Hall of Fame 1991

Dick Cavett

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Born in Gibbon, Nebraska, Dick Cavett grew up in Lincoln, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1954. A very bright student, he also excelled in gymnastics and magic. Dick's zest for a career in entertainment began when he saw a young magician by the name of Johnny Carson at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. He studied English and drama on a scholarship at Yale University, travelling to New York weekends in pursuit of a broadcasting career.

In 1960, Dick was hired as a writer on the early Tonight Show with Jack Paar. After four years of writing humor, he decided to do his own stand-up comedy. then in 1968, "The Dick Cabett Show" premiered on ABC-TV. Through the years, he hosted various programs on CBS, a talk show on PBS and on the USA network. He was also featured on cable channel CNBC. Over the years his guests have included personalities from Groucho Marx to Katherine Hepburn to Bob Hope.

His distinctive voice is still heard in Nebraska as he provides the audio talent for the University of Nebraska television and radio commercials. "There is no place like Nebraska."