Richard Dawson was born in Gosport, England on the 20th of November, 1932. When he 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 by the name of Diana Dors. On the 12 of April, 1959, while in New York for an appearance on the Steve Allen Show, the two were married. Richard and Diana had a son, Mark, in 1960 and a second son, Gary, in 1962. They seperated in 1964 and eventually divorced in 1967. When he moved to the states, he began acting on the well-known series "Hogan's Heroes" in 1965. He played the loveable British Corporal Peter Newkirk. The show ended in 1971. Not long after that, in 1973, he became a panelist on "Match Game" and remained there until 1978.

While still on "Match Game," he hosted his own show, which he is most remembered by, called "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. In 1987, Richard co-starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie "The Running Man." Richard played an egotistical gameshow host, Damon Killian, whom many say was a mirror image of himself at one time or another, during his real-life career. When Richard was 62, he hosted the third incarnation of "Family Feud" in 1994, but had only a short run. On the 6th of April, 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. They are still married and reside in Beverly Hills, California. Richard is semi-retired and his recent Tv 'appearance' was when he narrated "Tv's Funniest Gameshow Moments" on FOX in early 2000. On Thanksgiving Day, November 23rd, 2000 he hosted a Family Feud marathon which was filmed in 1995. Some people hear the name 'Richard

Dawson' and may not know who you're talking about. But say his name followed by his famous quote "Survey said," or mention 'Newkirk on "Hogan's Heroes,"' and they're sure to know who you mean.

Often closed the show with the phrase, "Love Ya, Will See You Here On The Feud."

Joined the Merchant Marines at 14 and stayed for 3 years.

Appeared in an episode of "The Love Boat" with Robert Goulet.

Appeared on the Tv Special "Bizzare" by Einstein and Bye with guest Steve Martin.

Appeared as a panelist on "Cop Out" game show pilot, never aired.

Hosted Thanksgiving Day "Family Feud Marathon" in 1995, aired November 23rd, 2000.

Re-occuring co-host on "The Tonight Show" during 1978-1980.

Richard became a U.S. citizen in 1984 and showed his passport and photo to America during the intro to a Family Feud episode.

Met his current wife Gretchen when she was a contestant on Family Feud in 1981.

Hosted "Family Feud" for a total of ten years: nine consecutive years (1976-1985) and one non-consecutive year (the 1994-95 season).

Has one brother.

Hosted the 1988 pilot episode of "You Bet Your Life" which was never sold.

"Be nice to each other. You can make a whole day a different day for everybody."