Posted on 06/03/2012 6:59:54 AM PDT by John W
Richard Dawson, the legendary host of "Family Feud," has died from complications due to esophageal cancer ... this according to his son.
Gary Dawson posted a Facebook message early this morning that read:
"It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away this evening from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was surrounded by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad, and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered..."
Dawson hosted "Feud" from 1976-1985, and then from 1994-1995. He was also famous for being a regular on "The Match Game" and for appearing in the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger action film "The Running Man."
Dawson was married to Gretchen Johnson ... interesting fact -- he met her when she was part of a contestant family on The Feud and got hitched in 1991. Dawson was famous during the first run of the show for kissing all the female contestants -- he was known as "The Kissing Bandit." But in the second run, he kissed no one -- a promise he made to Gretchen.
R.I.P. Only one Hero left — Robert Clary.
Added info-—
Dawson hosted “Feud” from 1976-1985, and then from 1994-1995. He was also famous for being a regular on “The Match Game” and for appearing in the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger action film “The Running Man.” One of his biggest roles — Dawson played Capt. Peter Newkirk on “Hogan’s Heros,” a wildly popular show in the 60’s.
Prior to Gretchen, Dawson was married to Diana Dors, a sex symbol back in the day. They had 2 sons.
Amusing, interesting character.
At the risk of dating myself, I enjoyed him more on Match Game than the Feud although it was always a pleasure watching his deadpan reactions to many clueless contestants.
Apparently his drinking was out of control during the Match Game era and he was a handful for all. He infuriated the producers by going rather quiet during tapings instead of providing the comedy relief they wanted.
He’s probably running around Heaven kissing all of the female angels.
May he rest in peace.
He’s probably running around Heaven kissing all of the female angels.
May he rest in peace.
“Not one mention of Hogan’s Heroes!”
I know, what’s up with that? He was great on that show, one of my all time faves.
RIP Richard Dawson, you gave me and many other lots of carefree amusement over the years.
He was the only character on Hogan’s Heroes I liked.
I like Richard Dawson on FF. He was hilarious. RIP....
There is sweet irony on Clary being the last Hero standing. Many on the show were Jews who got out of Europe ahead of Hitler. IIRC Clary was the only regular to actually survive Hitler’s camps. I have his autobiography, but haven’t gotten around to reading it yet.
Sad to hear that...RIP
Yes; and I see signed copies of his book are available directly from him.
Diana wasn't a bad actress, but she was so typcast that she appeared mostly in garbage films. She died in 1984 at age 53 from cancer.
I'm almost reluctant to post that she was born Diana Mary Fluck in the tight little island....but, what the hey.......
Leni
Crane and Dawson were co-leches.Dawnson was even briefly considered a suspect in Cranes murder due to their sordid past
Also, R.I.P. Kathryn Joosten - Desperate Housewives, Joan of Arcadia, The West Wing, ads for V8 & Fiber One
R.I.P. Mr Dawson
Uh oh.... That will sure get Laz into the discussion
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