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Bill Monroe Obituary
Monroe, 90, was the NBC show's fourth moderator, from 1975 to 1984, and interviewed prominent political figures ranging from President Jimmy Carter to U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Tim Russert, the best known host of "Meet the Press," assumed the host's chair in 1991 after a series of short stints by others following Monroe's departure.
Monroe's daughter, Lee Monroe, said he her father had taken a fall in December that put him in a nursing home and had not been well since.
Bill Monroe was born in New Orleans on July 17, 1920. He graduated from Tulane University, served in World War II and later began his career in television journalism the New Orleans NBC affiliate, WDSU.
In 1961 he moved to Washington, where he became NBC's bureau chief. He wor ked on the "Today Show," winning the Peabody Award in 1972, and succeeded Lawrence Spivak as host of "Meet the Press" in 1975.
On his first day as the show's permanent moderator he interviewed Gov. George Wallace of Alabama, the staunch segregationist who was at the time running for President.
"Have you personally changed your views about segregation?," Monroe asked.
When Wallace didn't respond directly, Monroe cut him off and repeated the question. Wallace began to stumble through his next response, and Monroe asked a third time: "Have your views changed?"
Wallace finally claimed that race relations were better in Alabama than other parts of the country.
Marvin Kalb, who with Roger Mudd co-hosted "Meet the Press" after Monroe left, called him a "consummate interviewer" and a "gracious host."
"I think fairness was the word that would best describe him as host," Kalb said.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
28 Entries
Jon Ramos
February 27, 2012
Mr. Monroe was a great journalist, who graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans. He was a writer for Coronet Magazine in the 1950's. He wrote a great article about my Uncle who went to Tulane with Bill. I remember watching him later on Meet the Press, a fine jorunalist. He was an objective journalist, something that we desperately need today.
Diane, September, Charles, Cora
March 16, 2011
Peace, Prayers and Blessings,
Jose and Vicky Lopez (JLS Contracting)
February 23, 2011
We would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Monroe's family. Jose had the pleasure of working on his home last spring before he sold it. He had some great conversations with Mr. Monroe and said he was such a pleasant man. We pray for comfort for your entire family during your time of grief.
Dillon Smith
February 22, 2011
To Bill's family, my condolences.
I was editorial director at NBC in Chicago and was proud to do the kind of work he pioneered. It was a pleasure to spend time with him; once I invited him to attend an editorial board meeting in Chicago -- and his presence was a great surprise to my colleagues. Years later he asked me to write a piece on TV editorials for AJR. He was a warm. wonderful person and a first-class journalist.
Dillon Smith
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Denise
February 22, 2011
May God comfort the family and friends of Mr Monroe. We can all look forward to the time when death will be no more and instead of tears of sorrow there will be tears of happiness.
February 22, 2011
Although I never knew him personally, I admired his intellect and warmth as a young boy. He reminded me of my father and was admired by many the world over for his professionalism and skill. My prayers are for you and the family as we all stop to remember a first class journalist and American. Chris Rogers - Duncan, SC
George Silbernagel
February 21, 2011
He was a giant.
February 21, 2011
Those we love left us gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away, wisdom that we can still recall. These are the things that we shall cherish forever. May the Monroe family continue to look to Almighty God for comfort during this difficult time. Because God is a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.
Morgan Gale
February 20, 2011
I knew "of" your father by reputation before I met him at The Georgetown. I was pleased to learn on a personal level of your dad's graciousness and thoughtfulness in his last year of life and it makes me wish for more. That would be selfish of me as he wanted to go and not suffer further decline. He did so with grace and you all handled it in a way that gave him peace. He and your mother raised a fine "brood" and they have prepared you well for the next stage of your lives. Believe it or not their voices will grow stronger in your life. I wish you the best.
steve aronson
February 19, 2011
Taysie,
I met your wondeful Dad when you and I went to dinner one evening many years ago and thought him to be the warmest most gracious and dignified person I have ever met. May you and your family cherish the memories of him always.
Fernando J. Estopinal III
February 19, 2011
Out of Fortier high, Bill was a star track team miler, a scholar and a stalwart of the Silver & Blue school paper. He aimed for reporting, and along with Howard K. Smith and Stanford Opotowsky represented the best of a news reporting era, now ended with his passing. Even when in high school he wa greatly admired.
Irene Lancaster
February 19, 2011
Rest in Peace.
Paul N. Graffagnino, M.D.
February 19, 2011
Dear Lee:
I was so sorry to learn of your father's passing yesterday. I will always cherish the graciousness of your parents to me, the younger brother of one of their good friends from New Orleans and Tulane, Dr. Peter Carl Graffagnino "Graff". I was reminded of Bill's wisdom and wit by the wonderful video posted on the internet yesterday of his recent talk at Tulane. He was a great journalist. Best regards to you and the family and thanks for your fine work in Hartford.
Ned Graffagnino
Terri White (Auch)
February 18, 2011
Dear Mariah and family:
It's been a long time since our freshman year at Tulane but I couldn't let your father's passing go by without expressing my condolences.
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing and wanted you to know my prayers are with your entire family. Take comfort in knowing that he raised some pretty great kids and left behind a wonderful legacy, not only for you but for the entire world.
Samuel Labouisse
February 18, 2011
To the family of Bill Monroe - I was sorry to learn of Bill's death. My condolences to each of you.
Thomas Hofer
February 18, 2011
After he took over "Meet The Press", Bill Monroe did a splendid job in moderating it. Filling Lawrence Spivak's shoes was not easy, but Monroe was quite capable of doing this job. May he now rest in peace.
donna frye
February 18, 2011
Taysie,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Good ol' days!
Bill Duncan
February 18, 2011
Your dad, my uncle, was a wonderful man and will surely be missed. But, I will always remember the great times we all had the chance to share! Love to you all Lea, Taysie, Kitty and Mariah.
February 18, 2011
The journalist of today should watch old segments of Meet the Press and learn what their craft is all about.
Zide Bowers Jahncke
February 18, 2011
Sincere sympathy.
Dolon Peete
February 18, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Leslie Lothstein
February 17, 2011
He was an important fixture in our family political discussions. I felt he was like a family member. My father admired him and made sure our family attended to his views and those he moderated on his shows. BIll Monroe was a man of character and dignity and brought an informed mind and wisdom to the poilitical arena. I will personally miss him. Condolences to his family. the Lothstein family
R Golay
February 17, 2011
To the the family of Bill Monroe - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Bill will be missed by many.
AARON O'DWYER
February 17, 2011
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE DEATH IN YOUR FAMILY YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS AT THIS TIME OF NEED.
February 17, 2011
Dear Taysie,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Mary Anne Esposito
terry horne
February 17, 2011
bill monroe was the very best editorial writer and presenter the state of louisiana has ever seen, in my opinion. he was not only profound in substance, but also led public opinion to the 'right' side on many politically hot issues of the late '50's... i remember him well. he did not seek popularity but spoke the truth in some very troubled times. rest in peace, mr. monroe..... you will be missed
Steve Hinds
February 17, 2011
Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I enjoyed his Meet the Press sessions ,and his insight into the guests on the program. He was thorough but fair.
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