| Richard Dawson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Colin Lionel Emm |
| Born: | November 20, 1932 |
| Birth Hometown: | Gosport, Hampshire, England |
| Died: | June 2, 2012 (age 79) |
| Place of death: | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation: | Host, Actor, Comedian |
| Years active: | 1960-1995 |
| Known for: | Regular panelist for Match Game; Original host of Family Feud |
Richard Dawson (born Colin Lionel Emm on November 20, 1932; died June 2, 2012) was a British-born American Daytime Emmy award-winning actor, comedian, game show panelist and host. He was best known as a celebrity panelist of Match Game and the original host of Family Feud (until 1988 when he was then proceeded by Ray Combs, but then came back later in 1994). On Family Feud, he was well known for kissing contestants for good luck.
In 1987, he co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger as the evil game show host Damon Killian in "The Running Man." However, Richard wasn't the first choice for the role, the production crew originally wanted Chuck Woolery for the role due to him being the same height as Schwarzenegger, however, Woolery turned down the offer due to scheduling conflicts and Schwarzenegger requested Dawson instead due to their close friendship.
Early Career[]
One of his trademarks, kissing all the female contestants, was one of the things that made Family Feud appear to be a warm and friendly program. He was nicknamed "The Kissing Bandit". He stopped this trademark gesture by announcing on the premiere of the 1994 version of Family Feud that he promised his daughter not to do it anymore. Richard became a US citizen in 1984.
Trivia[]
He narrated TV's Funniest Game Shows for FOX in November 2000.
Death[]
Richard Dawson died on June 2, 2012, from esophageal cancer, just five months short of his 80th birthday. His death came exactly 16 years after the death and suicide of Ray Combs, his predecessor and successor.
Shows hosted[]
- Lucky Pair (1969-1971)
- Masquerade Party (1974-1975)
- The World Championship of Trivia (1975 Special)
- Family Feud (1976–1985, 1994–1995)
- You Bet Your Life (1988, unsold pilot)
- TV's Funniest Game Shows (2000)
Shows appeared[]
- Dream Girl of '67
- Lohman & Barkley's Name Droppers
- Cop-Out!
- I've Got a Secret (1972 version)
- Password All-Stars
- Rhyme and Reason
- Showoffs
- Match Game
- The Gong Show
- Celebrity Bowling
- TattleTales
- TV's Funniest Game Show Moments
Movie appeared[]
Gallery[]
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