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(Smithfield, NC)—Shortly after arriving in Hollywood, Ava met Mickey Rooney, the most popular star of the time. Rooney was "bowled over" by Ava's beauty and immediately asked her for a date. Ava refused initially, but his persistence eventually won out. Charming, romantic, and "great fun," a confident Mickey Rooney asked Ava to marry him after only a few dates. Stunned, Ava expressed her concern that both of them were too young, but her argument quickly collapsed under charisma and perseverance of the determined Rooney.
As contract employees of MGM, the marriage required the consent of Louis B. Mayer, the head of MGM, who was hesitant to change the status of one of the biggest male stars. Reluctantly, Mayer agreed to the marriage, and the studio arranged a small wedding on January 10, 1942 with only immediate family and studio "body guards" in attendance. Ava thought marriage should be something like her parents had and that she would spend her married life tending to the home and cooking Rooney fried chicken. Unfortunately, Rooney continued his "party" lifestyle and the marriage ended in divorce after one year on May 21, 1943.
Although their marriage ended, Mickey and Ava remained good friends for life. To celebrate their special relationship, the Ava Gardner Museum will offer "Buy One, Get One Free" admission on Wednesday, September 23rd—Mickey Rooney's 89th birthday. Visitors only need to mention that it is Mickey Rooney's birthday to receive this special discount.
The Ava Gardner Museum is located in downtown Smithfield, at 325 E. Market Street and more information may be found on the museum website, www.avagardner.org or by calling 919-934-5830. The museum is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday 2pm-5pm with admission of $6.00 adults, $5.00 seniors and groups and $4.00 children.
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