The Post-Broadcast Lives: Where Are The Former 60 Minutes Cast Members Now In 2025?
The legacy of 60 Minutes is defined by its iconic cast of correspondents, a roster of hard-hitting investigative journalists whose faces and voices became synonymous with Sunday night news. For decades, they delivered groundbreaking reports that shaped American political discourse and culture. While the current lineup continues to uphold this tradition, the question of what happened to the legends who stepped away—the Mike Wallaces, the Ed Bradleys, and the Dan Rathers—remains a source of intense public curiosity.
As of late 2024 and early 2025, the lives of these former 60 Minutes cast members are as varied and compelling as the stories they once reported. Some have embraced quiet retirements, others have pivoted to new media and commentary, and a few continue to make headlines with their post-CBS careers. This deep dive explores the current status of the show’s most influential alumni, highlighting their latest projects, accolades, and enduring impact on investigative journalism.
The Titans of Investigative Journalism: A Complete Roster of Former 60 Minutes Correspondents and Their Final Status
The strength of 60 Minutes has always been its rotating cast of journalistic heavyweights. Below is a list of the most notable former correspondents and contributors, detailing their tenure and final status at the show, which serves as a foundation for understanding their post-broadcast careers.
- Mike Wallace (1968–2006): Founding correspondent, known for his aggressive, confrontational interview style. He retired from full-time reporting in 2006 and passed away in 2012.
- Morley Safer (1970–2016): Longest-serving correspondent. Known for his elegant writing and diverse range of stories, from the Vietnam War to art forgery. He retired just before his death in 2016.
- Ed Bradley (1972–2006): Known for his distinctive style, single earring, and insightful coverage of civil rights, war, and culture. He passed away in 2006 while still a correspondent.
- Harry Reasoner (1968–1970, 1978–1991): A founding correspondent, known for his wry, conversational style. Passed away in 1991.
- Andy Rooney (1978–2011): The show’s signature essayist, known for his humorous and curmudgeonly "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney" segment. He passed away in 2011.
- Dan Rather (1975–1981, Contributor 1981–2006): Served as a correspondent before becoming the anchor of the CBS Evening News, continuing to contribute to 60 Minutes. He departed CBS in 2006.
- Steve Kroft (1989–2019): Known for his major political interviews, including the first joint interview with Bill and Hillary Clinton. He retired in 2019.
- Diane Sawyer (1984–1989): Correspondent who later became a major anchor at ABC News.
- Meredith Vieira (1989–1991): Correspondent who later became a host on The View and Today Show.
- Lara Logan (2005–2018): Chief Foreign Correspondent and later a full-time correspondent, known for her war zone reporting. She departed CBS in 2018.
- Bob Simon (1996–2015): Veteran foreign correspondent who died in a car crash in 2015.
- Scott Pelley (2003–Present): Although still a correspondent, he is a former anchor of the CBS Evening News.
- Charles Kuralt (1968–1979): Early correspondent, known for his "On the Road" segments.
- Roger Mudd (1968–1980): Early correspondent and political reporter.
- Connie Chung (1990–1994): Co-anchor and correspondent.
The Legends Who Are Still Making Headlines in 2025
The spirit of investigative journalism doesn't simply retire; it often finds new platforms. Several high-profile former cast members have leveraged their 60 Minutes experience to launch new, impactful, and sometimes controversial second careers, with significant developments occurring even in 2025.
Dan Rather: The Unstoppable Voice of Modern Commentary
Dan Rather, who served as a correspondent and contributor to 60 Minutes before his long tenure as CBS Evening News anchor, has become one of the most prominent media figures of the digital age.
Rather, now in his 90s, has successfully transitioned from network news anchor to a highly influential social media commentator. His Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) posts, which often focus on media ethics, political accountability, and the state of democracy, regularly go viral, demonstrating his enduring relevance and topical authority.
In a notable development in 2024, Rather made a symbolic return to the CBS News fold, a significant event given his bitter departure from the network in 2006. This return was seen by many in the industry as a long-overdue reconciliation. Furthermore, his commentary continues to be sought after, with articles in late 2025 discussing his views on the current direction of CBS News and the media landscape as a whole.
Meredith Vieira: From Investigative Reporter to Award-Winning Host
Meredith Vieira's career is a masterclass in journalistic versatility. After her time as a 60 Minutes correspondent, she became a household name as the original moderator of The View and the co-host of the Today Show.
Her work continues to be recognized at the highest levels. In a major 2025 update, Vieira is set to receive the prestigious Governors' Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences—Boston/New England Chapter. This accolade celebrates her illustrious career, which spans hard news, daytime talk, and game shows like 25 Words or Less. This award highlights how her foundational investigative skills from 60 Minutes paved the way for a successful, multi-faceted career in television.
Lara Logan: The Controversial Pivot to Independent Media
Lara Logan, known for her fearless reporting from war zones like Afghanistan and Iraq, departed 60 Minutes in 2018. Her post-CBS career has taken a distinct and often controversial path, focusing on independent media and deeply polarized commentary.
Logan is currently the host of a documentary series, Lara Logan Has No Agenda, which explores various political and social topics outside the mainstream media structure. Her transition has been marked by a shift in focus and tone, leading to a significant amount of media coverage regarding her controversial comments on political figures and events. While she continues to be a sought-after speaker for her experience as a war correspondent and survivor, her media appearances have become more selective, demonstrating a significant career change from her network news days.
The Enduring Legacy: Remembering the Pillars of 60 Minutes
The show's enduring success is built on the foundation laid by its earliest and most influential correspondents, many of whom have passed away but whose work remains the gold standard of the newsmagazine format. The legacy of these journalists continues to influence how investigative reporting is conducted today.
The Mike Wallace and Ed Bradley Standard
Mike Wallace, a founding correspondent, set the tone for the show with his relentless, often abrasive pursuit of the truth. His interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and criminals are legendary, establishing a benchmark for high-stakes journalism that few have matched.
Ed Bradley, with his cool demeanor and deep empathy, brought a unique perspective to the show. He was a pioneer, being one of the first African American journalists to achieve such prominence in network news. His reporting on the AIDS crisis, the war in Vietnam, and the music industry earned him numerous Emmy and Peabody Awards, solidifying his status as a journalistic icon whose style is still studied today.
Steve Kroft: Enjoying a Well-Earned Retirement
Steve Kroft retired in 2019 after 30 years and nearly 500 stories on 60 Minutes, leaving behind a body of work that included the first interview with Barack and Michelle Obama after his election and the infamous interview with the Clintons regarding the Gennifer Flowers allegations.
Since his retirement, Kroft has largely stepped away from the public eye, enjoying a quiet post-retirement life. His final years on the show were celebrated with retrospectives that highlighted his three Peabody Awards and nine Emmy Awards, confirming his place as one of the most decorated investigative reporters of his generation.
The Impact of 60 Minutes Alumni on Modern Media
The careers of the former 60 Minutes cast members serve as a powerful case study in the evolution of media. Their collective journey—from the golden age of network news to the fragmented digital era—reflects the challenges and opportunities facing journalism today. Whether through Dan Rather’s viral social media commentary, Meredith Vieira’s successful transition to entertainment, or Lara Logan’s controversial independent path, these journalists continue to demonstrate the power of a strong, established voice.
The skills honed in the crucible of 60 Minutes—the ability to distill complex issues, conduct tough interviews, and maintain a commitment to factual reporting—remain essential, regardless of the platform. The alumni of this iconic newsmagazine are not just history; they are a living, breathing commentary on the state of global media in 2025.
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