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.

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."

18 Comments +

Add a Comment See all 18 Comments


by Shona3432 October 26, 2011 12:31 AM EDT: Stars and Stripes was a place I went daily for news from my home, when I was overseas... Figures Andy Rooney reported for them...
Just want to say thanks. Thanks for bringing a little sanity into this insame world.; Reply to this comment


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; Reply to this comment


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.; Reply to this comment


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; Reply to this comment


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.; Reply to this comment


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.; Reply to this comment


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!; Reply to this comment


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; Reply to this comment


by venusvegasvada September 30, 2011 9:54 PM EDT: Thank you!; Reply to this comment


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.; Reply to this comment

See all 18 Comments

Popular Now in 60 Minutes Overtime

Follow 60 Minutes Overtime

Most Popular on CBS News

Stories More »

Videos More »

America's #1 News Program, Now on your iPad Download Now »

Recently on 60 Minutes

Dropping out: Is college worth the cost?
Students with promising ideas are paid $100,000 to drop out of college and become entrepreneurs in a controversial program founded by billionaire Peter Thiel. Morley Safer reports.
Hard cases: Investigating rare & tough diseases
Dr. William Gahl is one of the last, best hopes for people suffering from rare, debilitating, and undiagnosed medical conditions. Lara Logan reports.
Roger Waters rebuilds Pink Floyd's "The Wall"
Roger Waters, the creative force behind Pink Floyd's legendary album "The Wall," is performing the rock opera to sold-out stadiums around the world. Steve Kroft reports.
Final resting place: Cemeteries lack oversight
At some cemeteries, graves were desecrated so more plots could be sold. Is enough being done to protect bereaved families? Anderson Cooper reports.

60 Minutes on Facebook

The best of Andy Rooney

Report offensive content:

E-mail this comment to a friend.

Follow 60 Minutes Overtime

CBS This Morning iPad App