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In this Web-only clip Dick Cavett recalls seeing a local magician at a musty church basement in rural Nebraska. The traveling illusionist took a liking to Cavett, and offered words of encouragement. The magician’s name: Johnny Carson.

It was just the first of many occasions when these two pioneers would cross paths. To see more on Dick Cavett tune in to PIONEERS OF TELEVISION premiering on Wednesday, January 2 at 8 – 9 PT EST and airing every Wednesday until January 23 on PBS (check local listings).

To learn more about PIONEERS OF TELEVISION go to http://www.pbs.org/pioneersoftelevision/