Drafted into the military during World War II, Rooney served nearly two years entertaining over two million troops on stage and radio, and was awarded a Bronze Star for performing in combat zones. Returning in 1945, he was too old for juvenile roles, but too short at for most adult roles, and was unable to get as many starring roles. However, numerous low-budget, but critically well-received films noir had Rooney playing the lead during this period and the 1950s. Rooney's popularity was renewed with well-received supporting roles in films such as "The Bold and the Brave" (1956), "Requiem for a Heavyweight" (1962), "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963), "Pete's Dragon" (1977), and "The Black Stallion" (1979). For his roles in "The Bold and the Brave" and "The Black Stallion", Rooney received nominations for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in 1957 and 1980 respectively. In the early 1980s, he returned to Broadway in "Sugar Babies", a role that earned him nominations for Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, and again became a celebrated star. He made hundreds of appearances on TV, including dramas, variety programs, and talk shows.