CBS iconic journalist Mike Wallace dies at 93

Morley Safer (L) and Mike Wallace arrive at the Museum of Television & Radio's annual gala in New York, in this February 8, 2007 file photograph. Wallace, who earned a reputation as a tough interviewer on the network's "60 Minutes" show, died at the age of 93, the network said on April 8, 2012.[Photo/Agencies]

NEW YORK - CBS newsman Mike Wallace, who was famous for his tough interview style and helped make "60 Minutes" one the most successful prime-time television news program in America, has died at the age of 93, a spokesman announced on Sunday.

Wallace passed peacefully on Saturday night surrounded by family members at Waveny Care Center in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he spent the past few years, according to CBS.

"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 of CBS Corporation.

Wallace was the founding staff of the famous news program of "60 Minutes" and was famous to millions of viewers for his toughness in his interviews with world political leaders and celebrities and a reputation for digging out the hidden truth.

In almost 40 years on "60 Minutes," Wallace worked on some 800 reports, won 21 Emmys and developed a relentless on-air style that often was regarded more interrogation than interview.

He was also known to Chinese viewers as he had interviews with Chinese leaders Deng Xiaoping and Jiang Zemin in 1986 and 2000 respectively.