According to fellow game show host Jim Perry, he said Dawson had occasionally thrown zingers, between the first-run of "Card Sharks" (1978), which was also produced by Mark Goodson, but was hosted by Perry himself. But when asked the question as to how many people knew it was actually him, only 31/100 people agreed.
After his divorce from Diana Dors, he continued to send flowers to his ex-wife on her birthday, every year, and always defended her.
Appeared as a panelist on "Cop-Out", a game show pilot that never aired.
Appeared in an episode of "The Love Boat" (1977) with Robert Goulet.
Appeared on the TV Special "Bizarre" (1980) by Einstein and Bye with guest Steve Martin.
Before "Family Feud" (1988) was revived in 1988, producer Mark Goodson, would not allow him to come back as host, because of conflicts with the producers. Instead, he wanted to restart the show with a new host, so he hired Ray Combs. After Goodson's death in December 1992, his son Jonathan M. Goodson took over the show's production company and, in a failed attempt to boost the declining ratings, replaced Combs with Dawson in 1994.
Before he was an actor, comedian and a game show host, he worked as a waiter.
Best remembered by the public for his role as "Corporal Newkirk" in the television series "Hogan's Heroes" (1965) and as the host of "Family Feud" (1976).
During an interview early in the "Family Feud" (1976) run, he revealed that he enjoyed wearing and collecting T-shirts (a huge fad in the 1970s). Shortly after, the custom began of families on Feud presenting him a shirt early in the game, usually during the "introduce the family members" portion. As a result, he has one of the largest collections of unique and rare T-shirts in the world.
Enjoys singing, golfing and spending time with his family.
Grandfather of Lauren, Lindsey Dors, Tyler Emm and Emma Rose Dawson.
Had five biggest winners in the 9 years of hosting the ABC version of "Family Feud" (1976), each of them were all 5x undefeated families: in first place, the Rizzo Family had won $33,000+ during the last season of the show, in second place, the McManus Family had won $30,204 in 1984, in third place, the Larkey Family had won $29,170 during the first season of the show, in fourth place, the Tack Family had won $29,197 in 1980, and in fifth place, the Panatonni Family had won $29,916 in 1981.
Has one brother. Father with second wife of actress Shannon Dawson.
He was offered the lead role as Cpt. Robert Hogan in "Hogan's Heroes" (1965), but didn't sound American enough, hence, the role was given to Bob Crane. Dawson was later offered the role of Cpl. Peter Newkirk.
His second wife, Gretchen, has appeared as a contestant on "Win Ben Stein's Money" (1997).
Hosted "Family Feud" (1976) for a total of ten years: nine consecutive years (1976-1985) and one non-consecutive year (the 1994-95 season).
Hosted a 1988 pilot episode of "You Bet Your Life" (1980) which was never sold.
Hosted Thanksgiving Day "Family Feud Marathon" in 1995, aired November 23rd, 2000.
Is a very good friend of another retired game show host Bob Barker, who was also employed at Mark Goodson Productions, for 35 years, as host of "The Price Is Right" (1972).
Joined the Merchant Marines at 14 and stayed for 3 years.