British actor and comedian, Richard Dawson, born Colin Lionel Emm, began his career by guest appearing on a number of television and game shows. It wasn’t until he landed the role of Corporal Peter Newkirk on the CBS Military sitcom, Hogan’s Heroes, in 1965, that he achieved notable fame. Upon the show’s ending in 1971, Dawson resumed guest appearing on television.

In 1976, Dawson landed a hosting job on the game show Family Feud. It was during Dawson’s nine year stint on Family Feud that he became known as “The Kissing Bandit” for his regular practice of kissing the female contestants on the lips. Dawson hosted the show until 1985, and in 1994, he reprised his role for one season.

Aside from television, Dawson has appeared in a number of films, including The Longest Day, Out of Site, The Devil’s Brigade, and most recently, The Running Man.

Born in Gosport, England, on November 20, 1932, Dawson left home at the early age of 14 to join the Merchant Navy. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Dawson performed comedy on stage and eventually transitioned into television. On April 12, 1959, Dawson became married to British actress Diana Dors. The marriage ended seven years later. Dawson and Dors share two sons, Mark and Gary.  In 1991, Dawson became married for a second time to 1981 Family Feud contestant Gretchen Johnson (third family member in the clip below). Dawson and Johnson currently remain married and have a daughter named Shannon Nicole.

Dawson retired from television in 1995 after his second stint on Family Feud. His 35 year career proved to be exciting and successful. His hard work earned him several awards, including a Daytime Emmy Award, a Saturn Award as well as six Emmy nominations. Dawson will go down in history as one of America’s best television actors as well as one of the most memorable game show hosts of all time.