Mike Wallace.

Myron Leon Wallace Mike Leon Wallace

Born 9 May 1918 Brookline, United States

Died 7 Apr 2012 New Canaan, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 108 yr If Living

14 min read

Reading time

2,746

Words

Oct 19, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

Mike Wallace spent 38 years as a correspondent on 60 Minutes, interviewing over 100 celebrities including Vladimir Putin and Roger Clemens. He began his career in radio and television, serving as announcer for Sky King and hosting game shows. Wallace won 21 Emmy Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. He died at age 93 in 2012, just months after his 60 Minutes co-anchor Andy Rooney.

Identity & family.

KIN · 5

Names, aliases, and relatives of Mike Wallace — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name Mike Leon Wallace

Native Name Myron Leon Wallace

Aliases Mr. Mike Wallace, Myron Wallace

Spouses: Mary Yates Lorraine Perigord Buff Cobb Norma Kaphan
Children: Chris Wallace

At a glance.

STATS

Mike Wallace by the numbers — life, work, and family.

93 Years lived

2 Awards

4 Marriages

1 Child

Who was Mike Wallace?

BIOGRAPHY

Mike Wallace — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

Mike Wallace was born Myron Leon Wallace on May 9, 1918 in Brookline, Massachusetts, a town four miles west of Boston. His father Frank worked in a grocery store and lost it after World War I. He attended Edward Devotion School and Brookline High School, where he was sports editor for the school newspaper, earning $2 per column. He graduated from Brookline High in 1935 and briefly attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts before enrolling at the University of Michigan, where he joined the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. Initially aspiring to be a lawyer, he pursued broadcasting after being rejected for a radio job in Muskegon.

Career

Wallace’s broadcasting career began at WOOD in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He announced wrestling matches in Chicago and appeared in commercials for Golden Fluffo Shortening. From 1946 to 1954, he was the announcer for ABC and Mutual Radio’s Sky King. He joined CBS News in 1951 and later hosted the pilot for Nothing But the Truth, which became To Tell the Truth; he was its most frequent panelist. In 1968, Don Hewitt chose him as one of the first correspondents for 60 Minutes. Over 38 years, he interviewed over 100 celebrities, including Vladimir Putin, Barbra Streisand, and Roger Clemens. He won 21 Emmy Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award in 1996. He nearly quit CBS to become Richard Nixon’s press secretary but stayed. He remained with CBS News as Correspondent Emeritus until 2008.

Personal life

He married four times: to Norma Kaphan 1940-1948, Buff Cobb 1949-1955, Lorraine Perigord 1955-1986, and Mary Yates 1986 until his death. Mary was the widow of his friend Ted Yates. He had two sons, Peter and Chris. Peter died in a hiking accident in Greece in 1962. Chris Wallace became a news broadcaster. He was a childhood friend of John F. Kennedy and a longtime friend of Nancy Reagan, with whom he played tennis. He also played tennis with Johnny Carson. He was of Russian-Jewish descent and underwent successful triple bypass surgery in 2008. In his later years, he suffered from dementia.

Legacy

Wallace had a lasting impact on broadcast journalism. He founded the Wallace House at the University of Michigan in 1992 with his wife Mary, providing a space for journalists worldwide to study. His hard-hitting interview style set a standard for investigative reporting. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is interred at West Chop Cemetery in Tisbury, Massachusetts. Though his career was not without controversy—he apologized for a racial slur caught on tape in 1981—he is most remembered as the persistent correspondent who spent 38 years asking tough questions on 60 Minutes.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 2

Every award, honor, and recognition received by Mike Wallace — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Ellis Island Medal of Honor
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 1

A wall of memorable lines from Mike Wallace — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

The Westmoreland Affair, Professionally and Personally, Was One of the Most Difficult Times of My Life. It Was Just Devastatingly Difficult Because My Integrity Was Put to Question, and as a Reporter, That’s the Single Most Important Thing You’ve Got.

Did you know?

