Born: November 20, 1932, Gosport, Hampshire, England
Nicknames: Dickie, The Kissing Bandit and Kissyface
Claim to Fame:
While Richard has many memorable roles he is most remembered for the
game show "Family Feud". His trademark, kissing all the female contestants, was
one of the things that made the show a warm and friendly program, along with his
quick wit, subtle jokes, and ability to make people feel at ease with being on
camera.
Family Life: Gretchen Johnson (1991 - present) 1 child -
Shannon
Diana Dors (12 April 1959 - 1966) (divorced) 2 children - Mark and Gary
Info: When Richard was 14, he
joined the Merchant Marines and served for three years. During that time he made
money boxing. He had to lie about his age and remain tough so the older guys
wouldn't hassle him.
In the late 1950's, Richard met a British actress named Diana Dors. On April 12,
1959, while in New York for an appearance on "The Steve Allen Show" (1956), the
two were married.
Trivia: When Richard was 62, he hosted the third incarnation of
"Family Feud" in 1994, but had only a short run. On April 6, 1981, the Johnson
family appeared on Family Feud and Richard was introduced to 27 year old
Gretchen. They had a daughter, Shannon Nicole, in 1990, and were married in
1991.
Once, during an interview early in the "Family Feud" run, he revealed that he
enjoyed wearing and collecting T-shirts (a huge fad in the 1970s). Shortly
after, the custom began of families on Feud presenting him a shirt early in the
game, usually during the "introduce the family members" portion. As a result, he
has one of the largest collections of unique and rare T-shirts in the world.
In an episode of the TV series 'McCloud' he was supposed to get shot with a
blank gun. A piece of the blank went through his shirt and left a scar, which he
said, when showing it to the girls, he got lucky.
Richard also enjoyed a brief recording career at the peak of the psychedelic
era.
Is in the Guiness World Book of Records as having
kissed more women than anyone else.
Where
is He Now: Contrary to popular rumor, Richard Dawson is alive and well. I
know I got many emails telling me that Richard has died.
The confusion may be that Ray Combs who replaced Richard killed himself. It was
after this that Richard came back to host the show for a year.
Richard is currently living with in Beverly Hills, California with his wife. He
is retired and enjoying it. His last TV jobs were when he narrated TV's Funniest
Gameshow Moments and hosted a Family Feud Marathon both in 2000.
Write To Richard: Richard Dawson
1117 Angelo Drive
Beverly Hills, California 90210
CREDITS: The Running Man (1987) .... Damon Killian
"The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson"
- Episode dated 7 January 1980 (1980) TV Episode .... Guest Host
- Episode dated 7 December 1979 (1979) TV Episode .... Guest Host
"The Love Boat"
- Accidental Cruise/Song Is Ended, The/(1978) .... Bert Buchanan
How to Pick Up Girls! (1978) (TV) .... Chandler Corey
"Fantasy Island"
- Call Me Lucky/Torch Singer (1978) TV Episode .... Harry Beamus
"Family Feud" TV Series .... Host (1976-1985) and again (1994-1995)
"McMillan & Wife" - Aftershock (1975) TV Episode .... Roger Stambler
"The Odd Couple"
- Laugh Clown, Laugh (1975) TV Episode .... Richard Dawson
"Hong Kong Phooey" (1974) TV Series (voice)
"The New Dick Van Dyke Show" (1971) TV Series .... Richard Richardson
(1973-1974)
Keep an Eye on Denise (1973) (TV)
"ABC's Wide World of Entertainment" (1973) TV Series .... Host/Narrator
Treasure Island (1973)
Oliver and the Artful Dodger (voice) .... Sam Sniperley/Furniture Man
"Love, American Style" Various episodes (1971 - 1972)
"Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" (1968) TV Series .... Regular Performer (1971-1973)
"Hogan's Heroes" (1965-1971) .... Cpl. Peter Newkirk
"McCloud"
- Manhattan Manhunt (1970) TV Episode .... Ted Callender
The Devil's Brigade (1968) .... Pvt. Hugh MacDonald
"Mr. Terrific"
- The Formula Is Stolen (1967) TV Episode
Munster, Go Home (1966) .... Joey
Out of Sight (1966) (uncredited) .... Agent
King Rat (1965) .... Capt. Weaver, paratrooper
"The Alfred Hitchcock Hour"
- Anyone for Murder? (1964) TV Episode (as Dick Dawson) .... Robert Johnson
"The Outer Limits"
- The Invisibles (1964) TV Episode (as Dick Dawson) .... Oliver Fair
Promises! Promises! (1963)
"The Dick Van Dyke Show"
- Racy Tracy Ratigan (1963) TV Episode (as Dick Dawson) .... Tracy Ratigan
"The Jack Benny Program" - Jack Meets Max Bygraves (1963) TV Episode
The Longest Day (1962) (uncredited) .... British soldier
Updated: 10/8/2006
Info: When Richard was 14, he
joined the Merchant Marines and served for three years. During that time he made
money boxing. He had to lie about his age and remain tough so the older guys
wouldn't hassle him. 
Is in the Guiness World Book of Records as having
kissed more women than anyone else.
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