Richard Dawson

Actor / Game Show Host

British comedian Richard Dawson was picked to play Corporal Newkirk in the World War II sitcom Hogan's Heroes in 1965. A television career was born. Dawson next appeared in the comedy smash Laugh-In and the game show Match Game before taking what became his signature job: wisecracking, contestant-kissing host of the game show Family Feud. Dawson hosted the game from 1976 until 1985, and then again for one season in 1994. He also played an evil game show host in the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger film The Running Man.

Extra credit: Dawson's replacement on Family Feud was the late Ray Combs... Dawson met his second wife, Gretchen Johnson, when she was a contestant on Family Feud... Dawson's first wife was British actress Diana Dors... His co-stars on Hogan's Heroes included Bob Crane as Hogan and John Banner as Sgt. Schultz... His co-stars on Match Game included host Gene Rayburn and panelists Brett Somers and Charles Nelson Reilly.

Contrary to popular rumor, Richard Dawson is alive and well. For details, see our loop I'm Not Dead Yet!