Andy Rooney: 'This Is A Moment I've Dreaded'
Oct. 3 2011, Published 5:30 a.m. ET
Broadcasting legend Andy Rooney delivered an emotional editorial on 60 Minutes Sunday, marking his final regular appearance after 33 years on the CBS stalwart.
"This is a moment I've dreaded," the 92-year-old newsman said in his 1097th essay. "I wish I could do this forever, but I can't, though ... but I'm not retiring. Writers don't retire, and I'll always be a writer."
Rooney admitted he probably hadn't "said anything here that you didn't already know or have already thought ... that's what a writer does.
“A writer's job is to tell the truth,” Rooney said. “I know I've been terribly wrong sometimes, but I think I've been right more than I've been wrong."
Rooney -- who began his regular on-air role with 60 Minutes in July 1978 -- admitted one aspect of his regular 60 Minutes spot he didn't care for was the fame.
"I spent my first 50 years trying to become well known as a writer, and the next 30 trying to avoid being famous," he said. "I walk down the street now or go to a football game and people shout, 'Hey, Andy!' And I hate that.
"I don't say this often, but thank you -- and if you do see me in a restaurant, please, just let me eat my dinner."
radar_embed service=5min.com src=" http://pshared.5min.com/Scripts/PlayerSeed.js?sid=1126&width=486&height=412&playList=517713214&sequential=1&shuffle=0"
RELATED STORIES:
Andy Rooney To Sign Off From 60 Minutes
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
