By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Richard Dawson, the original host of TV’s Family Feud and one of Hogan’s Heroes, passed away on Saturday night. He was 79.
Dawson’s son Gary shared the sad news via Facebook, saying, “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.”
Born in Gosport, Hampsire, England, Dawson’s first major acting role after moving to Los Angeles was as Cpl. Peter Newkirk on the war-themed comedy Hogan’s Heroes, which ran from 1965 to ’71. After that show’s run, he appeared as a panelist on such game/quiz shows as I’ve Got a Secret and Match Game.
Fun fact: So popular was Dawson on Match Game that contestants almost always chose him as their Head-to-Head bonus round partner — to the point that a rule change was made where the celeb partner was randomly selected for the player.
As a host, Dawson’s credits include Family Feud, which debuted in July 1976 and where he was famous for smooching female players, and what I always felt was the too-short-lived Masquerade Party.
On the big screen, Dawson tweaked his TV persona by playing a malevolent game show host/producer in 1987’s The Running Man, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
UPDATE: GSN (the Game Show Network) will tribute Dawson on Thursday, June 7, from 7 to 11 pm EST, with a marathon of his most iconic moments from Family Feud and Match Game.
I know I’m way out of the demographic at 25, but I grew up watching old reruns of Match Game.
.
This is so sad. My mother is going to be devastated.
Im 23, but right there with you. RIP Richard!
Mine too and my Gram…Dawson and The Feud was a staple of our family TV time in the mid 70s and early 80s. My Mom and Gram adored him and I admired him. He was smooth without being smarmy, witty without being cheesy. He was an ICON.
I’m 21 but it’s the same for me too.
It’s really such a shame, he never ceased to entertain with his wit.
Richard Dawson, Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers were so hysterical together on Match Game. And his reactions to the stupid answers some people gave on Family Feud were just brilliant. Thanks for the laughs, Mr. Dawson!
I know. I caught an episode of Match Game once and now its in the top 3 on my DVR list. I record it everytime it comes on.
He was just great on Match Game and on Family Feud. I’m very sad today, but happy I have the All-Star Family Feud DVDs to celebrate Richard at his best today! I expect GSN will do an amazing lineup of tribute shows, hopefully including the Family Feud where one of his future wives was a contestant. I always seem to miss that one when it’s rerun!
I love watching his Family Feuds and the Match Game, and they do ALWAYS pick him, it was always a surprise when they didn’t. Explains why the changed to the random spinner thing. I would’ve picked him too.
RIP Richard. I grew up watching reruns of Hogan’s Heroes as well as Family Feud and Match Game. Sad news.
My grandmother absolutely loved watching on Family Feud. she passed away 2 years ago, and it’s just sad to see this and feel another chilhood memory fade away.
The best Family Feud host ever not to mention kissing the female contestants on every show and was so hilarious as Newkirk on Hogan’s Heroes. RIP the star of Family Feud… Richard Dawson. :-(
Rest In Peace Mr. Dawson.
So sad. I remember him fondly from Family Feud. RIP, Richard Dawson.
I am so sad. I STILL watch MATCH GAME ’74 repeats on GSN and think that show is more entertaining that the rest of the crap on TV. And now most of them are gone — host Gene Rayburn, panelists Brett Sommers, Charles Nelson Reilly and now Richard. Sad. ;-(
more entertaining than*, not that
When you think about it, it isn’t really all THAT sad–these were people at or sometimes beyond the peak of their careers (meaning they were at least middle-aged), plus the show was almost 40 years ago. It would be a shock if most of them *weren’t* dead.
Thats so sad,i grew up watching family feud,hogans heros,my prayers are with his family and friends,may he rest in peace
No offence to others but Family Fued has never been as good as when Richard was the host. I’m in the age group to have watched that and Match Game, Hogan’s Heroes when they were broadcast. RIP Richard.
he was a hard act to follow! one of the best game show hosts, love him on match game too!
Had such a crush on him when I was a kid because of Hogan’s Heroes. Will always hold a soft spot in my heart. RIP, Richard Dawson.
A very classy individual—
Loved him on match game! RIP
Best quote/running man-“who loves you and who do you love!!!
True! Richard Dawson was the bright spot of that very bad movie. I watched Hogans heroes during it’s first run and subsequent runs and always thought Dawson and Ivan Dixon (Kinch) were the two best performers.
Besides the already mentioned TV roles, I really enjoyed him in Running Man playing an “evil” gameshow host.
This is really sad to hear! Richard Dawson was the best host Family Fued ever had and I to grew up watching all these shows when they were new! As far as the comment by CJ it doesn’t matter what age someone is it is sad when they pass away! Not only is your comment disrespectful of Mr. Dawson it is also disrespectful of his surviving family! RIP Richard Dawson!!
I don’t think CJ meant any disrespect. He’s/she’s just pointing out that these people had very full, long and prosperous lives and it’s not so shocking to hear of their passing due to their age. I have seen many a Richard Dawson game show and am sad to hear he lost his battle.
I always watched “Match Game” after school. My family talked about going on Family Feud in the 70’s we almost did. Richard was my mothers favorite. Great memories, Rest In Peace, Mr Dawson. Bob C.
I am saddened by the news of Mr. Dawson’s passing. I grew up watching his antics on Family Feud and I enjoy watching Match Game reruns. The best host of Family Feud, in my opinion, never to be equaled. Rest in peace and thanks for the good memories, Mr. Dawson.
Aww – who didn’t want to get a peck on the cheek from Richard Dawson? RIP Mr. Dawson!
Side note – I had no idea he was born in England!
No offense, but how could you NOT know that he was born in England????
I’m only 19 & I LOVED watching Match Game reruns on GSN. I always wished that it was still on so I could be a contestant on the show! He was a great host.
Very sad to hear of his passing. He was my favorite Family Feud host. R.I.P.
He’ll be missed.
When I was unemployed last year, I discovered Match Game and Family Feud (with Mr Dawson), along with Pyramid, on GSN and fell in love with Richard. I loved how he was so witty, how he and the others on Match Game got on so well and how he was the perfect host on Match Game. The pure silliness and innocent fun just buoyed me enough to get through my depression. So soon after losing Dick Clark, it is a sad day.
duh, *host on Family Feud.