Groucho Marx and Dick Cavett on “The Dick Cavett Show,” June 1969. Photo by Ron Baldwin
Dick Cavett was writing for Jack Paar on “The Tonight Show” when he met Groucho Marx at the funeral of playwright George S. Kaufman in 1961. It was the beginning of a friendship that lasted until Groucho’s death in 1977. When Cavett made the transition from writer to comedian in 1965, he was encouraged and mentored by Groucho. When Cavett became the host of his own talk show in 1968, Groucho quickly became a frequent guest. Groucho’s appearances on “The Dick Cavett Show” captured what Cavett calls, “the last of Groucho’s greatness.” This timeline depicts the milestones in the working relationship and friendship between Groucho Marx and Dick Cavett.
FIRST MEETING
Dick Cavett and Groucho Marx meet for the first time at the funeral of playwright George S. Kaufman in New York City. Cavett had recently joined the writing staff of "The Tonight Show" with Jack Paar.
Cavett makes an on-camera appearance with Paar on "The Tonight Show."
Jack Paar hosts "The Tonight Show" for the final time. Interim hosts fill in until Johnny Carson takes over the show in October. Cavett remains on the writing staff.
HOSTING "THE TONIGHT SHOW"
Groucho Marx begins a week as the guest host of "The Tonight Show." Cavett writes monologue jokes for him.
Groucho and Cavett reconnect when Groucho appears on Carson’s first "Tonight Show" to introduce him as the new host.
Groucho returns as the guest host of "The Tonight Show," this time filling in for the vacationing Johnny Carson. Cavett again writes monologue jokes for Groucho.
Cavett begins working as a standup comedian in New York nightclubs, He leaves "The Tonight Show" in early 1965.
Cavett makes his first appearance on "The Merv Griffin Show" and receives an encouraging letter from Groucho.
Groucho hosts "The Kraft Music Hall" television show and requests that Dick Cavett be booked as one of his guests.
"THE DICK CAVETT SHOW"
Dick Cavett debuts as the host of ABC’s new daytime show, "This Morning." The title of the show is soon changed to "The Dick Cavett Show."
Groucho makes his first appearance on "The Dick Cavett Show."
Cavett brings the show to Hollywood and Groucho makes his second appearance.
Groucho appears on Cavett’s new prime time show. An expanded version of this episode is shown on September 5.
Groucho promotes the Broadway musical "Minnie’s Boys" on "The Dick Cavett Show."
Groucho returns to "The Dick Cavett Show" five days after his previous appearance.
GROUCHO AND CAPOTE
Groucho appears on "The Dick Cavett Show" with Truman Capote. Their segment together becomes one of the most memorable in the show’s history.
During his monologue Cavett spots Groucho and briefly interviews him at his seat in the audience.
LAST APPEARANCE
Groucho makes his final appearance on "The Dick Cavett Show."
Cavett introduces Groucho at Carnegie Hall. Recordings from the concert – including Cavett’s introduction – are released on the album "An Evening with Groucho."
ABC’s Wide World of Entertainment airs a 90-minute retrospective of clips from Groucho’s appearances on "The Dick Cavett Show."
Groucho Marx dies in Los Angeles, California at the age of 86.
REMEMBERING GROUCHO
Cavett cohosts the tribute, "Remembering Groucho" on ABC.
