Why Richard Dawson Was The Most Memorable Game Show Host

Alaina April 20, 2025

When it comes to the best TV game show hosts, there’s a certain magic that connects them with the studio audience, viewers at home, and, most importantly, the contestants. Over the years, we've seen legends like Monty Hall on Let’s Make a Deal, Gene Rayburn on Match Game, Alex Trebek on Jeopardy, and Richard Dawson on Family Feud. But let’s be honest, there was something about Richard Dawson that made him stand out from the crowd. And no, it wasn’t just his habit of kissing female players (though that certainly left an impression).

What Made Richard Dawson So Unique?

“He was definitely very different from the typical game show host,” explains David Baber, author of Television Game Show Hosts: Biographies of 32 Stars, in an exclusive interview. “Richard wasn’t your average nice guy. Sure, he could be friendly, but he also had this snarky, sarcastic edge to him. He believed in being honest, and that honesty would just spill out. Unlike other hosts who might turn on the charm and sugarcoat everything, Richard didn’t always play it safe. If he didn’t like a contestant, he’d let it show, often with a sarcastic comment or a subtle jab. And on Family Feud, that side of him really shone.”

“Even Richard himself knew he was different,” David continues. “If a contestant gave a completely off-the-wall answer on Family Feud, he’d look at them and say, ‘Are you on narcotics?’ Or to one contestant, he joked, ‘Maybe you should stop watching this crap’—he was referring to television—‘and read some books.’ No other host back then would have said something like that. Sure, today we see hosts who might be a little more edgy, but Richard was truly one of a kind in his time. Everyone who worked with him said he stood out, and not just because of his hosting style.”

Read also:
Joe Scarboroughs Net Worth The Inside Story Of The Morning Joe Hosts Financial Success

From Hogan’s Heroes to Match Game and Beyond

Richard Dawson first captured America’s heart as Corporal Peter Newkirk on the beloved sitcom Hogan’s Heroes, which aired from 1965 to 1971. But his real breakout moment came as a panelist on Match Game in the '70s. His witty banter and charm made him a fan favorite, eventually leading to his transition from panelist to host of Family Feud. This new role skyrocketed his fame to unprecedented levels, but with that success came a shift in his personality.

“Before he became a household name on Match Game, the people I spoke to described Richard as friendly, outgoing, and generous,” David shares. “If he liked you, he’d go out of his way to help you. And even on Family Feud, he’d often bring staff members on camera—whether it was a cameraman or a production assistant—to give them their moment in the spotlight. He’d compliment them and make them feel appreciated. But as his ego grew, so did his tendency to treat others like they were beneath him. Still, even at his most arrogant, he could show that generous side.”