Richard Dawson
Host
About This Interview
In his three-and-a-half hour interview for the Archive of American Television, Richard Dawson 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 (05m 16s)
Richard Dawson on loving the hosting spotlight of Family Feud (02m 00s)Chapters
- Chapter 1
- On his childhood in England and early influences; on his childhood aspirations of working in the docks and his start in show business
- On changing his name from Colin Emm to Richard Dawson; on crafting his first act as a comedian
- 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
- On acting in The Dick Van Dyke Show; On his role on Hogan's Heroes
- Chapter 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
- On the movie Auto Focus and Bob Crane's murder; on the legacy of Hogan's Heroes
- On his role as guest star on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In; on The New Dick Van Dyke Show
- On Match Game and his talent as a game show player; on Password and Family Feud
- Chapter 3
- On the premise of Family Feud; on the first day of taping Family Feud, kissing the ladies, and how he closed each show
- On meeting his wife on Family Feud; on his favorite and least favorite contestants on the show
- On what he learned about family from Family Feud; on the producers and creators of Family Feud
- On celebrity episodes of Family Feud; on becoming a U.S. Citizen; on the cancellation of Family Feud
- Chapter 4
- On saying goodbye and then returning to Family Feud; on the subsequent hosts of Family Feud
- 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
- On working in films; on the state of game shows today; on his proudest achievement; on his biggest regret
- On career advice; on how he'd like to be remembered
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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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