Mickey Rooney’s memory became a permanent part of Hollywood history on Monday morning as city officials, relatives of Rooney and fans dedicated the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Orange Drive to Rooney’s legacy.

Mickey Rooney’s daughter, Kelly Rooney, discussed her father’s legacy during the dedication ceremony on Monday. She was joined by Dominique Rooney, the actor’s granddaughter, and Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District. (photo by Luis Rivas)

Councilman Tom LaBonge, 4th District, lead the dedication ceremony. The intersection, directly across the street from Hollywood High School, Rooney’s alma mater, was named Mickey Rooney Memorial Square.

“The role that he played as an actor … will live forever like these great palms on Sunset Boulevard,” LaBonge said.

Rooney was born in Brooklyn on Sept. 23, 1920. He first appeared on stage when he was only 17 months old in his parents’ vaudeville act. Years later as a teenager and young adult, he starred in one of his best known roles, “Andy Hardy”, an all-American youth, in several films alongside Judy Garland in the 1930s and 1940s. In 1939, Rooney was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for his leading role in “Babes in Arms”. He was the first teenager to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in a leading role.

In 1979, Rooney was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Role for “Black Stallion”. Rooney was also nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical “Sugar Babies” in 1979.

In 1983, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences honored Rooney with an honorary Academy Award for his extensive work in film.

Rooney passed away in Los Angeles last year at the age of 93.

Rooney’s daughter, Kelly Rooney, became emotional as she spoke about the honor of having an intersection in Los Angeles named after her late father.

“Young people can look at this, look at my dad … and it would help them and inspire them. He will never be forgotten for his inspiration,” she said.

The Hollywood Kids, a group of Hollywood High School and Ramon C. Cortines High School alums performed songs from Rooney movies, such as “Good Morning”.

Rooney’s granddaughter, Dominique Rooney, was also moved by the city’s decision to honor her grandfather.

“I have no words to explain what this means to us,” Dominique Rooney said. “My grandfather would have wanted for everyone to remember him. For some of his family that didn’t have a chance to grow up with him, having this dedication is so important.”

LaBonge, who is leaving office at the end of the month, is working fast to honor important figures and causes. But when asked if this is the last of his efforts to commemorate historic parts of the city, LaBonge said no.

“No, no. I have much more to do,” LaBonge said.