CBS Remembers Ed Bradley

President Obama

Ed Bradley joined the CBS family in August, 1967. In the subsequent 40 years, he touched the lives of hundreds of colleagues.

Here are some brief remembrances from people who knew and loved him.

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"He had a way of bringing out the best in everyone. He did it – whether it was Derek Jeter, George Burns, or Lena Horne.

It's very, sort of, difficult to quantify Ed Bradley. He just was. He was Ed Bradley and that was enough."
– Don Hewitt, creator, 60 Minutes

"It was his humanity, his compassion – starting way back with those Cambodian boat people where he stopped being a reporter. He could get things out of people because he, I don't know, he just had a way of being honest about himself. He was so comfortable in his own skin."
– Lesley Stahl, correspondent, 60 Minutes

"I don't think that in the twenty years I knew him I ever saw him lose his composure. I saw him lose his temper a couple of times, but I never saw him lose his composure. People try and tell reporters that you should 'walk with the people.' Well, Ed truly walked with the people."
– Steve Kroft, correspondent, 60 Minutes

"When you think of the overall body of work he did, it's hard to imagine anybody could ever duplicate that.

You don't replace a man like Ed Bradley at any news organization. He is a legend, and we're going to miss his work. But, I think just as important, we're going to miss Ed Bradley the man."
– Sean McManus, President, CBS News and CBS Sports

"A kind, gentle, strong man. A first-rate reporter and a first-rate human being. And I can not believe what I have heard about his passing. Strong – always in and out of gymnasiums trying to keep in shape. It's just a shock.

When he laughed, he laughed whole-heartedly from down deep. He was just an absolutely delightful man."
– Mike Wallace, correspondent, 60 Minutes

"Ed Bradley was simply the coolest person I have ever known. He was a great observer of the American scene with a shrewd eye and a terrific sense of humor. And let me tell you, no one ever put one over on Ed Bradley.

Ed was a great person to be a around who never forgot where he came from. He was a great helper to African-American journalists. He was also the softest touch in town. He wasn't into the celebrity charity thing, but he helped a whole lot of people over the years who really needed it."

– Bob Schieffer, Chief Washington Correspondent and host of Face The Nation

"It's a sad day at CBS News and really for all of journalism. This is a family here today that is devastated by the loss of Ed."
– Rome Hartman, Executive Producer, CBS Evening New With Katie Couric, and former producer, 60 Minutes.

"Ed Bradley encompassed everything you admire in a great journalist – he loved the chase – he loved the reveal of a great story – he had the ability to connect with people on a very human level. One of the great parts about Ed was that he valued where he had come from and his journey to where he was. He understood that he was a role model for many people. If someone came running around a corner saying 'Ed, Ed,' he would stop, turn around, walk to that person and shake their hand.

Ed inspired you. Ed made you want to be better at your job. There's one other great part about being with Ed... You were much cooler if you stood next to Ed Bradley. He was the coolest man on the planet. I miss him already."
— Susan Zirinsky, Executive Producer, 48 Hours

"I had the good fortune to work with him as his writer on a prime time magazine program called Street Stories in the early '90s. I was awed by him. He had this quiet dignity and decency. And stature. You tried to stand a little taller when he came into the room. It was more than mere physical presence. I once cracked to someone that writing for him was like writing for Othello. But it was true. There was a larger-than-life quality to him."
— Greg Kandra, Editor, Couric & Co.

"It's an incredibly sad day for everyone at CBS News. Ed was a phenomenal reporter and a great man. Never have the words 'he will be missed' meant more."
— Bill Owens, Senior Broadcast Producer, CBS Evening New With Katie Couric

"He was such an elegant person and a great reporter. He was also my friend. We are so lucky to have known him. He raised the bar for all of us."
— Mary Alice Williams, writer, CBS Evening News With Katie Couric

"He was such an inspiration for me. The thing about Ed is he's such a legend, but he's also just a really hip, wonderful, talented guy. He had such an amazing heart."
— Michele Filgate, Production Secretary, CBS Evening News With Katie Couric, and a former intern for 60 Minutes

[kathk58]

For most of my adult life, Sunday evening was an hour with Mike, Ed and, everyone's favorite curmudgeon, Andy. Informative, thought provoking, lessons to live by. And laugh at. And cry for.
I think that in addition to his impressive journalistic legacy, we will remember him as the man who showed us that class didn't depend on an earring or lack thereof. Dads the world over looked at Ed Bradley and thought, yeah, why should she get all the jewelry. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. The world is a nicer place for having had you in it.

[ptee3]

Let me stsrt by saying my deepest sorro's to Mr Bradly's famly and co-work's. I"m a 44 year old afro-amercian who whated to be just like Cool Ed. I even got 1 earring, just like Mr. Bradley. He will truly be missed by me and others who whated to be just like Cool Ed. We whant forget -u- Mr. Bradley. Rest in Peace forever.

[shkendall]

Ed Bradley will be greatly missed by all of the "60 Minutes addicts". I'm sure we all have our favorite stories. As I think back now, I remember his sense of humor; his love of music; his professionalism; his ability to get to the depths of a serious story without being ugly, defensive, or condescending; and especially his humanity. My most poignant memory is of the segment he did when he visited the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial with the daughter of a soldier who died in Vietnam. He hadn't been able to visit the site before because of his emotions, and he broke down and cried. What an Honorable Man! The world has been blessed by his gracious presence. Rest well now Ed in the palm of God's hands.

[ylivingston]

I can remember watching Ed Bradley with my parents on the living room floor directly in front of the TV. He was the black person's Ghandi. We could only hope to be a fraction as successful as he was and go to all the places that he had been. My family send their love and support to his family.

[onpole06]

Dear members and cast of 60 minutes. This is a first ever responding to anything that has happened in my life time of 43 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and especially with Mr. Bradleys' family. I would like to say I shall miss him greatly. I don't watch a lot of your show, but when I have, he was very intriging to watch and as he would have put it listened to. He shall always be remembered in the bradshaw family. I (The world) will miss him. Thank you.

[artashlin]

All of us that watch the news will miss Ed Bradley. He was a one-of-a-kind gentleman. To all of the CBS employees, I extend my sympathy. You were all very lucky to know him personally and I am sure your lives are richer for it. If only we could have known him the way you did. I hope the best for his family. Thanks Ed.
Art Ashlin, Massachusetts

[phannattic]

I was very sad to hear of his passing today.

I have always appreciated Ed Bradley's reporting style and the way he always treated the people he interviewed with dignity and unbiased respect.

I have been watching him all my life, since I was 12 years old probably, and I feel journalism will never be the same again.

I extend my regards to his friends, his colleagues, and his family. He was a great human being.

C. Brooks

[skeetskeet51]

Ed Bradley was a very funny and nice man. The first time I found out he died (Which was recently) I started crying. Ed Bradley was probrobly the best reporter the world will ever have. He was a great man. He left us too soon. I hope he died in peace. R.I.P Ed Bradley.

[dsull98604]

Our world has lost an honorable man, and a respected journalist. By his very nature, Ed Bradley taught others how to live & treasure Life. He was a gifted man who used his gifts wisely and with humility. As do many, I mourn Ed's passing. His death is a loss for viewers of high quality television. To the "60 Minutes, family," you will honor Ed Bradley each time you continue your important & necessary work for our nation and the world.
Dianne Sullivan

"May the Light Shine Upon Him,
All Love Surround Him,
And the True Light within
Guide His Way Home." (author unknown)

[max_grandeur]

I will always remember watching '60 Minutes' and seeing Ed Bradley just crack up over something an interviewee said. I also remember occasionally seeing him tear up if who he interviews starts crying.