As we have noted, the late Andy Rooney has a number of descendants working in TV news. One of those is his grandson, Fox News producer Justin Fishel.
Fishel wrote a “farewell” to his grandfather on Foxnews.com, recounting some of his more memorable stories:
When I graduated from college he harassed me about work. He didn’t have much pity for the unemployed. He wanted to know what I was doing, like any curious grandfather. Well, I was living at home with my parents. So he took it upon himself to call at 5:30 am… every morning. He prided himself on being up early. I’d answer the phone next to my bed.
Advertisement“Hello?” I’d say.
“Jud- you find work yet?” (He called me Jud)
“Grandpa?” I’d answer, in a half conscious stupor.
“Call me back when you find work,” he’d say.
Then I’d get the obligatory Rooney dial tone that preceded any formalities such as a “goodbye,” or “talk to you later.”
Read the full essay here.