His entertaining for the troops earned him a Bronze Star Medal as well as several other awards. After returning from war, Rooney’s career declined. Despite being only 5’2″, he looked too old to play the role of a teenager.
Check out which entertainment mogul got his start writing for a military newspaper on the next slide!