The Lady Magazine

25 April 2014

So how did Mickey Mouse get his name? Well, if iconic Hollywood star, Mickey Rooney, who died earlier this month, was to be believed, the world’s most famous mouse was only christened after Walt Disney chanced upon the young actor and was inspired to borrow his name. Whether or not this story really is true hardly matters. For what is certain is that Rooney lived his life in Technicolor. Barbra Paskin, who knew him well, recalls his roller-coaster ride through Hollywood’s glory years on page 22. We also have the fascinating story of Rebecca and Jamaica Inn author Daphne du Maurier’s troubled relationship with her children; Melonie Clarke on the day she rolled up her sleeves and helped deliver one of Britain’s 16 million spring lambs, and Emma Thompson on female role models, heartbreak and kissing James Bond (well, Pierce Brosnan, anyway). We prove that garden sheds aren’t just for the chaps (ladies love them, too); cook some sweet treats with The Great British Bake Off winner John Whaite and reveal the sophisticated styles that will brighten up your spring wardrobe in a jiffy. And if you’re an animal lover, don’t miss our pet and animal charities special on page 45. Very best wishes, Matt Warren, Editor