Let me tell you about Richard Dawson, the legendary game show host who brought joy to millions with his charm and wit. Known for his iconic role on Family Feud, Dawson wasn’t just a TV star—he was a family man. But here’s the twist: he fell head over heels for one of the contestants on his own show, Gretchen Johnson, and they eventually tied the knot. Before Gretchen, Dawson had another chapter in his life with his first wife, Diana Dors. Keep reading to uncover the details of his marriages, his loves, and the legacy he left behind.
The First Chapter: Richard Dawson and Diana Dors
Back in 1959, Richard Dawson walked down the aisle with Diana Dors, a true British starlet. Diana had already been married once before, to Dennis Hamilton, who tragically passed away in 1959. She wasn’t just any entertainer—Diana was a sensation on both sides of the pond. Her performances in shows like Queenie’s Castle, Just William, and The Two Ronnies cemented her status as a beloved figure in the entertainment world. The couple shared two sons, Mark and Gary, during their eight years together.
When Diana decided to call it quits in 1967, Dawson admitted he was crushed. In a 1979 interview with The Hanford Sentinel, he opened up about his feelings: “When Diana told me she was leaving, I went into a 14-month funk. I absolutely wallowed in self-pity.” Diana, meanwhile, went on to marry Alan Lake in 1968. Together, they welcomed a son, Jason, before Diana passed away in 1984 at the age of 52 from ovarian cancer. Her legacy lives on as a trailblazing figure in British entertainment.
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The Second Act: Richard Dawson and Gretchen Johnson
In 1976, Richard Dawson stepped into the role that would define his career: hosting Family Feud. Over the course of more than 2,300 episodes, he became a household name. And then, in 1981, something unexpected happened. A contestant named Gretchen Johnson walked onto the stage, and Dawson’s heart skipped a beat. “After her appearance in 1981, he called her, asked her out on a date, and they moved in together,” revealed author David Baber in an interview with Closer.
For years, the couple lived happily as a modern family before tying the knot in 1991. They welcomed a daughter, Shannon, and went on to become grandparents to four grandchildren. Their love story was one of mutual support and devotion, lasting until Dawson’s passing on June 2, 2012, from complications of esophageal cancer. Dawson, a lifelong smoker, battled the disease for just three short weeks before succumbing to it.
Gary, Dawson’s son from his first marriage, fondly recalled his father’s warmth and generosity. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, he said, “The way he was on the game show was the way he was in real life. He was always rooting for people—he not only wanted them to win but to have a comfortable, great experience.”
