Andy Rooney: Remembering a revered colleague

 

The following script is from "Andy Rooney" which originally aired on Oct. 2, 2011 and was updated on Nov. 6, 2011.

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As you may have already heard, our friend and colleague Andy Rooney died after a brief illness. It was only a few weeks ago that he made his farewell appearance on this broadcast...

Rooney: I've done a lot of complaining here, but of all the things I've complained about, I can't complain about my life.]

Andy was 92 and he truly had a wonderful life. As we end tonight's broadcast we take another look at that life, and the man, who had the special gift for speaking for every man.

Andy Rooney: "My Lucky Life"
Watch Rooney's last regularly scheduled appearance on "60 Minutes"

Morley Safer: When you first started the Rooney piece on "60 Minutes," what was the immediate response?

Andy Rooney: Well, how you gonna hate Andy Rooney on television? I mean, I don't recall having much negative comment from anybody.

Safer: Did you have any idea, though, that you would become iconic on this broadcast?

Rooney: Well, I hope you're right. I don't know the-- whether you're right or not. But I like hearing you say it.

[Rooney: I don't know anything offhand that mystifies Americans more than the cotton they put in pill bottles. Why do they do it?]

"60 Minutes Overtime": Remembering Andy Rooney
There is no better way to celebrate Andy Rooney's work than to let Andy do the talking

For over 30 years, Andy Rooney held court, dispensing his wit and wisdom from his desk turned pulpit, soapbox or whatever you want to call it.

[Rooney: I make my living having opinions.]

[Rooney: All I'm saying is....]

As America's favorite grouch in chief, he was the voice...

[Rooney: Will you please tell me why...]

...the loud whiny voice, speaking on behalf of citizens fed up with nearly everything.

[Rooney: That's what's wrong with what's going on in Washington.]

And a watchdog...

[Rooney: Look at these boxes of stuff.]

...our junkyard poodle protecting consumers.

[Rooney: Check the size of those things. They not only puffed the wheat, they puffed the blueberries!]

Rooney: I think of it as work. I love to come in and sit down at my typewriter.

Safer: You-- you think of it as work. People watching this say, "And you call that work?"

Rooney: I know. I know. That is true. But I do think of it-- it is work.

Produced by Warren Lustig.

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[chasbo44]

After listening to Andy Rooney for so many years I can only imagine what he might have taken a few minutes to say said about his own memorial.....

I don't like funerals, I never did. All those people gathering around, dressed uncomfortably, just to get a final glimpse of someone who has passed on. And why would you buy flowers for someone who can't smell them or appreciate them any longer? After all, you never bought me flowers while I was alive. I would have liked some flowers then. People tend to show up for a funeral when they haven't seen or spoken to you in years, for what purpose? I suppose it's a nice thing to do, but in the end I would just like them to just go about their own day, and let me get laid to rest without a big fuss. Now, is that too much to ask?

[macdaddy1181]

Along with my 89 year old Mom, I have watched and always appreciated Andy Rooney's wit and wisdom. In his own way, an icon of broadcasting. We watched last evening's edition of 60 minutes and enjoyed your tribute to Andy, however found it a bit perplexing that CBS would have to include the reference to Harry Reasoner's drinking. Harry, another icon of broadcasting was an associate and friend of Andy's, and it is my opinion that certain personal business should remain...well...personal. In my experience in broadcasting and journalism, especially in New York City, if you compare the drinkers to the non-drinkers...I believe you'll find the non list considerably shorter! Cheers Andy and Cheers Harry...Hope you are having fun!!!

James T. McCarthy

Voice Actor
www.macdaddyvoice.com

[declan223]

like his colleagues, Walter Cronkite and Charles Kuralt, Andy was a welcome guest in our homes. Not someone telling you what to think, just giving his opinion and asking you to think. We'll miss you Andy.
Heaven has another gem.

[wb68]

Having watched 60 Minutes for as long as I can remember, I was truly influenced by Andy. He had a way with words, never held back, and just was true to himself. He's the reason why I became a writer.

Goodbye old friend

-Dan

[JoeBloggs57]

A re-run of Andy's retirement segment? - thats all you could come up with 60 Mins.? Pitiful. I hope this is corrected.

[eag5552]

Its unusual to get a t.v personality who made us laugh and think Andy Rooney did both. Such a small part of the show and he dominated the it. My sister in law taped the show when she was not home ,my mother would not let us change the channel till its was over. I still hunger for his comments . GOD BLESS HIM

[mjgaleski2]

I am appalled at the "re-run' piece you did on 60 Minutes tonight about Andy Rooney after his recent passing. I would think that 60 Minutes could have pulled together something more fitting with comments from people, colleagues, adversaries, allies, etc that would have given tribute to his life and work in light of his extraordinary contribution to your network over decades. He never became a watered down, talking head, media mouthpiece and remained a true spirit, bright light and a unique personality that many of us in my generation grew up with, listened to, laughed with and revered. I am disappointed in the lack of respect and tribute. He was a big reason I watched. And listened. And came back to hear again and again. For 30 years. No one on your show ever moved me like that and I doubt will again. Let's face it, you shouldn't be short on material about him. You owe an apology and more so, to make this right. Tell Les Moonves to please consider a fitting tribute.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8618-500251_162-7387352.html?assetTypeId=58&messageId=11530986&tag=contentMain;contentBody#ixzz1czS0PHpZ

[kbbpll]

He only passed away yesterday. Next week will tell us whether Les is the schmuck we think he is.

[LosAngelesCA]

Andy Rooney is the only reason I watched 60 Minutes. I taped the tribute to watch later because I'm still so sad over his passing. He just retired and didn't even have a chance to enjoy it. I loved his take on everything. He was so interesting. God rest his soul. I send my deepest condolences to his family.

[Jfcbos]

I feel like I lost a member of my family! It was hard enough knowing Andy was no longer a regular on 60 Minutes and now he is gone ! Tonight's 60 Minutes did a fabulous job covering Andy's Life! I was very touched by watching his life recap...actually crying (quietly, I don't think my wife and family knew I was really moved by his story...) I kept telling my wife, how much I will miss Andy! I saw Leslie Stahl at Nami on Wednesday and she did a fabulous job as Host. I sat to Joyce Burland's right. Leslie is a gifted reported and has enormous appeal... The 60 Minutes team feels like family. Somehow, when I watch the program every Sunday Night, I always feel connected to you all. You are the Best!

[meanbusiness]

I have watched 60 Minutes forever. I am 67 years old. I have loved this man and his commentaries for a very long time. In my life, he will be greatly missed. I wish that CBS could offer a set of DVDs for the years he has been a part of this program. I would buy just to have a history of his wit and views on our sometime ridiculous society, and his endearing grumpiness.

[lincolnbuff2]

As a budding writer, I learned from watching Andy. Today, I, too, make a living weaving words.

I always wanted to write and tell him, but never did. If I had penned that letter, this is what I would have said:

http://www.healthcarecommunication.com/Main/Articles/7837.aspx

I'll miss him.

Ann Tracy Mueller

[law90807013f]

>>For decades, Andy Rooney held court on 60 Minutes,
fyi, that's a lie. He actually got only a few of 60 minutes each week. I want to give him a longer farewell than he can get.
D e a r M r. R o o n e y ,
p l e a s e R e s t I n P e a c e .