Richard Dawson
- Born:
- Colin Lionel Emm, November 20, 1932, Gosport, Hampshire, England
- Died:
- June 2, 2012, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- British-American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Comedian, Television Host, Game Show Host
Early Life and Education
- Born Colin Lionel Emm in England.
- Served in the Merchant Navy in his youth.
- Adopted the stage name Richard Dawson upon beginning his acting career.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained initial recognition as Corporal Peter Newkirk on the CBS sitcom Hogan's Heroes (1965–1971).
- Became a panelist on the game show Match Game (1973–1978).
- Host of Family Feud (1976–1985, 1994–1995). His tenure is considered a key period in the show's history.
- Won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1978 for his work on Family Feud.
Notable Works
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Hogan's Heroes | 1965-1971 | Cpl. Peter Newkirk |
| Match Game | 1973-1978 | Panelist |
| Family Feud | 1976-1985, 1994-1995 | Host |
| The Running Man | 1987 | Damon Killian |
Legacy and Impact
Richard Dawson is remembered for his comedic talent and charismatic personality, especially his role as host of Family Feud, where he significantly impacted the show's popularity. His on-screen persona contributed greatly to the success and enduring appeal of the game show format. Many consider his time as one of the `previous family feud hosts biography` highlights due to his unique style and interactions with contestants.