Richard Dawson: The Charismatic Host Who Made TV History

Let’s talk about Richard Dawson, the legendary TV star who captured America’s heart. You might know him best as the charming host of Family Feud, but his journey to television greatness started long before that. Rising to fame on the classic sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, Dawson stood out as more than just another pretty face. His colleagues often described him as "different" — a unique presence that set him apart from the rest of the TV world at the time.

From Merchant Navy to TV Stardom: Richard Dawson’s Journey to Fame

Before Richard Dawson became a household name, he was born Colin Lionel Emm in Gosport, Hampshire, England, on November 20, 1932. As a teenager, he joined the Merchant Navy, earning extra cash by boxing on the side. But it was his love for humor that truly defined him. Dawson discovered his talent for stand-up comedy, which led him to appear in multiple BBC series in the early '50s. This was just the beginning of a career that would take him across the pond and into the hearts of millions.

By the mid-1960s, Dawson had found his place in American television. From 1965 to 1971, he played Corporal Peter Newkirk in Hogan’s Heroes, a role that became his breakout moment. But his talents weren't limited to acting. Dawson also became a regular on the iconic sketch comedy show Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, where he showcased his quick wit and comedic timing. When the show wrapped up in 1973, Dawson’s career was just getting started.

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TV producer Mark Goodson saw something special in Dawson and invited him to join Match Game as a panelist in 1973. Over the course of 1,279 episodes, Dawson made a lasting impression on audiences. His humor and charm were undeniable, and it wasn’t long before Goodson tapped him to host Family Feud in 1976. This marked the beginning of Dawson’s most iconic role.

Why Did Richard Dawson Kiss Contestants on ‘Family Feud’?

One of the most memorable aspects of Dawson’s tenure on Family Feud was his signature move: kissing contestants. He earned the playful nickname “The Kissing Bandit,” though not everyone was a fan of the gesture. Some viewers and producers criticized him for it, but Dawson always defended his actions. He explained that it all began with a nervous contestant who couldn’t name a green vegetable. To calm her down, Dawson gave her a kiss on the cheek, calling it "for luck." The rest, as they say, is history.

In a 2010 interview with the Archive of American Television, Dawson shared the story behind the famous kiss. "I said, ‘I’m going to do something that my mom would do to me whenever I had a problem of any kind. … And I kissed her on the cheek, and I said, ‘That’s for luck.’ And she said, ‘Asparagus.’ … They went on to win," he recalled. It was a moment of spontaneity that became a defining feature of his hosting style.

Years later, new details emerged about the set of Family Feud. In the book Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars, author Kliph Nesteroff claimed that contestants had to undergo a "mouth test" with a magnifying glass due to Dawson’s kissing habit. This sparked a conversation about the cultural norms of the time. "When you watch clips of that era of Family Feud on YouTube and you see Richard Dawson kissing the ladies, a lot of the comments in the comment section will say things like, ‘Well, it was a different time. That’s the way men were back then. It was a different time. People weren’t so sensitive,’” Nesteroff told People in November 2023. “And here, again, is evidence to the contrary that all kinds of people were complaining.”

Was Richard Dawson Married?

Dawson’s personal life was just as fascinating as his career. He was married twice — first to actress Diana Dors from 1959 to 1967, and later to Gretchen Johnson from 1991 until his passing. His marriage to Dors brought him two sons, Mark and Gary. But it was Johnson who captured his heart later in life. The two met when she appeared as a contestant on Family Feud in 1981. They eventually tied the knot a decade later and welcomed a daughter, Shannon, together.

Author David Baber shared insights into Dawson’s later years: "After her appearance in 1981, he called her, asked her out on a date, and they moved in together. They lived together for several years, got married [in 1991], and had a daughter, Shannon. So, he’d spent all of those years just being a family man.” Dawson’s focus shifted from the spotlight to his family, showing a softer side of the star we all knew and loved.

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What Did Richard Dawson Die From?

Tragically, Dawson passed away on June 2, 2012, at the age of 79, after battling complications from esophageal cancer. In the wake of his death, Game Show Network (GSN) paid tribute by airing a marathon of his greatest moments from Match Game and Family Feud. Reflecting on his incredible career, Dawson once said, "I’ve had the most incredible luck in my career. I never dreamed I would have a job in which so many people could touch me, and I could touch them. This has been a very special nine years of my life and if I never do another thing, I’ve met the good, sweet people of the world. God bless all the little children of the world.”