For almost 20 years, Andy Rooney’s countenance has graced America’s TV screens on one of the nation’s most popular weekly news magazine shows, 60 Minutes.

His illuminating look at subjects most people take for granted have literally become a part of modern American culture. Rooney, the award-winning CBS news correspondent, writer and producer, has presented literally hundreds of segments on 60 Minutes. He was a six-time winner of the Writers Guild Award for Best Script of the Year, setting a record for that medium.

Rooney’s specialty, the television essay, which he began writing and producing in 1964, has never been bettered. Between 1962 and 1968, he collaborated with the late Harry Reasoner on such memorable specials as An Essay on Bridges, An Essay on Women and An Essay on War. He won a Peabody Award for his presentation Mr. Rooney Goes to Washington.

He has also authored 11 books, including A Few Minutes With Andy Rooney, Pieces of My Mind, Word for Word, Not That You Asked….and My War. And Rooney writes a column two days a week for Tribune Media Services.

Rooney attributes his literacy to his Irish roots. Asked by Irish America about his specific Irish characteristics, Rooney replied, “I have a temper and I think I’m literate — I’m quite interested in the use of the language.” On the perverse side, Rooney added, he is a vengeful person. “This seems to be an Irish characteristic too,” he said. “I quite enjoy getting back at someone — I don’t like myself for it but I quite enjoy it!”

Rooney’s grandfather came from County Cork, and, Rooney said, he thinks anyone with any Irish heritage has reason to be pleased.

“It’s a shame we lose so much of our heritage,” he said. “I’d like to know about my Irish ancestors three, four or ten generations ago.

“I’m sure there’s some genes in me that some Irishman from the 1700s would be amused to find like his own, I think.”

A suggestion last year by an Associated Press TV critic that Rooney should retire caused a national furor, with thousands of angry fans besieging the AP. Rooney, 78, and an army veteran, has no plans to retire. He lives with his wife, Marguerite, in Rowayton, Connecticut. They have four children. Rooney has visited Ireland in the past, and the three-time Emmy Award winner will spend St. Patrick’s Day there this year.