One of the biggest behind-the-scenes men in television has died.
"60 Minutes" creator Don Hewitt died at his home in Bridgehamton, New York Wednesday, succumbing to the pancreatic cancer that had him looking so frail at Walter Cronkite's funeral just three weeks ago.
Working with Cronkite was among the first jobs Hewitt had at CBS after joining the network in 1948.
His tenure there included a decade of work with the legendary Edward R. Murrow.
In 1960 Hewitt directed and produced the very first televised presidential debate between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.
It was in 1968 that "60 minutes" debuted and established a faithful following of millions that still tune-in every Sunday.
"The formula is simple: It's four words, every kid in the world knows: Tell me a story' it's that easy," he said of his philosophy for the show.
He worked on "60 Minutes" until well into his 80s before retiring five years ago.
