Comment #1

paradisenow — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:28:08 GMT

retire what for???.... at 92 he should keep his brain working unless it is illness

Original Blog Entry: Andy Rooney gives his last word Sunday on '60 Minutes'

truesee — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:07:34 GMT

Andy Rooney gives his last word Sunday on '60 Minutes'

September 27, 2011 | 3:02 pm

Andy Rooney, who has delivered his trademark witty commentary on 60 Minutes since 1978, is stepping away from the CBS newsmagazine. Rooney, 92, will make his last regular appearance on the series on Sunday.

A release from 60 Minutes gave no reason for Rooney's departure, but he will outline the announcement in his regular essay at the conclusion of the broadcast, which will mark his 1,097th essay for 60 Minutes. Rooney's commentary will be preceded by a segment in which Rooney will reflect on his career during an interview with Morley Safer.

Jeff Fager, chairman of CBS News and the executive producer of 60 Minutes, said in a statement, There's nobody like Andy and there will never be. He'll hate hearing this, but he's an American original. His contributions to '60 Minutes' are immeasurable; he's also a great friend. It's harder for him to do it every week, but he will always have the ability to speak his mind on '60 Minutes' when the urge hits him.

Rooney also provoked controversy. He was suspended without pay by CBS News for three months in 1990 in response to complaints that he had made offensive comments about blacks and homosexuals.

Rooney's first essay for 60 Minutes in 1978 was a report about automobile fatalities on the Independence Day weekend. He became a regular feature that fall, alternating weeks with the dueling James J. Kilpatrick and Shana Alexander before getting the end slot all to himself in the fall of 1979.

He also produced 60 Minutes segments for Harry Reasoner during the broadcast's first few seasons.

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