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Flashes From Liz Smith | 03/18/2009 12:00 pm

'60 Minutes' Creator Don Hewitt Hospitalized: UPDATED

By Liz Smith
© AP

Don Hewitt, the creator of CBS’s famous, long-running "60 Minutes," is in Sloan Kettering, felled by pancreatic cancer.  

Mr. Hewitt invented the program in his dynamic, courageous and independent manner and took it to a victory it still enjoys. It is the most reliable, in-depth program of news on television. Even after he relinquished direct reins to the show, Don has continued his energetic race to the top with new ideas and concepts and an unending work ethic.  

He is a citizen of Manhattan and also of Bridgehampton, NY, where he usually holds court Sunday mornings with pals and admirers in the Candy Kitchen of that little Hamptons town. His loyal wife, Marilyn Berger Hewitt, a former writer for The New York Times, is by Don’s side. We hope against hope for his recovery.  

This is a man I admire immensely and we have had our arguments and disagreements through the years, but they have never ended our friendship.

UPDATE: Mr. Hewitt now says he is not yet hospitalized but is going in Friday to have his pancreas assessed.

 

Also from Liz Smith: Natasha Richardson Off Life Support at Lenox Hill Hospital

8 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Patricia Sprofera
My prayers are with Mr. Hewitt, his family and his friends.
By Patricia Sprofera on 03/18/2009 2:04 pm
Murphy Mac
I have enjoyed Mr. Hewitt’s good work on CBS. I hope he is not in a lot of pain and is kept comfortable. Blessings to his family.
By Murphy Mac on 03/18/2009 2:10 pm
Jeannot Kensinger
A genius for sure. We wish him the very best.
By Jeannot Kensinger on 03/18/2009 3:42 pm
Jeanette Foresta

So sorry! Don Hewitt, the creator of CBS’s famous, long-running "60 Minutes," is in Sloan Kettering, felled by pancreatic cancer.  "60 minutes" has been my favorite show for many years, my father and I would sit and discuss the issues, the people, and things that were really important like people. My father would have loved the interactions here on these postings.

If Bush allowed us to go ahead with the stem cell research to go ahead maybe we would have a cure by now. My sister in-law age 56 also struck with this cancer as I wrote about last night here on my prior post about how i was caring for her, is now back in Sloan Kettering. May he have a loving caring worker or family member to care for him like I am to those in the most need in their home. I helped my mother, father, and now my ex-sister-in-law when she comes back home I will be there for her, and her family.It is one of the hardest things in life to see them ill. 

LAST NIGHT i wrote this. 

On ‘60 Minutes last night: Alice Waters and the Antidote to Fast Food (Video) I always ate organic, as much as possible, no smoking, stayed away from processed stuff, soda, diet stuff. Then plastic for milk, jars, breads, microwaves soaking molecules into the food, aspertame, they made me think we are eating plastic? This was something we have needed instead of the stealing, and hoarding people. I wish Leona Helmsley’s Fortune went to Stem Cell Research instead  of Going to Benefit Dogs - NYTimes.com

 

 And how is that money going to help dogs, maybe luxury hotels for them which would be fine by me because i di love dogs.  She can employ people to help dogs but she hated people, so who will take care of her dogs? Dogs? No but I took no money for my family member even though she was my ex-sister-in-law for  23 years! 

I said look at those legs…come on let us get those playboy photogs in here and take some shots …she got a laugh out of that. A beautiful woman will be gone, and a man who gave so much to us all, and myself I sit alone, unemployed, and with a man , ex, i hate. I am getting ready to run somewhere, or just live in my car.   But this is not about me, sorry for those who are suffering.

By Jeanette Foresta on 03/18/2009 4:41 pm
Dona Howlett

What a gift to the World………….60 Minutes.

 Thank you………….

I wish you peace Mr. Don  Hewitt……….

By Dona Howlett on 03/19/2009 1:52 am
Kris Merrill
Pancreatic cancer is a death sentence. It is hard to diagnose and it usually is too late to cure when it finally is  discovered. Go to Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer.  My late husband fought this monster for 9 months. Mr. Hewitt, my prayers are with you and thank you for "60 Minutes". In addition to giving us this wonderful program, perhaps you can inspire the research needed to fight this disease!God bless you.
By Kris Merrill on 03/19/2009 6:56 am
Jean How

To Mr. Hewitt (in case he decides to read):

I am but a small voice, but I salute you for an excellent program that you created from a vision.

During this time please do the country a curtesy and write a book on your thoughts and visions that brought you to creating 60 Minutes.

I for one would be honored to read your insight as I see you as a visionary.

I know these times are painful for you physically, and sometimes emotionally draining.  But know, you’ve touched lives with your talents, insight, and wisdom.

I for one will never be the same.  And that’s a compliment.

Wishing you all the best.  You DID make a difference for the better in this world of ours.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

By Jean How on 03/19/2009 7:23 am
L. C.
I have and continue to enjoy 60 minutes! I wish you a speedy recovery. I hope you, your family and friends find comfort in your faith and each other.
By L. C. on 03/19/2009 10:32 am