FACTS · 50

Little-known facts about Mike Wallace — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Wallace passed away on April 7, 2012, only five months after his former 60 Minutes co-anchor Andy Rooney.
Nancy Reagan was a longtime friend of Wallace; they knew each other before she married Ronald Reagan. Wallace’s critical interviews of President Reagan strained the friendship, but they reconciled after Reagan’s death.
Before becoming a news correspondent, Wallace was the announcer for ABC and Mutual Radio’s Sky King from 1946 to 1954.
Wallace met an unknown Barbra Streisand on the set of PM East in 1961; thirty years later, he interviewed her on 60 Minutes.
Wallace regularly played tennis with Johnny Carson.
His sister Helen was a pianist.
In early television, Wallace appeared in commercials for Golden Fluffo Shortening.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Wallace applied for a radio job in Muskegon but was turned down; he then applied to WOOD in Grand Rapids and was hired, starting his broadcasting career.
Wallace was a friend of Ted Yates; after Yates died, Wallace married his widow Mary Yates.
A week after his 80th birthday, Wallace appeared on the final episode of Murphy Brown.
In 1992, Wallace and his wife Mary Yates founded the Wallace House at the University of Michigan, a center for journalists to study.
Wallace was associated with CBS News from 1951 and again from 1963 to 2006.
Wallace was of Russian-Jewish descent.
Wallace underwent successful triple bypass surgery in 2008.
Don Hewitt chose Wallace as one of the first correspondents for 60 Minutes.
After leaving 60 Minutes, Wallace remained at CBS News as a Correspondent Emeritus until 2008.
Wallace hosted the pilot for Nothing But the Truth, which later aired as To Tell the Truth; he was the most frequent panelist on the show.
Wallace’s final 60 Minutes interview was with Roger Clemens about his alleged steroid use.
Johnny Carson was a longtime friend of Wallace and a devoted fan of 60 Minutes.
Wallace enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving as a communications officer on the USS Anthedon. He traveled to Hawaii, Australia, and the Philippines, and was discharged in 1946.
Wallace was a longtime friend of Joan Rivers.
Wallace was a childhood friend of John F. Kennedy and Nancy Reagan.
Before joining 60 Minutes, Wallace nearly left CBS News to become Richard Nixon’s press secretary.
Wallace’s favorite 60 Minutes interview was with pianist Vladimir Horowitz.
After his death, Wallace left a $21 million estate to his wife Mary Yates, who died five months later.
Wallace originally wanted to become a lawyer.
Wallace persuaded CBS News president Dick Salant to hire him, revitalizing his broadcasting career.
Wallace was the oldest working news anchor on 60 Minutes until his retirement.
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, Wallace announced wrestling matches in Chicago sponsored by Tavern Pale beer.
Wallace belonged to the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity.
Wallace’s father Frank worked in a grocery store as a teenager and became manager, but lost the store after World War I.
Wallace wrote for the Brookline Chronicle in high school, earning $2 per column.
Wallace released his memoir Between You and Me.
Mary Yates, Wallace’s fourth wife and widow, died five months after his death in 2012.
For Wallace’s 90th birthday in 2008, Andy Rooney celebrated with him by screening clips from his 60 Minutes career.
During his 38-year tenure on 60 Minutes, Wallace interviewed over 100 celebrities.
In his later years, Wallace suffered from dementia.
Viewers of 60 Minutes could always expect Wallace to ask the tough questions of world leaders and celebrities.
Wallace won the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award Grand Prize and Television First Prize in 1996.
Wallace won 21 Emmy Awards during his 38 years on 60 Minutes.
Wallace met Morley Safer in London in 1968 and hired him for 60 Minutes a few years later.
In 1981, Wallace was caught on tape using a racial slur and apologized. The incident resurfaced when he was to speak at the University of Michigan, where Nelson Mandela was receiving an honorary doctorate. Wallace again apologized and reflected on his own experiences as a Jewish student.
Wallace’s oldest son Peter died in a hiking accident in Greece in 1962; his other son Chris Wallace is a news broadcaster.
Wallace is interred at West Chop Cemetery in Tisbury, Massachusetts.
Wallace scaled back his 60 Minutes workload in 2003 but still produced 11 original reports, including interviews with Vladimir Putin and Jose Canseco.
Wallace graduated from Brookline High School in 1935.
Wallace attended Edward Devotion School in Brookline.
At Brookline High School, Wallace was a popular student and the sports editor.
The only subject Wallace disliked in high school was chemistry.
Wallace’s birthplace of Brookline is about four miles west of Boston.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 43

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about Mike Wallace.

