Richard Dawson, born Colin Lionel Emm on November 20, 1932, in Gosport, Hampshire, England, began his life with a 14-year-old's curiosity, joining the Merchant Navy at that age and serving for three years. During his time at sea, he discovered the world of boxing, making money by fighting and having to lie about his age to avoid being hassled by the older boxers.
As he grew older, Richard's path crossed with that of British actress Diana Dors, and on April 12, 1959, they were married while Richard was in New York for an appearance on The Steve Allen Plymouth Show. Their union produced two sons, Mark Dawson, born in 1960, and Gary Dawson, born in 1962. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1967.
Richard's acting career took off when he joined the popular series Hogan's Heroes in 1965, playing the lovable British Corporal Peter Newkirk. The show came to an end in 1971, and he soon became a panelist on Match Game in 1973, a position he held until 1978.
In 1976, Richard hosted his own show, Family Feud, a program that became synonymous with his trademark of kissing female contestants, his quick wit, subtle jokes, and ability to make people feel at ease on camera. In 1987, he co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the science fiction action movie The Running Man, playing an egotistical game show host, Damon Killian, who many believed was a reflection of his own personality at one time or another.
When Richard was 61, he hosted the third incarnation of Family Feud in 1994, but his run was short-lived. On April 6, 1981, he met 27-year-old Gretchen Johnson, who appeared on Family Feud with her family, and they had a daughter, Shannon Dawson, in 1990. They got married in 1991 and were still together, residing in Beverly Hills, California.
Throughout his life, Richard narrated TV's Funniest Game Show Moments on Fox in early 2000 and hosted a Family Feud marathon on Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, 2000, which was filmed in 1995. Some people may not recognize the name Richard Dawson, but mention his famous quote "Survey says...!" or refer to his role as Newkirk on Hogan's Heroes, and they're sure to know who you mean.
Richard Dawson passed away on June 2, 2012, at the age of 79, due to complications from esophageal cancer.
