Mickey Rooney Jr has died aged 77.
The eldest son of acting legend Mickey Rooney's nine children died on Saturday at his home in Glendale, Arizona.
His long-time companion Chrissie Brown confirmed the sad news to The Hollywood Reporter, adding that his cause of death is unknown.
Sharing the news on Facebook, friend Paul Petersen also wrote: "Mickey Rooney, Jr peacefully passed away this morning in Arizona. For the past many years, he lived with and was in the care of Chrissie Brown and her family.
"I first met Mickey, the oldest of nine siblings sired by his famous father when he and Timmy were hired by Disney to be Mouseketeers in 1955.
"Mickey Junior was tall and talented. He could sing, dance and act…and get in trouble. We three were fired for Conduct Unbecoming a Mouse!"
They added: "Mickey Junior was the personification of 'damaged goods.' He gave all he could. I was born on the same day as Mickey’s father and “The Mic” gave me, unsolicited mind you, the most useful advice I ever got.
"It is one of my greatest sorrows that he didn’t do the same for his son. Mickey Rooney Junior. Rest In Peace at last. We will see to your wishes."
The actor was the eldest son of Rooney Sr, who was considered one of the best-paid actors of the silent-film era from 1939 to 1941.
He and his brother Tim were some of the original Mickey Mouse Club members when they were hired as back-up cast members in 1955.
However, the pair were fired after just a few episodes due to some mischief on set.
He later went on to play in bands with Willie Nelson and appeared in Jerry Schatzberg’s Honeysuckle Rose (1980) and Alan Rudolph’s Songwriter (1984).
Rooney Jr was married for former Playboy Playmate Merci Montello in 1972 and Laura Hollander in 1986.
He met Chrissie Brown 18 years ago, who told THR: "He was a wonderful man. The last 18 years with me and my family, he’s been an angel."