When was Mike Wallace born?

Mike Wallace was born on May 9, 1918 in Brookline, Massachusetts. He was the son of Frank Wallace and grew up in a Jewish household. He attended Brookline High School and later the University of Michigan.
Where was Mike Wallace born?

He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, USA. This town is about four miles west of Boston. Wallace often mentioned his New England roots.
When did Mike Wallace die?

He died on April 7, 2012 at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. His death occurred just five months after his former 60 Minutes co-anchor Andy Rooney passed away.
Where did Mike Wallace die?

He died in New Canaan, Connecticut, USA. He had been living there with his wife Mary Yates. Wallace was 93 years old at the time.
How old was Mike Wallace when he died?

He was 93 years old. He was born on May 9, 1918 and died on April 7, 2012. Wallace was the oldest working news anchor on 60 Minutes until his retirement.
What caused Mike Wallace's death?

He died of natural causes. In his later years, he had suffered from dementia and had undergone triple bypass surgery in 2008. His death was peaceful at home.
What was Mike Wallace's birth name?

His birth name was Mike Leon Wallace, but he was also known by his native name Myron Leon Wallace. He later adopted the professional name Mike Wallace.
What was Mike Wallace's name in his native language?

His name in English was Myron Leon Wallace. He was born to Jewish parents of Russian descent. He used the name Mike Wallace professionally.
What was Mike Wallace's occupation?

He was a producer and actor, but he is best known as a television news correspondent. He worked as a correspondent for 60 Minutes for 38 years. He also hosted game shows and appeared in commercials.
What nationality was Mike Wallace?

He was American. He was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, and spent most of his career in the United States. He also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
What language did Mike Wallace speak?

He spoke English as his native language. He was born and raised in the United States. All of his broadcasting work was in English.
Who was Mike Wallace married to?

He was married four times. His wives were Norma Kaphan 1940-1948, Buff Cobb 1949-1955, Lorraine Perigord 1955-1986, and Mary Yates 1986 until his death. Mary Yates was the widow of his friend Ted Yates.
Did Mike Wallace have children?

Yes, he had two sons. His first son, Peter, died in a hiking accident in Greece in 1962. His second son, Chris Wallace, is a well-known news broadcaster.
Where did Mike Wallace go to school?

He attended Edward Devotion School and Brookline High School in Massachusetts. He also studied at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the University of Michigan. At Michigan, he was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.
What awards did Mike Wallace win?

He won the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also won 21 Emmy Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award in 1996.
How many major awards did Mike Wallace win?

He won two major awards listed publicly: the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, he also won numerous Emmys and other journalism awards.
What is Mike Wallace best known for?

He is best known as a correspondent on 60 Minutes, where he worked for 38 years. He also appeared on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and Studio One. His tough interview style made him a household name.
How tall was Mike Wallace?

He was 6 feet 0 inches tall, or 1.83 meters. His height gave him a commanding presence during interviews. He was often seen standing over his subjects.
What aliases did Mike Wallace use?

He was also known as Mr. Mike Wallace and Myron Wallace. His birth name was Myron Leon Wallace, but he used Mike Wallace professionally. The alias Mr. Mike Wallace was used informally.
How did Mike Wallace die?

He died of natural causes at his home in New Canaan, Connecticut. He had been in declining health in his final years, including dementia. His death was not unexpected.
What was Mike Wallace known for?

