• Biography

Early Life

Mike Wallace was born on May 9, 1918, in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants, Frank and Zina (Sharfman) Wallace. His father was a grocer and his mother was a housewife. Wallace attended Brookline High School, where he was an active member of the debate team. After graduating in 1935, he attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1939.

Career

After college, Wallace began his career in radio, working as a newscaster for the local station in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He then moved to Chicago, where he worked as a reporter for the CBS affiliate. In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a communications officer in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he returned to CBS and began working as a reporter and anchor for the network's flagship news program, "The CBS Evening News."

In the 1950s, Wallace began to make a name for himself as a hard-hitting investigative journalist. He was known for his confrontational style of interviewing, which earned him the nickname "Mike Malice." He was also a pioneer in the use of hidden cameras and undercover reporting. In 1968, he became the co-host of the popular news magazine show, "60 Minutes," which he would remain with for the next four decades.

Legacy

Throughout his career, Wallace earned numerous awards and accolades for his work. He was the recipient of 21 Emmy Awards, three Peabody Awards, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He was also inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2003.

Wallace was known for his tenacious interviewing style and his willingness to tackle difficult and controversial topics. He was also a passionate advocate for freedom of the press and the First Amendment. He was a mentor to many young journalists and a role model for generations of reporters.

Wallace passed away on April 7, 2012, at the age of 93. He left behind a legacy of excellence in journalism and a lasting impact on the field.

Date modified: Apr 3, 2023
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