Mike Wallace

Mike Wallace was born on May 8, 1918. He is considered to be one of the greatest American journalists. Wallace was known for his tough interviewing style and investigative reports. He was one of the original correspondents for “60 Minutes” on CBS, interviewing world leaders, artists and entertainers, and celebrities.

In 1938, Wallace graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. He began his journalism career as a newscaster, announcer and writer for WOOD-WASH Radio in Grand Rapids, Mich.

After being in the Navy for three years in 1946, Wallace was discharged and joined Chicago Sun’s “Air Edition” while still having numerous freelance jobs in radio, commercials and entertainment programming.

In 1968, Wallace was offered to be the press secretary for Richard Nixon’s campaign, which he declined. Instead, Wallace accepted an offer from veteran CBS executive producer and director Don Hewitt to anchor a new primetime magazine broadcast, “60 Minutes.”

Wallace remained a full-time correspondent with the show until 2006. Wallace retired as a full-time correspondent for “60 Minutes,” announcing that he would occasionally interview people for the broadcast.

In 2012, Wallace died on April 7 at a care facility in New Canaan, Conn. He was 93.