` ` We 're going to get him back , '' Rooney 's mother says . A judge appointed a conservator to oversee Rooney 's care personally . Rooney says the state needs to protect him from stepchildren . Los Angeles ( CNN ) -- Mickey Rooney must revive his show business career soon or he will die `` in very short order , '' the lawyer appointed to oversee the 90-year-old actor 's affairs told CNN Friday . The actor testified to Congress about elder abuse this month .
` ` We 're going to get him back , '' Rooney 's mother says . A judge appointed a conservator to oversee Rooney 's care personally . Rooney says the state needs to protect him from stepchildren . The actor testified to Congress about elder abuse this month .