Veteran CBS newsman and 60 Minutes icon Mike Wallace has died, the network confirmed on Sunday.
Wallace was 93.
"It is with tremendous sadness that we mark the passing of Mike Wallace. His extraordinary contribution as a broadcaster is immeasurable and he has been a force within the television industry throughout its existence. His loss will be felt by all of us at CBS," said Leslie Moonves, president and CEO, CBS Corp.
He is survived by his wife, the former Mary Yates, his son, Chris (who hosts Fox News Sunday), a stepdaughter, Pauline Dora, two stepsons, Eames and Angus Yates, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
As one of the original correspondents when 60 Minutes began in 1968, Wallace played an integral role in helping the show become arguably the most successful show of all time, with an unprecedented 23 seasons on Nielsen's annual top 10 list, topped by five as television's leading show.
In 2006, he stepped down to become a "correspondent emeritus." His last appearance was Jan. 6, 2008, where he interviewed former professional baseball player and accused steroid user Roger Clemens.
"All of us at CBS News and particularly at 60 Minutes owe so much to Mike. Without him and his iconic style, there probably wouldn't be a 60 Minutes. There simply hasn't been another broadcast journalist with that much talent. It almost didn't matter what stories he was covering, you just wanted to hear what he would ask next. Around CBS he was the same infectious, funny and ferocious person as he was on TV. We loved him and we will miss him very much," added Jeff Fager, chairman CBS News and executive producer of 60 Minutes.
Noted Fox News chairman and CEO Roger Ailes: "Mike Wallace was one of the premier journalists of our time -- his legendary tenacity, passion for the truth and unwavering commitment to fairness will always be admired and remembered. He will remain in the pantheon of greats in broadcasting journalism. Our thoughts and prayers are with Chris and the entire Wallace family."
A special 60 Minutes dedicated to Wallace will air next Sunday.
