THE COURAGE OF MICKEY ROOONEY — THANKS TO LIZA!

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Superstar LIZA MINNELLI raced to the rescue of her terrified pal MICKEY ROONEY, who shocked fans worldwide when he got a restraining order against his stepson – accusing him of terrible abuse.

The 90-year-old acting legend charged that he lives in fear of Christopher Aber – the son of Mickey’s eighth and current wife Jan, who seems helpless to intervene in the matter.

Mickey claims Christopher is withholding food and medicine and bullying him. Court papers also say Mickey is deathly afraid he’s going to be kidnapped.
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As soon as Liza heard about Mickey’s troubles, she contacted him.

"Liza’s mother Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were best friends for decades, and he was like an uncle to Liza," a family insider told The ENQUIRER. "Liza talked to Mickey directly, saying she was sickened by Christopher’s alleged actions and would do anything to protect him."

A judge recently ordered Christopher, 52, to stay at least 100 yards away from the star.

"Mickey is effectively a prisoner in his own home," the official court filing states.

Christopher was accused of threatening his pint-size stepfather, blocking his access to his own mail, telling the actor he had no more money left and confiscating his passport and other identification.

"All I want to do is live a peaceful life, to regain my life and be happy," said a shaken Rooney, who most recently starred in the 2006 film Night at the Museum with Ben Stiller. "I pray to God each day to protect us, help us endure and guide those other senior citizens who are also suffering."

Mickey’s attorneys were granted temporary control of the veteran actor’s affairs.

And now the performer – who received four Academy Award nominations and an honorary Oscar – can count on a powerful ally.

"Liza is going to check on Mickey regularly to make sure he is getting the best possible protection and care," revealed the family insider.

Liza’s mom Judy and Mickey made 10 films together, including the classic series of "Andy Hardy" movies – and became fast friends.

"Their lives were so similar as child stars who later suffered through many failed marriages and drug addiction that they were not only friends but really understood one another," said the family insider.

"Mickey tried to help Judy with her problems, and when she died in 1969, he was so devastated, he couldn’t attend the service.

"That is why Liza jumped into action to help Mickey. She knew this is what her mother would have wanted her to do."

Yesterday, a recovering Mickey then testified to the Senate on elder abuse, describing his hidden horror.

"I felt trapped, scared, used and frustrated," Rooney told a special Senate committee considering legislation to curb abuses of senior citizens.

"But above all, when a man feels helpless, it’s terrible."

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