Let’s talk about Richard Dawson, a man who went from being a beloved star on Hogan’s Heroes to becoming a game show legend. Born Colin Lionel Emm in England, Dawson didn’t start out as your typical Hollywood star. But he sure became one. His journey from a Merchant Navy sailor to a stand-up comedian in the UK, and eventually a panelist on Match Game and host of Family Feud, is nothing short of remarkable. Dawson was described by his colleagues as “different” from the typical TV personalities of his era, bringing a unique charm and wit that set him apart.
From Merchant Navy to TV Stardom: Dawson’s Early Career
Richard Dawson was born in Gosport, Hampshire, England, on November 20, 1932. His early life wasn’t exactly glamorous; he joined the Merchant Navy as a teenager to make ends meet. While working at sea, Dawson supplemented his income by participating in boxing matches. But it wasn’t long before he discovered his true calling—stand-up comedy. This newfound passion led him to appear in several BBC series during the early 1950s, where he honed his comedic skills and gained valuable experience in front of the camera.
By the mid-1960s, Dawson’s career took off when he landed the role of Corporal Peter Newkirk on the hit TV series Hogan’s Heroes. This show marked his big break in American television, making him a household name. Simultaneously, he became a regular performer on the sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, further cementing his status as a versatile entertainer. When Laugh-In ended in 1973, Dawson was ready for his next big adventure.
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That adventure came when TV producer Mark Goodson invited Dawson to join Match Game as a panelist. Over the course of 1,279 episodes, Dawson’s quick wit and charm endeared him to audiences. It wasn’t long before Goodson recognized Dawson’s potential as a host and handed him the reins of Family Feud in 1976. This move would define the rest of Dawson’s career.
Why Did Richard Dawson Kiss Contestants on ‘Family Feud’?
If you remember anything about Richard Dawson, it’s probably his signature move—kissing contestants on Family Feud. He earned the nickname “The Kissing Bandit” for this quirky habit, which wasn’t without controversy. Some viewers and producers criticized him for it, but Dawson had a simple explanation. It all started when a contestant became so nervous she couldn’t name a green vegetable. In an effort to calm her down, Dawson leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. To his surprise, it worked. The contestant blurted out the correct answer—“asparagus!”—and the rest, as they say, is history.
In a 2010 interview with the Archive of American Television, Dawson explained the reasoning behind the kisses. “I said, ‘I’m going to do something that my mom would do to me whenever I had a problem of any kind,’” he recalled. “And I kissed her on the cheek, and I said, ‘That’s for luck.’ And she said, ‘Asparagus.’ … They went on to win.” The gesture became a staple of the show, though it wasn’t without its detractors. Over time, new claims emerged about the policies on the set of Family Feud, including allegations that contestants had to undergo a “mouth test” with a magnifying glass because of Dawson’s habit. Author Kliph Nesteroff addressed this in his book Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars, sparking debates about the era’s treatment of women on television.
Richard Dawson’s Personal Life: Love and Family
Dawson’s personal life was just as fascinating as his professional one. He was married twice—first to actress Diana Dors from 1959 to 1967 and later to Gretchen Johnson from 1991 until his passing. His marriage to Dors resulted in two sons, Mark and Gary. Johnson, who initially appeared as a contestant on Family Feud in 1981, became Dawson’s second wife a decade later. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Shannon, and focused on building a close-knit family.
Author David Baber shared insight into Dawson’s family life, saying, “After her appearance in 1981, he called her, asked her out on a date, and they moved in together. They lived together for several years, got married [in 1991], and had a daughter, Shannon. So, he spent all of those years just being a family man.” Dawson’s later years were marked by a strong sense of family and devotion to his loved ones.
What Happened to Richard Dawson in the End?
Tragically, Richard Dawson passed away on June 2, 2012, at the age of 79 after battling complications from esophageal cancer. Following his death, the Game Show Network (GSN) aired a marathon of his most memorable moments from Match Game and Family Feud, celebrating his legacy as a beloved entertainer. Reflecting on his career, Dawson once said, “I’ve had the most incredible luck in my career. I never dreamed I would have a job in which so many people could touch me, and I could touch them. This has been a very special nine years of my life, and if I never do another thing, I’ve met the good, sweet people of the world. God bless all the little children of the world.”
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