The Flaming Nose honors the passing of Mike WallaceMyron Leon "Mike" Wallace (May 9, 1918 – April 7, 2012), best known as one of the foremost correspondents on the long lived CBS news magazine 60 Minutes. He was 93 years old and his career spanned 60 years.
During his 37+ years as an investigative reporter on 60 Minutes, Mr. Wallace earned a reputation for exposing corruption that struck fear in the hearts of those who had something to hide. It was said that among the most feared words in the English language were, "Mike Wallace is here to see you now".
He interviewed the famous, uncovered the truth and inspired countless young people to choose broadcast journalism as a career. Who among us can hear the ticking of the 60 Minutes clock open without thinking of him?
Steve Croft, a former colleague at CBS put it best by saying, "He was hands down the best television interviewer ever. I can't think of anyone, besides (CBS legend Edward R. Murrow), who had a greater influence in shaping television journalism."
Here's a little recap of his life. We bid farewell to one of the giants of television.
Thank you for honoring Mr. Wallace with this lovely essay. Certainly everybody has appreciated his journalistic work and he was among the generation of giants who shaped TV newsgathering. Alas, their standard is not always upheld these days, and a passing like Wallace's thins the ranks of great television journalists.
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