Richard Dawson’s journey to fame began with the hit TV show Hogan’s Heroes. Born Colin Lionel M in Gosport, Hampshire, England on November 20, 1932, Dawson had an interesting early life. He joined the Merchant Navy as a teenager and took up boxing to earn extra money. This phase of his life gave him confidence that later helped him in his career in stand-up comedy.
Dawson began appearing in BBC variety series in the early 1950s. His big break came when he played Corporal Peter Newkirk on Hogan’s Heroes from 1965 to 1971. The role made him a household name in the US. He continued his TV career as a regular cast member on Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In until the show ended in 1973.
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How did Dawson become a game show icon?
In 1973, TV producer Mark Goodson saw potential in Dawson and brought him on as a panelist for Match Game. Dawson’s wit and charm made him a favorite among viewers. He appeared in 1,279 episodes of Match Game. His popularity on this show led Goodson to offer him the hosting role on Family Feud in 1976.
Dawson brought a unique style to Family Feud. He was known for his humor, quick wit, and most notably, his habit of kissing female contestants. This earned him the nickname “The Kissing Bandit.” While some viewers and producers criticized his behavior, Dawson explained that it started as a way to calm a nervous contestant. He believed it helped the contestants feel more comfortable and perform better on the show.
Why did Richard Dawson kiss the contestants?
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Dawson’s kissing habit became a signature move on Family Feud. He said it started when a contestant was struggling to name a green vegetable due to nervousness. Dawson kissed her on the cheek for luck and she immediately responded “asparagus,” leading to his team winning. The gesture was meant to be comforting and encouraging, but it also sparked controversy.
Dawson told this story in an interview with the Archive of American Television in 2010. However, not everyone agreed with his viewpoint. According to the book Outrageous: A history of showbiz and the culture wars Written by Kliph Nesteroff, the show required contestants to undergo medical tests to ensure they were safe to be kissed by Dawson, due to concerns over his kissing habit.
Was Richard Dawson married?
Dawson’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He married twice. His first marriage was to actress Diana Dors from 1959 to 1967. They had two sons, Mark and Gary. His second marriage was to Gretchen Johnson, whom he met in 1981 as a contestant on Family Feud. They married in 1991 and had a daughter named Shannon.
After marrying Johnson, Dawson’s priorities changed. She paid more attention to her family life. According to author David Weber, Dawson spent several years with Johnson before marriage. Their family life with their daughter Shannon was full of happiness.
What was the cause of death of Richard Dawson?
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Richard Dawson died on June 2, 2012, at the age of 79. The cause of his death was complications of esophageal cancer. His death was a great loss to the entertainment world. To honor his memory, GSN aired a marathon of Dawson’s best moments from Match Game and Family Feud.
Reflecting on his career in 1985, Dawson expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had. He considered himself lucky to have a job that allowed him to connect with so many people. He appreciated the interaction with the audience and contestants and considered it the greatest moment of his career.
What was Dawson’s legacy?
Richard Dawson left an indelible mark on television. He was a pioneer in the game show genre, remembered for his charm, humor, and unique hosting style. His career spanned decades, and his contributions to shows like Hogan’s Heroes, Match Game, and Family Feud are still appreciated today.
Dawson’s legacy is marked by his ability to connect with viewers and make them feel special. His warmth and charisma made him a beloved figure in television history. Even years after his passing, fans remember and appreciate his work.
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