Richard Dawson is an English-born American actor and comedian, as well as a game show host and panelist. Born Colin Lionel Emm on November 20, 1932 in Gosport, Hampshire, England, he ran away from home at the age of 14. He joined the Merchant Marine and pursued a boxing career.

After Dawson was discharged from the service, he pursued a comedy career in cabaret and television as Dickie Dawson. When he became an adult, he changed it to Richard Dawson which was later became his legal name.

When Richard Dawson came to America in the 1960s, he had guest roles on The Jack Benny Program and The Dick Van Dyke Show. He became prominent with his role as Corporal Peter Newkirk on Hogan’s Heroes between 1965 and 1971.

Dawson was the original host of the Family Feud game show from 1976-1985, and 1994-1995. He was a regular panelist on the 1970s version of Match Game on CBS between 1973 and 1978.  He moved to Los Angeles despite a successful career in British television and cinema. He became an American citizen in 1984 while remaining a British citizen.

On June 2, 2012 , Richard Dawson died due to complications from esophageal cancer at the age of 79. He is buried at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles.