Richard Dawson
Host
About This Interview
In his three-and-a-half hour interview for the Archive of American Television, Richard Dawson (1932-2012) describes his path from comedy stages in the West End to game show sets in Hollywood. He discusses how he loves to make people laugh and shares how he made the jump from comedian to actor. He recalls his memorable roles on both The Dick Van Dyke Show and The New Dick Van Dyke Show, and speaks of his work as "Corporal Peter Newkirk" on Hogan's Heroes. Dawson also talks about his experiences as guest host for The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and details how he got the gig for which he's most famous: hosting Family Feud. He recounts favorite moments from his years with Family Feud, and offers advice on how to be a considerate host and still get to kiss all the ladies. Paul Brownstein conducted the interview in Beverly Hills, CA on December 1, 2010.
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Highlights
Richard Dawson on kissing the ladies on Family Feud
Clip begins at: 21:14, Duration: 05m 16s
Richard Dawson on loving the hosting spotlight of Family Feud
Clip begins at: 55:53, Duration: 02m 00s- Richard Dawson on the magic of Family Feud- freezing a moment in time
Clip begins at: 36:45, Duration: 00m 42s - Richard Dawson on how Family Feudfit him perfectly
Clip begins at: 04:30, Duration: 02m 55s
Interview
- Part 1
- On his childhood in England and early influences; on his childhood aspirations of working in the docks and his start in show business
Clip begins at: 0:14 - On changing his name from Colin Emm to Richard Dawson; on crafting his first act as a comedian
Clip begins at: 21:37 - On the first time he saw television - when he was on it; on moving to America and his start in television hosting; on his manager of 30+ years
Clip begins at: 35:04 - On acting in The Dick Van Dyke Show; On his role on Hogan's Heroes
Clip begins at: 47:17 - Part 2
- On the cast and premise of Hogan's Heroes; On the response to Hogan's Heroes once it aired; on a typical production week on Hogan's Heroes and his favorite episodes
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On the movie Auto Focus and Bob Crane's murder; on the legacy of Hogan's Heroes
Clip begins at: 29:24 - On his role as guest star on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In; on The New Dick Van Dyke Show
Clip begins at: 36:03 - On Match Game and his talent as a game show player; on Password and Family Feud
Clip begins at: 48:42 - Part 3
- On the premise of Family Feud; on the first day of taping Family Feud, kissing the ladies, and how he closed each show
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On meeting his wife on Family Feud; on his favorite and least favorite contestants on the show
Clip begins at: 28:57 - On what he learned about family from Family Feud; on the producers and creators of Family Feud
Clip begins at: 37:27 - On celebrity episodes of Family Feud; on becoming a U.S. Citizen; on the cancellation of Family Feud
Clip begins at: 51:12 - Part 4
- On saying goodbye and then returning to Family Feud; on the subsequent hosts of Family Feud
Clip begins at: 0:0 - On being guest host for Johnny Carson on The Tonight Show; on apperaing as one of the first judges on The Gong Show; on guest starring as himself on The Odd Couple
Clip begins at: 06:31 - On working in films; on the state of game shows today; on his proudest achievement; on his biggest regret
Clip begins at: 15:09 - On career advice; on how he'd like to be remembered
Clip begins at: 29:13
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when I saw the archive of american television for the first time, it was wonderful to see a website showcasing pioneers of television . I hope that the archive of american television will interview malcolm jamal warner, markie post, douglas barr, heather thomas, judd hirsch, rhea pearlman, alfonso ribero, scott baio, frank gifford, jim lampley, don criqui, faith ford, nancy dussault, fred dryer, dirk benedict, joe penny, mark harmon, pam dawber, tom bergeron, dick enberg, connie sellecca, ted lange, byron allen, valerie bertinelli.
What a classy gentleman. I wish I could have met him personally. He is the epitome of a man who valued everyone he met. How he met his wife is also very touching.
It's because of Richard Dawson as to why I love Family Feud so much!!! I saw every episode with your shows every day and the evenings too. You will be missed and always remembered for your logical charismatic & charming way to bring an altruistic love to a game of families to have fun playing....
I almost cried when he passed away over the weekend.....I love all his work that made me laugh on Family Feud when I was 11 years old until 20yeard old and now he quite older everyday. I always love his career over these works becomes remarkable well-done... I love you dearly all my heart for you and your family
I always remember as great friend meant to me.Rip...Mr. Dawson
Richard Dawson was a dominate personality in daytime TV. I really enjoyed Richard on Family Feud, but also as a game show panelist. Remember Match Game? He was so quick witted and bright.
I was lucky to appear on a game show with Richard in 1971 when I was a teenager. It's a priceless memory for me. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaXlS0JUAq8
We recently lost him this past Saturday night, at the time he was diagnosed with esoghageal cancer. May he R.I.P. (1932 - 2012).
Richard Dawson will always be best remember as the host of "FAMILY FEUD" and will always remember him for the rest of his life he hosted 9 years Daytime (1976-1985) and 8 years Nighttime (1977-1985) he will forever be miss.
P.S. for the cast and crew and current FAMILY FEUD host Steve Harvey help keep the FAMILY FEUD alive for years to come...
Like Richard Dawson would say for $10,000 OUR SURVEY SAYS...
Richard Dawson was always great at what he did. May he rest in peace.
God bless you Richard Dawson and Godspeed. We'll miss you. Thanks for being part of our TV family.
I watched a lot of Family Feud when I was little, and I favored Richard Dawson over Ray Comb (it's a little kid thing). My dad (who is a big Hogan's Heroes fan) told me that Richard Dawson played on Hogan's Heroes. I wasn't too thrilled about it, but I reluctantly watched a clip with my dad with Richard Dawson as Newkirk. He showed me the show a couple more times before I finally became a fan just like he is. Newkirk has become my second favorite character (second only to Bob Crane's Colonel Hogan), and I love his wit and accent! Rest in peace, Mr. Richard Dawson. Thank you for the wonderful memories!! We love you in this house, and we miss you dearly.
Rest In Peace, Mr. Dawson! I enjoyed watching Family Feud when I was a child with my Mom and always enjoyed playing along. If I was on your show back then I'm sure I would've won some big money!! :-)
Dawson's recollection (quoted on this page) is way off -- please don't perpetuate it by quoting him. It was Harry Belafonte who had the "incident" with Petula Clark. It took place in 1968, three years after Nat King Cole had died. They didn't kiss; Petula put her hand on Harry's forearm while they were singing an antiwar song. "81 stations in the south" didn't cancel -- nobody canceled. A representative of the advertising agency for the TV special's sponsor (Plymouth) protested the "offending" touch, which made news, but ultimately he was overridden and the original performance aired in full.
Thanks for your comment, David. We still want to convey the essence of Dawson's statement, but don't wish to perpetuate historical inaccuracies. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Rest In Peace Mr. Dawson
RIP Richard Dawson. :(
I had a great fun watching Richard Dawson interview. I'm a big fan. Tax Tiger
I Grew up Watching Richard Dawson and I enjoyed the interview. There is only one thing missing , What About his Movie Career ( Munster Go Home , The Running Man , The Devils Brigade ) . I Think Richard did and awesome job in The Running Man.
I could listen to his story telling for a long, long time. Richard, the classiest host on TV, ever.
A true tv hero and a blessing to the American people. I wish I could meet him in person because he was like part of our family growing up.
Best game show host ever!!!! Great interview. Funny man! Glad to see something recent of him. Thank you TVLEGENDS.
I just absolutely love Richard Dawson and I grew up watching him on Family Feud and Match Game. this interview was great and It was nice to see hiim again. I really miss him but I hope he is enjoying his family and retirement.
we LOVE you Richard
I absolutely LOVE Richard Dawson. Thank you so much for this.
Terrific interview. What a talent!
Thank you so much for these interviews with Richard Dawson. I grew up watching him on Match Game & Family Feud, and when I got older I searched out Hogan's Heroes & anything else I could find that he was in. There's a magic in what he does & always a twinkle in his eyes when he does it. That may sound corny, but we don't have enough class acts like Richard Dawson in TV today. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful memories, Mr. Dawson. All my love to you and your family.
I really enjoyed the interviews with Richard Dawson. He remains a favorite personality to many of us and we would hope we have not seen the last of Mr. Dawson.
I think he would be wonderful in a movie with Peter O'Toole.
Thank you, Mr. Dawson and I'm so glad you have a wonderful family surrounding you.
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