Q: I read where Mickey Rooney, after 85 years in show business, left an estate of $18,000. Is there any way to estimate his earnings over his lifetime in show business? His estate doesn't seem large considering the time he spent in show business. — Tom Brayton, Sharpsburg
A: Rooney once was worth millions, according to published reports. But he accused his stepson Christopher Aber of taking millions from him, and in 2011, asked for a court-appointed conservator to protect him from financial abuse. Aber agreed last summer to a $2.86 million settlement with Rooney but couldn't pay the debt. Rooney made millions during a career that spanned from the 1920s, and he was one of Hollywood's highest paid actors in the '30s and '40s. Rooney had nine children with eight wives, but he was estranged from most of them and owed back taxes when he died April 6 at age 93.
Q: What happened to CNBC anchor Larry Kudlow of "The Kudlow Report?" — Mila Waters, Mableton
A: Kudlow ended his program on March 28, but he remains at CNBC as a senior contributor to the network's programs. Kudlow sent this to his Twitter followers on March 28: "To all the friends and well-wishers, I am humbled and grateful. You are wonderful. From my wife Judy and me, (t)hank you and God bless." "The Kudlow Report," which aired at 7 p.m. weekdays, had been on the network since Jan. 26, 2009. He also hosted "Kudlow & Cramer" from 2002 to 2005 and "Kudlow & Company" from 2005 to 2008.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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