Billy’s Blog: Laughs With Wallace (May 18, 2006)

I just interviewed Mike Wallace… Oh, he met his match. 

We had some great laughs, especially when I complimented him on his legendary career: “No one will forget, you were first on the scene when Lincoln was shot…”

We discussed the roots of his tan (no spray? he’s a tan gel guy). He was self-effacing and funny, when he said to me, “If I was good looking like you, I could have been a contender.”

After the formal part of the interview, we took a stroll towards his office. When we got there, his friend and colleague, Morley Safer, came out to greet us. After Mike ribbed him for smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day for a million years, they welcomed the arrival of Leslie Stahl. Rushing into the office with her hands full of bags, she whizzed by us.  ike tried to wrangle her over for a chat… she obliged only momentarily before pulling away and heading off down the hall. As she walked away, Wallace says, “Look at those legs.” It was out loud and very funny. It was also something ONLY Mike Wallace could say and get away with.

Mike has suffered from Clinical Depression for many years. His psychiatrist prescribed medication and it has helped him live a happy life. I asked him if he has ever wanted to interview Tom Cruise, a known critic of Psychiatry (he calls it a sham) and those who take psychiatrically prescribed meds. “Tom Cruise doesn’t know his tail from third base,” he said.

Those two should gather for a Wallace special. When you see his comments on our show, I guarantee you there will be people calling for the meeting.

Right now, I have retired to a closed rehearsal session for tomorrow night’s Rainforest Foundation Fund benefit. James Taylor is singing “Going to Carolina” and Sting is singing along with him… Oh boy, I’m in heaven.

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