Richard Dawson, Original Family Feud Host and One of Hogan's Heroes, Dies at 79

Richard Dawson, the original host of TV’s Family Feud and one of Hogan's Heroes, passed away on Saturday night. He was 79.

Dawson’s son Gary shared the sad news via Facebook, saying, “It is with a
very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away this
evening from complications due to esophageal cancer. He was surrounded
by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad,
and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered.”

Born in Gosport, Hampsire, England, Dawson’s first major acting role
after moving to Los Angeles was as Cpl. Peter Newkirk on the war-themed
comedy Hogan’s Heroes, which ran from 1965 to ’71. After that show’s
run, he appeared as a panelist on such game/quiz shows as I’ve Got a
Secret and Match Game.

As a host, his credits include Family Feud, which debuted in July 1976 and where he was famous for smooching female players, and Masquerade Party.

On the big screen, Dawson tweaked his TV persona by playing a malevolent game showhost/producer in 1987′s The Running Man, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.