It was announced this afternoon that Morley Safer, the legendary TV reporter and personality who had been a part of CBS’ newsmagazine 60 Minutes since 1970, has died. He was 84 years old. The cause of death, as well as the time and place of his death, have not been disclosed.
Just last week it was announced that Safer had retired from 60 Minutes after working there for 46 years. That announcement, it’s now clear, was partly due to Safer’s ailing health, and was accompanied by an hourlong special that celebrated the correspondent’s life.
Safer was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1931. He began his life in journalism as a cub reporter while still in Canada, writing for several small-town papers before graduating to the CBC, where he reported on and produced stories. From there, he went to work for CBS in the ’60s, first in London and then in Saigon, where he trailed United States army men, leading the pack of young reporters who were sure to create a complete, sometimes despairing, picture of the Vietnam War.
When he eventually joined 60 Minutes in 1970, Safer found his niche in covering, well, niches, and quickly became known for his versatility, covering things like technological breakthroughs while interviewing Anna Wintour and “falling in love” with Helen Mirren. Over his career, Safer accumulated a vast treasure of awards, including 12 Emmys, three Peabodys, and a Lifetime Achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Safer is survived by his wife, Jane Fearer, and his daughter, Sarah Alice Anne Safer.
Watch the 60 Minutes special about Safer below.