
Richard Dawson was a British-American actor, comedian, and television host best known for hosting the popular game show *Family Feud*. He was born Colin Lionel Emm on November 20, 1932, in Gosport, England. Dawson began his career as a comedian and gained recognition for his role as Corporal Peter Newkirk on the television sitcom *Hogan's Heroes*, which aired from 1965 to 1971. After *Hogan's Heroes*, Dawson became a regular panelist on *Match Game*, where his quick wit and charm made him a fan favorite. In 1976, he became the original host of *Family Feud*, a role that earned him an Emmy Award and widespread acclaim. His warm personality and habit of kissing female contestants became his trademark. Dawson continued hosting the show until 1985 and later returned for a brief revival in 1994. He also appeared in the 1987 sci-fi action film *The Running Man*, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was married twice, first to actress Diana Dors and later to Gretchen Johnson, whom he met on *Family Feud*. Richard Dawson passed away on June 2, 2012, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from esophageal cancer. His contributions to television, especially as the beloved host of *Family Feud*, left a lasting impact on audiences.