Semi OT: Mike Wallace Passes Away

Submitted by ChalmersE on

CBS is reporting that legendary newscaster, and Michigan Alum, Mike Wallace passed away this morning.  RIP Mr. Wallace.

Pasquark

April 8th, 2012 at 2:48 PM ^

I met hIm in 1993 as well. Shared a drink with him at Ashleys Pub... I will call it sharing a drink as we were the only 2 people at the bar at the time (I believe it was before 5pm). A very good friend of mine was the bartender at Ashleys for many years and i spent way too many nights drinking there, one of which happened to include sharing a drink with Mr. Wallace.
I believe he was in town working on a story for 60 minutes about cancer but my memory of that time is hazy and quick search didnt help. Anyway, great reporter and representitive of the university.

mGrowOld

April 8th, 2012 at 10:43 AM ^

True story....

Many,many years ago me and wife #1 were eating in a very crowded and popular San Diego seafood resturant.  The kind where the tables are close enough together to be able to touch the table next to yours.  Anyways...shortly after we were seated Mike Wallace and I think his producer from 60 Minutes sat down directly behind my ex so I could see & hear their conversation.  About 10 minutes later a couple came in and was seated right next to Wallace.  They were obviously on a first date (again...i could hear the entire conversation) and everything was going just fine until they both noticed they were sitting about two feet away from the lead dog on 60 Minutes and from that moment on their conversation basically stopped as both were nervous as hell.  Wallace had no clue the effect his presence had on the date.... it was priceless.

RIP Mike.  Go Blue.

mGrowOld

April 8th, 2012 at 11:13 AM ^

Trust me.....Mike Wallace and the first date conversations were WAY more interesting (and safer) than the alcoholic ex.  And as evidenced by the fact that she's now recently gotten divorced (again) from husband #2 I'm not the only guy who felt that way.

mGrowOld

April 8th, 2012 at 4:21 PM ^

I was trying to think of the name of it but it was mid 80's.  I can describe it though.  It was like a greenhouse with lots and lots of glass everywhere and two levels.  The upper level was only about 5-6 steps up and the whole area was open (no obstruction walls).  And like I said, the tables were small and close together.

At least that's the way it looked 25 years ago...........

LSAClassOf2000

April 8th, 2012 at 10:45 AM ^

He was 93 years old, and what a 93 years it was too. He interviewed six or seven Presidents, several world leaders, many sports legends...countless others who made the headlines at one point or another. He really was a great journalist and a great supporter of Michigan. Condolences to his family and the CBS News family, where he spent nearly 50 years of his career. 

bluenyc

April 8th, 2012 at 10:54 AM ^

I remember him from 60 minutes of course but really remembered him in HBO's Mich/OSU rivalry and how he spoke and poked fun of OSU. RIP michigan man

Mr. Rager

April 8th, 2012 at 11:14 AM ^

True story - might want to change your title as there is a Pitt Steeler named Mike Wallace whose death would be much more shocking.

Section 1

April 8th, 2012 at 1:05 PM ^

With filmmaker Ken Burns.  Pre-luxury boxes, and sat just a couple of rows above me.  I thought, "Aha; the next Ken Burns film -- College Football."  Seeing those two guys together made it feel a little like a Harvard-Yale game.

Michigasling

April 8th, 2012 at 1:32 PM ^

The feature on Mike Wallace was breaking news plus, appropriately from his home network.  Coincidentally, one of their scheduled features was on Michigan's Jim Abbott.  Two grads who couldn't be more different but make Michigan immensely proud.

Sopwith

April 8th, 2012 at 3:31 PM ^

in one of the web articles about his life.  It's the old journalist's creed:

"Comfort the afflicted.  Afflict the comfortable."

He was a great one and always seemed happiest sticking it to people in power.