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T.V. Week: Secrets of Talk Shows.

Former late-night talk show host Dick Cavett. He got his start writing gags for Jack Parr, when Parr was the host of The Tonight Show. Cavett then went the route of the standup comic, and in 1968 landed a morning talk show gig. Eventually he hosted his own late-night talk show opposite The Tonight Show which ran on ABC until 1975. From 1977-1982 he hosted The Dick Cavett Show five times a week on PBS. (REBROADCAST from 9/24/85)

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Other segments from the episode on August 29, 2000

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, August 29, 2000: Interview with Jay Leno; Interview with Fred De Cordova; Interview with Dick Cavett; Interview with Conan O'Brien.
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06:20

T.V. Week: Fred de Cordova Discusses His Life and Career.

Fred De Cordova, is the former executive producer of "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." In 1988 he wrote his autobiography, "Johnny Came Lately," a behind-the-scenes tell-all about the workings of one of television's longest-running and highest rated shows. De Cordova credits include directing Ronald Reagan in "Bedtime for Bonzo," directing "The Jack Benny Show," "The Burns and Allen Show," and "My Three Sons." (REBROADCAST from 3/21/88)

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28:11

Secrets of Talk Shows.

Dick Cavett is a television talk show host, comedian, and writer. He's had shows on ABC, public television, and cable television. He began his career writing jokes for Jack Parr and Johnny Carson. He is known for his esoteric guest and "intellectual" style.

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