He was known for his work on 60 Minutes, The Big Surprise, The Sword and the Dragon, and Stand by for Crime. He was a pioneering investigative journalist.
Was Mike Wallace married?

Yes, he was married four times. His marriages were to Norma Kaphan, Buff Cobb, Lorraine Perigord, and Mary Yates. He was married to Mary from 1986 until his death.
How many awards did Mike Wallace win?

He won 21 Emmy Awards and the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award. He also received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
How many award nominations did Mike Wallace receive?

He received 24 award nominations throughout his career. This includes nominations for Emmy Awards and other journalism honors.
What was Mike Wallace's first job in broadcasting?

His first job in broadcasting was at WOOD in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was hired after being turned down for a position in Muskegon. This started his career in radio.
Did Mike Wallace serve in the military?

Yes, he served as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Anthedon and traveled to Hawaii, Australia, and the Philippines. He was discharged in 1946.
What was Mike Wallace's favorite 60 Minutes interview?

His favorite 60 Minutes interview was with pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Wallace often mentioned this in interviews. He admired Horowitz’s artistry.
How long did Mike Wallace work on 60 Minutes?

He worked on 60 Minutes for 38 years, from 1968 to 2006. He then remained at CBS News as Correspondent Emeritus until 2008. He was the oldest working news anchor on the show.
Did Mike Wallace write a book?

Yes, he wrote a memoir titled Between You and Me. The book covers his career and personal life. It was published later in his life.
What is the Wallace House?

The Wallace House is a center for journalists founded in 1992 at the University of Michigan. It was established by Mike Wallace and his wife Mary Yates. Journalists from around the world come to study there.
Was Mike Wallace friends with any presidents?

He was a childhood friend of John F. Kennedy and a longtime friend of Nancy Reagan. He also nearly became Richard Nixon’s press secretary. His friendships sometimes became complicated due to his journalistic work.
Who was Mike Wallace's final 60 Minutes interview with?

His final 60 Minutes interview was with baseball star Roger Clemens. They discussed Clemens’ alleged steroid use. The interview aired in 2008.
What happened to Mike Wallace's first son?

His first son, Peter, died in a hiking accident in Greece in 1962. He was on a trip with friends. This tragedy deeply affected Wallace.
Did Mike Wallace have any siblings?

He had a sister named Helen, who was a pianist. She is mentioned in his biography. Not much else is known about his siblings.
What was Mike Wallace's relationship with Andy Rooney?

Andy Rooney was a longtime friend and colleague on 60 Minutes. Rooney helped Wallace celebrate his 90th birthday by screening clips. Wallace died just five months after Rooney.
Did Mike Wallace ever apologize for a controversial remark?

Yes, in 1981 he was caught on tape using a racial slur and apologized. The incident resurfaced later when he spoke at the University of Michigan. He again apologized and reflected on his own Jewish heritage.
What was Mike Wallace's ethnicity?

He was of Russian-Jewish descent. His family emigrated from Russia. He sometimes spoke about his Jewish identity.
Where is Mike Wallace buried?

He is interred at West Chop Cemetery in Tisbury, Massachusetts. This is on Martha’s Vineyard. His grave there is visited by fans.
Did Mike Wallace appear on any talk shows?

Yes, he appeared on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and The Dick Cavett Show. He was a frequent guest.
What was Mike Wallace's salary or net worth?

After his death, his estate was valued at $21 million. He left this to his wife Mary Yates. Mary died five months later.
Was Mike Wallace a part of any fraternity?

Yes, he belonged to the Alpha Gamma Chapter of the Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at the University of Michigan. This is a Jewish fraternity.
What high school did Mike Wallace attend?

He attended Brookline High School in Brookline, Massachusetts, graduating in 1935. He was the sports editor of the school newspaper. He also attended Edward Devotion School in Brookline.
Did Mike Wallace have any hobbies?

He enjoyed playing tennis with friends like Johnny Carson. He also spent time at his home in New Canaan. In his later years, he suffered from dementia and was less active.

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Published on October 19, 2026

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