Carolyn Mitchell was a beautiful and ambitious young woman who dreamed of becoming an actress. She married Mickey Rooney, one of the most famous and successful actors in Hollywood, and had four children with him. However, their marriage was not a happy one, and it ended in a horrific tragedy that shocked the world. This is the story of Carolyn Mitchell’s death and how it affected Mickey Rooney.
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Who Was Carolyn Mitchell?
Carolyn Mitchell was born Barbara Ann Thomason on January 25, 1937, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Don and Helen Thomason. She was known as the prettiest girl in Phoenix and moved to Los Angeles with her family in 1951. She changed her name to Tara Thomas and started entering beauty pageants. She won several titles, such as Miss Muscle Beach, Miss Surf Festival, and Queen of Southern California. She also became a model and a dance instructor for Arthur Murray.
She made her acting debut in 1955 in an episode of Crossroads, an ABC series. She met Mickey Rooney, who was already a star with eight Oscar nominations and four marriages behind him, in 1957. They fell in love and secretly married in 1958, despite Rooney being still married to his fourth wife, Elaine Devry. Carolyn gave up her acting career to become a full-time housewife and mother. She had four children with Rooney: Kelly Ann, Kerry Yule, Michael Joseph Jr., and Kimmy Sue.
What Went Wrong in Their Marriage?
Rooney and Carolyn’s marriage was not a smooth one. Rooney had financial troubles and declared bankruptcy in 1962. He had to pay high taxes and alimony to his previous wives and children. He also had a gambling addiction and a wandering eye. He took many movie roles to make ends meet, often traveling abroad and leaving Carolyn alone with the kids.
Carolyn felt lonely and neglected by her husband. She started an affair with Milos Milosevic, a Yugoslavian actor who was also known as Mike Edwards. He moved in with her and the kids in the Rooneys’ Brentwood home while Rooney was away filming Ambush Bay in the Philippines in 1965.
When Rooney returned from his trip, he discovered the affair and filed for divorce. He also sought full custody of the children, claiming that Carolyn was an unfit mother who exposed them to drugs and immorality. Carolyn was devastated by Rooney’s accusations and wanted to reconcile with him.
How Did Carolyn Mitchell Die?
On January 30, 1966, Carolyn went to see Rooney at the hospital where he was being treated for an intestinal infection. She told him that she loved him and wanted to get back together with him. She also promised to end her relationship with Milosevic. Rooney agreed to give their marriage another chance.
Carolyn went back home with her friends to break up with Milosevic. However, Milosevic did not take the news well. He grabbed a gun and shot Carolyn three times in the head, killing her instantly. He then turned the gun on himself and committed suicide. The bodies were found by one of Carolyn’s friends who had gone back to the house to check on her.
Carolyn was 29 years old when she died. She left behind four children who were aged between two and six at the time. Rooney was 45 years old and heartbroken by the loss of his wife.
How Did Mickey Rooney Cope with His Wife’s Death?
Rooney was devastated by Carolyn’s death. He said that he “died” when she died and that he loved her more than anyone else in his life. He blamed himself for driving her away with his neglect and infidelity. He also blamed Milosevic for killing her and ruining his family.
However, Rooney did not stay single for long. He married Marge Lane, who was Carolyn’s best friend and maid of honor at their wedding, just three months after Carolyn’s death. The marriage lasted only 100 days before they divorced.
Rooney went on to marry four more times, making him one of the most married celebrities in history with nine wives in total. He also continued his acting career until his death in 2014 at the age of 93.
He never forgot Carolyn, though. He said that she was his true love and that he regretted losing her. He also said that he hoped to see her again in heaven.
Conclusion
Carolyn Mitchell was a beautiful woman who had a promising acting career ahead of her. She married Mickey Rooney, one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but their marriage was troubled by financial problems, infidelity, and separation. She died tragically at the hands of her lover who could not bear to lose her to her husband. Her death left a lasting impact on Rooney, who never stopped loving her or blaming himself for what happened.
Carolyn Mitchell’s death is one of the most tragic stories in Hollywood history. It shows how fame and fortune can come with a high price and how love can turn into tragedy.
