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October 3, 2011 5:13 PM

The best of Andy Rooney

By
Overtime Staff
Topics
60 Rewind

Andy Rooney has done well over 1,000 essays for "60 Minutes." As he steps down from his regular role on the show after 40 years, there is perhaps no better way to celebrate America's favorite curmudgeon than to let Andy do the talking. That's why this week at "Overtime" we offer a selection of some of his best commentaries.

Andy's First Commentary Andy on Obama's Election Rooney on Coffee Cans The Worst of Andy Rooney Andy's Eyebrows Food for Thought Memorial Day Memories Andy on Pill Bottles Mixed Nuts Andys Favorite Place The Fine Print Andy Rooney Football Star

Even though few of us here at "60 Minutes" can remember a time when Andy wasn't on the show, he had a long reporting and writing career before "60 Minutes." Andy was a newspaper man for "Stars and Stripes" during the World War II; a writer for Arthur Godfrey's variety show and "The Garry Moore Show" in the 1950s; and then he switched to news and public affairs reporting, which included producing pieces for colleague and friend Harry Reasoner.

His very first piece was called "A Digression," but known around the office as "Silhouettes." It was seen on the premiere episode of "60 Minutes" back on September 24, 1968.

Watch "A Digression" by clicking here.

By 1978, he was the Andy we know today -- a voice of opinion, candor, and humor here at "60 Minutes."


Add a Comment See all 19 Comments
by jas_mint October 10, 2011 11:24 PM EDT
surely his retirement is occasion for a little fan mail. thanks for your work, mr. rooney. your commentary years back on modern car bumpers was my favorite. happy trails
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by helpeachother October 10, 2011 3:47 AM EDT
Since it will be impossible to replace Andy Rooney, why not offer the time slot to President Obama & all future Presidents? The format could vary, with the President just talking to the viewers as one format, answering tough questions from 60 Minutes interviewers as another format, allowing the President to point out who killed a bill that would have been good for our country, promoting bills before voting, praising congress when they get it right, and answering viewers handwritten questions. THIS WEEK WITH THE PRESIDENT would help our country, help our President, and help 60 Minutes after losing Andy Rooney.
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by YankeeDoodles October 2, 2011 11:02 PM EDT
Would America like a new curmudgeon? I nominate me. You know what annoys me...well, lots of things frankly. Like watching the Bears game today with my husband, and the commentators went on and on about Cam Newton. Ask him out on a date already guys. Come on. So, they were discussing how he was able to outmaneuver the opposition (Carolina still lost!) because of his "longness". No, not his length. His "longness". Do these people really get paid to speak on national television. Oh, if only I had a list of all the comical things they say. Maybe I'll start one. Yes, I am getting to the point. Yes, I do make long points...just like you Andy. :-) So, did anyone else catch it? On the backdrop behind Mr. Safer, right along his part? The place where it says "our forty-forth". I am going out on a limb here, but I think they are talking about the "forty-fourth"??? I know spell check misses mistakes like these, but I am guessing a few living, breathing people work there, too. You'd think on Andy's way out, they wouldn't make him crabby about the very things that make him crabby. Maybe they'll bring him back one more time to comment... If not, I am here to carry the torch for you, Mr. Rooney.

With great admiration,
A true Doodle
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by kdsteph7 October 2, 2011 9:00 PM EDT
I guess I'll let you eat your dinner now...I just wish maybe you could have liked all of us a little bit better.
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by maiingan October 2, 2011 8:56 PM EDT
Thanks for the excellent piece on Andy Rooney. One thing omitted was that he's not "just" a writer. There was one day when he told viewers a bit about his woodworking. He told us he made that desk he sat at. We got some good views of it, uncluttered, tonight. I was very impressed with it.
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by mytakeonthings October 2, 2011 7:35 PM EDT
I remember watching Andy Rooney while growing up. Dad would call "Andy Rooney!" and we'd all gather around the TV to listen. I always feel reassured after listening to Mr. Rooney. You will be missed, Andy Rooney!
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by notenufcash October 2, 2011 4:02 PM EDT
Thanks...
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8600949/exclusive_60_minutes_andy_rooney_to.html?cat=9
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by airjackie October 1, 2011 7:32 PM EDT
Andy it's been a long time and nothing like 1978. Ok I'm not as old as you but I remember the 70's well. We have lived to see a black man become President, the Middle East change and yes Diana's old son got married. I don't always agree but I'm from the age of respect. So much has changed in the World and in the USA. We still have the circus clowns but things are different. I don't want an autograph because I'm to old for that now. Enjoy yourself and remember you touched millions and you will be remembered. See you Sunday night.
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by venusvegasvada September 30, 2011 9:54 PM EDT
Thank you!
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by barbaram99 September 29, 2011 11:08 AM EDT
It is like sitting there listening to seniors talk about their day years ago. Andy yer member of that club. A gem. Thank ye sir for yer service in WW2. I am 57. Ye remaid me of a kind great grandfather and the wistom..Ye tell it as it is.
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