Colin Lionel Emm was born on 20 November 1932, in Gosport, Hampshire England. As Richard Dawson, he was a comedian, actor and host, perhaps best known for being a part of “Hogan’s Heroes” as Corporal Peter Newkirk. He was also the original host of “Family Feud”, and all of his efforts have helped put his net worth to where it was prior to his passing in 2012.
How rich was Richard Dawson? As of mid-2016, sources inform us of a net worth that was at $100,000, mostly accumulated through his extensive television career. He also made numerous films, mostly playing minor roles. Dawson also became a regular panelist on game shows, and all of these ensured the position of his wealth. However, his net worth may have gradually decreased from a higher value because of various medical treatments.
Richard Dawson Net Worth $100,000
When Richard was 14 years old, he ran away from home and joined the British Merchant Navy, also trying his hand at a boxing career before two years later being discharged. Eventually, he decided to try pursuing a comedy career, using the stage name Dickie Dawson and later changing it to Richard Dawson in adulthood.
One of his first acting opportunities came at an episode of the “Jack Benny Program”; he continued with an appearance in “The Dick Van Dyke Show” during the same year. The following year, he made appearances in “The Outer Limits” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour”, and then had film opportunities such as in “The Longest Day”, in which he played a soldier, and “King Rat” in which he had a small role. Richard then moved to Los Angeles and became part of the television show “Hogan’s Heroes” from 1965 to 1971, when his popularity and net worth would start to significantly increase. While a part of the series, he was also cast in “Munster, Go Home!”, and released a few songs. He was also part of the film “The Devil’s Brigade”. After “Hogan’s Heroes” ended, he started becoming a panellist on game shows while making regular television appearances.
Dawson started in game shows beginning with “Match Game ‘73”. He then appeared as a panelist on “I’ve Got a Secret” and “Match Game”. Afterwards, he was given the opportunity to host a new project entitled “Family Feud”, which started in 1976. The show would become extremely popular, surpassing the ratings of Dawson’s previous projects, and he even won a Daytime Emmy Award for the show. He was known for kissing female contestants on the show, a move which drew a bit of hostility from television executives, however, fans supported his act, with Dawson explaining that it was for luck. His net worth certainly didn’t suffer!
Later on, Richard would appear in “The Running Man” as a parody of his game show host persona. He was also set to be part of a revival of “You Bet Your Life”, but NBC did not pick up the show. Eventually, Dawson returned for the final season of the “Family Feud” revival which aired in 1995. After the show, he officially retired and moved to Beverly Hills.
For his personal life, Richard married Gretchen Johnson who was one of the contestants of “Family Feud”. They have a daughter and later on Richard declined to kiss any other women on the show because of a promise he made to his daughter. Dawson was also previously married to actress Diana Dors(1959-66) and they had two children.. In June 2012, Richard died in Los Angeles from complications brought about by esophageal cancer.
Awesome guy!