|
Who
Mentored Mike Wallace?
Mike
Wallace has been co-editor of 60 Minutes since
its premiere on Sept. 24, 1968. The 2002-03 season marks
his 35th year on the broadcast.
I remember my first mentor. Her name was Biddy Mitchell,
and she was my grammar school teacher. She instilled
in me an understanding of grammar and words, and how
to speak in a fairly civilized way. And I think back
at what a service she did me, because she got me interested
in the subject.
***
There
was a fellow by the name of Arthur Goldsmith, went to
Harvard, made a lot of money. He was a good friend of
my uncle's. He said, "You're not realizing enough
of yourself." I said, what do you mean? He said,
"You want to be in news, but you're not. You're
doing commercials, you're doing things just for money--you're
better than that." And he kept on me, and I paid
attention. And finally there came a time in my life
when I said, "Arthur's right. He's right!"
So I gave up everything, and I had enough money for
about a year if I didn't get another job. And luckily,
it worked out.
***
The satisfaction that you get from being a mentor, from
helping someone young, whom you admire, in whom you
see a future; the satisfaction you get as that blossom
begins, the petals begin to expand--it's a glorious
thing to watch.
Back
to top
|
Interview
Listen to audio, or watch the video of Mike
Wallace.
