Remembering Richard Dawson

Long Time TV Personality Richard Dawson has died, he was 79 years old.  Dawson died of 
Esophagus cancer

Richard Dawson married British actress Diana Dors in 1959 and had two children in the early 60's.  They divorced in the late 60's.

Dawson's career started in 1963 with guest appearances on The Dick Van Dyke Show & Outer Limits, he appeared on the Alfred Hitchcock Hour in 1964.

His big break came in 1965 when he joined the cast of Hogan's Heroes playing Cpl Peter Newkirk.

During the time Hogan's Heroes was still on the air he appeared in guest roles on Mr. Terrific & McCloud.

After Hogan's Heroes left the air Richard Dawson became a regular on Rowan & Martin's Laugh In.

Other guest appearances in the 1970's included Love American Style, New Dick Van Dyke Show, Odd Couple, McMillan & Wife, Fantasy Island & The Love Boat.

In 1973 Richard Dawson joined the panel on Match Game 73 with Gene Rayburn, Dawson was a fixture on this show until the late 70's.

Another big break came in 1976 when ABC TV launched Family Feud.  Dawson was perfect for this show.  This was the first time where the host kissed all the female contestants on the lips.  Dawson was really great keeping the show exciting while giving each family a fair shot to win.

Family Feud lasted until 1985 but continued on with syndication using hosts Ray Combs, John O'Hearly, Richard Karn and Steve Harvey.

After Ray Combs left Family Feud Richard Dawson came back in 1994 to host Family Feud again, this time he didn't kiss any of the women but the magic seemed to be gone.

Ironically both Richard Dawson & Ray Combs died on June 2.