22 Facts About Harry Reasoner

Harry Reasoner was an American journalist for CBS and ABC News, known for his adroit use of language as a television commentator and as one of the original hosts of the news magazine 60 Minutes.

Harry Reasoner was taught to read by his parents before entering school, gaining a broad vocabulary from his mother.

Harry Reasoner attended West High School in Minneapolis, where he developed an interest in journalism.

Harry Reasoner authored a story titled "The Wench of the Week," which garnered the attention of the principal, who expelled Reasoner, but later let him return following a plea from a fellow student.

Harry Reasoner graduated in January 1940, having missed the 1939 class graduation ceremony.

Harry Reasoner studied journalism at Stanford University and the University of Minnesota, receiving a journalism degree from the latter's School of Journalism in 1989 at the age of 66.

Harry Reasoner served in the Army during World War II and after the war, he resumed his journalism career with The Minneapolis Times.

Harry Reasoner's novel Tell Me About Women, about a fading marriage, was written partly during his war service and was first published in 1946.

Harry Reasoner ran for city council in Minneapolis as a Republican in 1949 receiving 381 votes.

Harry Reasoner later reported on the arrival of President Kennedy's body in Washington, DC, and provided details regarding Lee Harvey Oswald, who was then accused only of killing Dallas Police Officer JD Tippit; Oswald would be accused of killing the president only hours later.

In 1968, Harry Reasoner teamed up with Mike Wallace to launch 60 Minutes, a new newsmagazine series.

Rooney and interviewer Morley Safer agreed that Harry Reasoner enjoyed drinking and was "one of the most companionable fellows" they had ever known.

In November 1970, Harry Reasoner was hired away from CBS by ABC to become an anchor on the network's evening newscast.

Harry Reasoner anchored the news alongside Smith until 1975, when he took the sole anchor position while Smith moved into a commentary role.

Walters and Harry Reasoner did not enjoy a close relationship; Harry Reasoner did not like sharing the spotlight with a co-anchor and was uncomfortable with Walters's celebrity status.

Harry Reasoner stayed with 60 Minutes until his retirement, on May 19,1991.

Harry Reasoner was married twice, first to Kathleen Carroll Harry Reasoner for 35 years until her death in 1986, and then to insurance executive Lois Harriett Weber in 1988.

Harry Reasoner had seven children by his first marriage: Harry Stuart, Ann, Elizabeth, Jane, Mary Ray, Ellen, and Jonathan.

Harry Reasoner had six grandchildren: Leslie, Ryan, Samantha, Christian, Ian, and John.

Harry Reasoner had two operations for lung cancer, in 1987 and 1989.

Harry Reasoner died within three months of his retirement in 1991 from a blood clot in the brain, resulting from a fall at his home in Westport, Connecticut.

Harry Reasoner is interred at Union Cemetery in Humboldt, Iowa.