The Comedian List / Comedians / Richard Dawson
Hogan’s Heroes · Match Game · Family FeudRichard Dawson
The British-born comic actor who went from Corporal Newkirk to the first, and most famous, host of Family Feud.
- Born
- Nov 20, 1932
- Died
- June 2, 2012
- Hosted
- Family Feud (1976–85, 1994–95)
- Played
- Cpl. Peter Newkirk
Who is Richard Dawson?
Richard Dawson (born Colin Lionel Emm, November 20, 1932 – June 2, 2012) was an English and American actor, comedian, game-show host and panelist.
He was well known for playing Corporal Peter Newkirk on the sitcom Hogan’s Heroes (1965–1971), and as a regular panelist on Match Game from 1973 to 1978.
In 1976 he became the original host of Family Feud, running the show until 1985 and returning for the 1994–1995 season. His film credits include King Rat (1965), The Devil’s Brigade (1968) and the game-show host Damon Killian in The Running Man (1987).
Timeline
- 1962The Longest Day
- 1965King Rat; Hogan’s Heroes begins
- 1966Munster, Go Home!
- 1973–78Panelist on Match Game
- 1976Original host of Family Feud
- 1987Damon Killian in The Running Man
- 1994–95Returns to host Family Feud
Specials, TV & more
Where he comes up
Episodes where Richard Dawson comes up.
Richard Dawson FAQ
Who was the first host of Family Feud?
Richard Dawson, from 1976 to 1985. He came back for the 1994–95 season.
Who did Richard Dawson play on Hogan’s Heroes?
Corporal Peter Newkirk.
Was Richard Dawson in The Running Man?
Yes. He played game-show host Damon Killian in the 1987 film.
If you like Richard
More comics on the list who share stages and mics with Richard.
Steve Harvey
Louie Anderson
Johnny Carson
Martin Mull
Steve MartinPhotos: Steve Harvey: Photo: Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Louie Anderson: Photo: John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Johnny Carson: Photo: NBC Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons · Martin Mull: Photo: David Gans, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Steve Martin: Photo: Davidwbaker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Richard Dawson and Ulla Stromstedt in Hogan's Heroes – 1968.jpg: Maury Foldare & Associates, Beverly Hills-publicity agency derivative work: EditorE, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Facts checked Oct 26, 2026.
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