Description:
(Radio and Television Writer)
Andrew Aitken “Andy” Rooney was an award winning journalist and television writer who was one of the first American journalists to visit and report on the Nazi concentration camps. His journalistic career began while he was serving in the army during the World War II when he started writing for the ‘Stars and Stripes’. As a correspondent for the newspaper he even flew in bombing missions over Germany. He later stated that being a pacifist he was opposed to the war, and whatever he witnessed at the concentration camps affected him profoundly both as a human being and as a writer. His first book, ‘Air Gunner’ was released even as the war was going on. He worked as a freelance writer after the war before landing a job as a writer for the CBS show ‘Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts’. A lifelong friendship between Rooney and Godfrey ensued which enabled him to establish himself as a television writer. Eventually he moved on to write public affairs programs for the CBS News department before he was asked to produce essays for Harry Reasoner. Rooney wrote humorous essays on mundane, daily life objects like chairs, doors, and bridges which made him hugely popular among the viewers, and led to his gig on ‘60 Minutes’.
Birthday
January 14, 1919 (Capricorn)
Born In
United States
Alternative names
Andrew Aitken Rooney
Died on
November 4, 2011
Spouse/Ex-
Marguerite Rooney (m. 1942–2004)
Parents
Walter Scott Rooney
Ellinor (Reynolds) Rooney
Children
Brian Rooney, Ellen Rooney, Emily Rooney, Martha Rooney
Relatives
Nancy Reynolds Rooney
When did Andy Rooney start his career in journalism?
Andy Rooney began his career in journalism in the 1940s as a correspondent for the military newspaper Stars and Stripes during World War II.
What was Andy Rooney's role on the TV show "60 Minutes?"
Andy Rooney was a commentator on the TV show "60 Minutes" known for his humorous and insightful essays at the end of each episode.
Did Andy Rooney write any books?
Yes, Andy Rooney authored several books, including "Common Nonsense", "Years of Minutes", and "My War".
What type of topics did Andy Rooney often discuss in his commentaries?
Andy Rooney often discussed everyday life topics, such as politics, society, and human behavior in his commentaries on "60 Minutes".
How long was Andy Rooney associated with "60 Minutes?"
Andy Rooney was associated with "60 Minutes" for over 30 years, from 1978 until his retirement in 2011.