The recent spate of celebrity deaths seems to be hitting the game show world especially hard. Last night we lost another true legend, Richard Dawson.Dawson hosted Family Feud from 1976 through 1985, and returned to host the show once more from 1994-95. He's also well-known for his role in the television show Hogan's Heroes, which aired from 1965 to 1971, and several other roles including a frequent panel spot on The Match Game, and his role in the 1987 action movie The Running Man.
Dawson had been in poor health for many years, and didn't make many public appearances in later years. He did, however, appear via a pre-recorded video at the GSN Game Show Awards in 2009, paying tribute to the late Mark Goodson.
His son, Gary Dawson, posted this morning on Facebook: "Dear Friends. 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..." This post is followed by some wonderful photos.
Richard Dawson is a game show icon and he will be fondly remembered by his many fans. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
Photo courtesy GSN
Comments
I thought it was very strange that Richard Dawson the fist host of Family Feud and Ray Combs the second host both died on the Same Date 16 years apart!
To Mark Surda: I agree with you about the coincidence of both Richard Dawson and Ray Combs both hosts dying on the same date 16 years apart.
This reading brought dejavu to me personally. I’ve been widowed twice. My first husband of 23 years died March 22nd at 11:00 a.m., my second husband of only 3 years died the same date and time…March 22nd at 11:00 a.m. only a year apart from my first husband. I’m not coping well with this information, try to avoid the 22nd of each month because everything bad happens to me on the 22nd.
May Richard Dawson’s soul rest in peace finally, no more pain or suffering. My deepest condolences to his family, relatives and friends.
Richard Dawson was a true legend, and there will never be another like him. So sad to hear of his passing. He truly was my favorite game show host, out of the multitude of lacquer-haired, big-toothed, always-smiling emcees.
If anyone ever saw the hilarious Family Feud blooper of a contestant who anwered “September” in Fast Money to the question: “Name the month a woman begins to look pregnant.”
Richard’s reaction was absolutely priceless. He tried several times to compose himself, but couldn’t help but laugh at the ridiculous response. He even dropped down to his knees, buckling over in laughter, trying to finish the round, so these poor, dumb people could actually win some money.
Farewell and God speed, Richard, you will be sorely missed, because there will never be another one like you. Ever.
REST IN PEACE RICHARD DAWSON & THANK YOU FOR THE LAUGHS & THE MEMORIES. i GREW UP WATCHING YOU FROM HOGANS HEROS & ON YOU WERE ONE OF MY FAMILIES FAVOURITES TO WATCH, IF IT WAS ANNOUCNCED RICHARD DAWSON WILL BE APPEARING WE WATCHED IT. MY REGARS TO THE FAMIY & FRIENDS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
A MAN THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED WITH A SMILE.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((SHERRIE T-G )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
richard dawson is one of those host that I watch for so
many years,I watch the feud on GSN for many years and
been a longtime fan of the show and his kissing those woman
he will be miss.
There is a 3 and half hour interview with Richard Dawson that was taped last July!–Great interview!–Shocking how old he looks!—He tells how he almost lost the job of hosting Family Feud to William Shatner!— Go to You Tube and in the search box type –”Richard Dawson interview!
I can remember all his wonderful show such the hogan heros and bong games and the others games. My prayers goes out to his family and we will miss him dearly and I will miss him too
I so wish he was my uncle