Remembering Andy Rooney

By: Overtime Staff
Topics: 60 Rewind

When our colleague Andy Rooney died on November 4th at age 92, he had lived not just a long life, but also a lucky life.

Andy told viewers that himself just a month ago in his final essay for 60 Minutes. "Not many people in this world are as lucky as I have been," he said, recalling his many decades as a journalist. "All this time I've been paid to say what is on my mind on television. You don't get any luckier in life than that."

True to form, Andy Rooney didn't hide his feelings about saying goodbye to the broadcast where he'd been able to speak his mind for 40 years in 1,097 highly opinionated essays. "This is a moment I have dreaded. I wish I could do this forever," he said.

And that's what it's like here at "60 Minutes" - we have dreaded his passing, we wish he could have gone on forever . . . and we also feel so lucky to have been a part of the great ideas and essays that Andy generated, week in and week out, for his segment on the broadcast: "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney."

In honor and in memory of Andy's great wit, wisdom, and writing, "60 Minutes Overtime" offers this selection of some of Andy Rooney's best pieces.

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by flywelder November 13, 2011 11:53 PM EST: So Glad 60 minutes did not wait til he had passed away to do a tribute to him. I think people aught to know how and just how much they are appreciated before they depart. So continue and Do more appreciations on other colleges before thy depart please! thank you!; Reply to this comment


by snooball November 7, 2011 5:51 PM EST: One more Rooney-esque question:

Didja ever search for videos of Andy Rooney on the Web, and wonder why most of the results were movies of Andy Hardy as played by Mickey Rooney?

Didja ever wonder if Andy Rooney wondered that, and what his comments were or might have been?; Reply to this comment


by lclemons November 6, 2011 11:54 PM EST: i've read some of the comments left for all to see. for those of that posted a comment, "glad to here of his passing", you are "idiots". he was a great man! he served our country when he was needed. yes, he spoke about things that could pinch nerves, but he also had a voice of the american public. he spoke about wars and the things most wouldn't. he spoke about trivial things with his own little twist. i thought his retirement was untimely, but much deserved. i'm happy for him to have enjoyed his work and life. i certainly wish i could say that! i will miss him!

larry; Reply to this comment


by dck5001 November 6, 2011 7:31 PM EST: tick - tick - tick

TOCK; Reply to this comment


by StateArt1TX November 6, 2011 3:08 PM EST: Mr. Rooney was "Curmudgeon Laureate..."
He often said stuff we know, but forget;
Taught us irony can sure come in handy;
We will miss your perspective, Andy...

Mr. Rooney lived long, God rest him,
After sharing with us how God blessed him;
Was our "Stupid Warning Reflector,"
As America's "BS Detector..."

Who'll take Andy's place, keep his promise,
Call a spade what it is and be honest?
Who'll fill us with hope, not despair,
We need someone like Andy out there...

Mr. Rooney, you've surely inspired,
Your replacement, soon to be hired;
If your spirit could hover, that'd be dandy
We all still need those minutes with Andy...

by Rick Vanderpool - Lubbock, Texas; Reply to this comment


by johnmahogany November 6, 2011 12:26 PM EST: I remember watching a documentary on Merv Griffin and he was talking about his experiences interviewing Orson Welles. Seems Welles had rules on what he would discuss in an interview and what would not be talked about, mainly his personal life. One day he comes on and just opens up to Merv about his life and fond moments and such, spilling every detail. That afternoon, Mr. Welles died.

I think some people know when its time to go to the elephant's graveyard and like Mr. Welles, I think Andy did too. I feel sorry for this world that lost such a great humorist and crab man par excellence but I also feel sorry for the world that is about to receive him. I am sure they are not ready for that sharp tongue and Errol Flynn as a pirate wit. Bon Voyage, Mr. Rooney, my friend whom I never met. I envy the afterlife for getting such an essential voice of this and the previous century and when I die and turn on the eternal television set to "60 Eons", I am sure you will be right there at the end of each program ******** about how hard it is to unwrap a pair of angelic wings. Bon Voyage!

I'm John Mahogany and for 60 Eons...I'm just sayin....

John Mahogany, The Mighty Magpie; Reply to this comment


by Walsingham38 November 6, 2011 10:59 AM EST: Mr. Rooney will be greatly missed by all the American people who watched him and had what is formerly known as "Mother Wit". May God bless, comfort, and keep his family at this sad time for he was loved by many. Such a down to earth icon has vanished during a century that needs a balance to thought and an insane way of life has taught his last lesson. I just hope those of us that have retainned out common sense will remember him with warm affection as I surely will; although I never met him in person, it would have been a delight. Farewell, Mr. Rooney and may heaven welcome a new Angel.; Reply to this comment


by vielmann November 6, 2011 2:46 AM EST: To me, he was just a great commentator who knew exactly how to express himself and entertain at the same time. He'll be missed.; Reply to this comment


by nurrevir November 6, 2011 1:55 AM EDT: Andy I hardly knew ye, but...we met now and then in the 'R" sign-in line at the annual Directors Guild of America (DGA) meeting...the first time, waiting far too long (even for the spry 85 he was back then) to put pen to paper once we had our credentials checked against a multi-page printed memberhship list by a staff member (of the guild whose production technology knows no bounds) he turned and began, "wouldn't ya think...?"; Reply to this comment


by Angelroom November 5, 2011 8:26 PM EDT: What a shame they could not have let Andy leave on his own time and terms. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. You hastened his passing.I never missed his show in over 50 yrs.I will forever miss him; Reply to this comment

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