Legendary 60 Minutes curmudgeon Andy Rooney, who one month ago wrapped up his 33-year run as the program’s straight-shooting commentator, has died after suffering complications following minor surgery. He was 92.
“It’s a sad day at 60 Minutes and for everybody here at CBS News,” said CBS News chairman Jeff Fager. “It’s hard to imagine not having Andy around. He loved his life and he lived it on his own terms. We will miss him very much.”
CBS’ president and CEO Les Moonves said in a statement that Rooney’s “wry wit [and] unique ability to capture the essence of any issue, and his larger-than-life personality made him an icon, not only within the industry but among readers and viewers around the globe.”
Rooney is survived by his four children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Press play below to relive some of Rooney’s more memorable onscreen rants. And then scroll down further to check out his very first Minutes essay circa July ’78.
60 Minutes will pay tribute to Rooney with this Sunday’s telecast.
