You might remember Richard Dawson from his iconic role as the host of Family Feud, where he famously kissed contestants for good luck. But did you know this tradition started with a nervous contestant? According to his son Mark Dawson, it was all about making people feel comfortable. “It started out as a one-time thing,” Mark tells Closer. “A girl came on who was very nervous. Dad told her, ‘I am going to give you a little kiss for luck, like my mom used to do for me.’ And just like that, it caught on. The next family came out and asked for a kiss, too.”

A Man of Charm and Wisdom

Richard wasn’t just a TV personality; he was a man with heart. His empathetic nature, debonair charm, and sharp wit made him a household name. But to his family, he was much more than that. He was a beloved father to his three children—sons Mark and Gary, and daughter Shannon. “If I could handpick all the qualities I wanted in a father, I could not have chosen anyone better,” Mark shares. “He did all the normal father things, but he was also my best friend and my life coach. He always had advice that made sense, and he taught me how to navigate life with grace.”

Growing Up with Humble Beginnings

Richard’s upbringing shaped the man he became. Born in a British shipbuilding town, he faced humble beginnings but never let them define him. “He worked as a bus conductor, a fishmonger, and a waiter on the Cunard Line,” Mark recalls. Even after fame found him, Richard stayed grounded. “He didn’t chase celebrities for friendships. Most of his male friends had regular jobs. He used to say that was because celebrities don’t care about anyone but themselves.”

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Breaking Barriers on

Family Feud

Richard’s time on Hogan’s Heroes from 1965 to 1971 introduced him to American audiences, but it was Family Feud that truly cemented his legacy. When he started hosting in 1976, the show became an instant hit—but not without controversy. “Some people were outraged because he kissed black women,” Mark remembers. A major sponsor even threatened to pull its advertising. “He was furious!” Instead of backing down, Richard let the audience decide. The results? An overwhelming 14,600 votes in favor of continuing the tradition compared to just 704 against. “My father believed in standing up for what was right. He wanted to bring attention to injustice, and he opened my eyes to all of that,” Mark reflects.

A Father Who Listened and Taught

As a parent, Richard wasn’t one for harsh punishments. He believed in reasoning with his kids. “He would discipline us by saying, ‘You’ve really disappointed me.’ We were never hit,” Mark explains. Beyond discipline, Richard shared life lessons that stuck with his children. “He told me, ‘Go through life unscathed,’” Mark says. “What he meant was, life is too short. Be happy, have fun, make the best of it, and don’t let anything drag you down.”

Divorce and Dedication

When Richard divorced British actress Diana Dors, he made a bold decision. “He could have easily said, ‘Well, you take the kids.’ But he fought for us,” Mark remembers. “Even though he was starting to make a name for himself on Hogan’s Heroes, he stood firm. He said, ‘You can leave, but the boys are staying with me.’ That’s the kind of man he was—dedicated and unyielding when it came to family.”

For more on this heartwarming story, grab the latest issue of Closer Weekly, available now at newsstands!