Andy Rooney

Andy Rooney. Andrew Aitken Rooney was an American television commentator, essayist, and humorist best known for his weekly broadcast segment "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney" on the CBS newsmagazine 60 Minutes. His curmudgeonly, observational style, commenting on the trivialities and absurdities of everyday life, made him a beloved and iconic figure in American media for over three decades. Rooney's career spanned print journalism, radio, television, and authorship, earning him numerous accolades including several Emmy Awards.

Early Life and Education

Andrew Aitken Rooney was born in Albany, New York, to Walter Scott Rooney and Ellinor Reynolds Rooney. He attended The Albany Academy, a prestigious preparatory school, before enrolling at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. His college education was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, leading him to enlist in the United States Army. Rooney served as a correspondent for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes during the war, an experience that profoundly shaped his writing career and provided material for later books like My War.

Career

After the war, Rooney began writing for various radio and television programs, initially as a freelance writer for personalities such as Arthur Godfrey and Victor Borge. He joined the writing staff of CBS in 1949, contributing to several major entertainment programs. A significant early achievement was his work as a writer for the acclaimed television special Annie Get Your Gun, starring Mary Martin. Rooney also wrote for the CBS news division, creating pioneering television essays. His first regular on-air role came in the 1960s with the series The Twentieth Century, hosted by Walter Cronkite, where he produced and narrated historical documentaries.

Writing and Broadcasting

Rooney's national fame was cemented in 1978 when he began his regular end-segment commentary on 60 Minutes, following the departure of Morley Safer from that time slot. His essays, delivered from a cluttered office set, covered topics ranging from mundane pet peeves about household items to pointed critiques of social and political issues. This work complemented his prolific print career; for decades, he wrote a syndicated newspaper column distributed by Tribune Content Agency and authored numerous best-selling books, including Common Nonsense and Years of Minutes. His distinct voice and perspective made him one of the most recognized figures on American television, working alongside 60 Minutes correspondents like Mike Wallace, Ed Bradley, and Steve Kroft.

Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Andy Rooney received widespread critical recognition. He won multiple Emmy Awards for his work on 60 Minutes, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. He was also honored with a Writers Guild of America Award for his television writing. Rooney's influence extended beyond awards; he became a cultural archetype of the witty, observant everyman commentator. His segments are studied in journalism programs for their unique blend of humor and insight, and his written collections remain in print. His final regular appearance on 60 Minutes aired in October 2011, marking the end of a defining era for the program.

Personal Life

Rooney married Marguerite "Margie" Howard in 1942, and their marriage lasted 62 years until her death in 2004. The couple had four children: Ellen, Martha, Emily, and Brian. He was a longtime resident of Rowayton, Connecticut, and later lived in Manhattan. An avid supporter of Colgate University, he served on its Board of Trustees. Outside of his public persona, Rooney was a dedicated craftsman, famously building much of his own furniture. He passed away in New York City on November 4, 2011, due to complications following surgery, just weeks after his final television broadcast.

Category:American television personalities Category:American humorists Category:American essayists Category:60 Minutes contributors