Survey Says… We Miss Richard Dawson

In this May 8, 1978 file photo, Richard Dawson, foreground, is in his familiar role as host of "Family Feud" when the casts of ABC's comedy series "Eight is Enough," "The Love Boat," "Soap," and "Three's Company" compete to benefit charity. Dawson, the wisecracking British entertainer who was among the schemers in the 1960s sitcom "Hogan's Heroes" and a decade later began kissing thousands of female contestants as host of the game show "Family Feud" died Saturday, June 2, 2012. He was 79. (AP Photo, File)

Family Feud was Dawson’s best-known and longest-lasting gig, but it wasn’t the only thing the comedian and actor was known for. Dawson, who would have turned 80 today, got his start playing Corporal Peter Newkirk on Hogan’s Heroes. The POW was, like Dawson, British – and he was also the con artist of the group.

Not long after the six-year run of Hogan’s Heroes came to an end, Dawson began a five-year stint as a regular panelist on Match Game. The always-funny Dawson had the prominent bottom-center spot on the show’s grid of celebrities, putting his face and his laughs on display. And his co-panelists represented a delightful cross-section of 1970s celebrity – in this episode, he’s joined by Match Game regulars Charles Nelson Reilly and Brett Somers, as well as Beverly Garland, Nipsey Russell, and Betty White.

While Dawson was still regularly appearing on Match Game, the show’s producers tapped him to star in their brand-new game show, Family Feud. Dawson led the show to fantastic ratings, winning a Daytime Emmy Award and bestowing kiss after kiss upon the women who played.

We’ll miss you, Richard Dawson. We’re blowing you kisses, from everyone who watched Family Feud.

Written by Linnea Crowther