Long before Kathy Najimy would become an actress, she would be one of his winning contestants on a family.
Met his current wife Gretchen when she was a contestant on "Family Feud" (1976) in 1981.
On the final week of "Family Feud" (1976), his devoted fan and friend, Alex Trebek appeared on the show.
Originated the phrase "Survey Says," for "Family Feud" (1976), which every host after him used as well.
Picked up the nickname "The Kissing Bandit" during the initial run of "Family Feud" (1976) because he greeted every attractive female contestant with a kiss.
Recurring co-host on "The Tonight Show" (1962) during 1978-1980.
Richard became a U.S. citizen in 1984 and showed his passport and photo to America during the intro to a "Family Feud" (1976) episode.
Sons, Mark Dawson and Gary Dawson, and former daughter-in-law, Cathy Hughart Dawson, all worked for Mark Goodson Productions, including "Family Feud" (1976).
Was a friend of the late Bill Bixby, who appeared as a panelist on the pilot of Richard's trashy TV game show, "Cop-Out" and on "Masquerade Party" (1974).
Was not the first choice to host the original "Family Feud" (1976) for ABC, when Mark Goodson found out that Geoff Edwards was under contract with both Chuck Barris and Bob Stewart, hence, he was unavailable to host the show's pilot.
Was portrayed by Michael E. Rodgers in the film Auto Focus (2002) about Hogan's Heroes co-star Bob Crane's life.
When he replaced Ray Combs as host of "Family Feud" (1988), a second time in 1994, he made a promise to his daughter that he wouldn't do anymore kissing with the female contestants.
When the third incarnation of "Family Feud" (1999) debuted, comedian Louie Anderson invited him to come on the premiere episode to give him his blessing, but he refused.
While talking with a contestant on Family Feud who happened to be a member of the merchant marine, he mentioned that not only had he run away from home at 14 and joined the merchant marine; his first ship was the Atlantis.
Won the "Password All-Stars" (1961) All-Stars Grand Master Championship in 1975 against Betty White, Bill Bixby, and Hal Linden. He gave his winnings to a children's charity.