Hollywood Intersection Renamed In Honor Of Mickey Rooney

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Traffic in the heart of Hollywood was a bit slower than usual Monday as city officials dedicated an intersection to legendary actor Mickey Rooney.

The ceremony at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Orange Drive featured several of Rooney's former co-stars, including juvenile Oscar winner Margaret O'Brien, who appeared with Rooney in the musical comedies "Babes on Broadway" and "Thousands Cheer" in 1943, and Rose Marie, best known for her co-starring role on the 1961-66 CBS comedy "The Dick Van Dyke Show".

City Councilman Tom LaBonge and Rooney's children and grandchildren were also on hand.

The intersection renamed "Mickey Rooney Memorial Square" is in front of Hollywood High School, from which Rooney graduated in 1938.

"I know he would be very honored," Rooney's daughter Kelly said. "Isn't it great that this square is right across the street from Hollywood High School...where he attended and so many others did also."

Known for a screen, stage and television career that spanned 10 decades, Rooney received four Oscar nominations, including best actor in a leading role in 1940 and 1944 for "Babes in Arms" and "The Human Comedy" and best supporting actor in 1957 and 1980 for "The Bold and the Brave" and "The Black Stallion."

He died on April 6, 2014, at the age of 93.