GSN will pay tribute to the late TV host and actor Richard Dawson with a June 7 marathon of Family Feud and Match Game episodes.
The service will showcase some of Dawson's iconic installments as host of Family Feud and a panelist on Match Game. Dawson, also well known for his portrayal of Cpl. Peter Newkirk on CBS's late 1960s-early 1970s sitcom Hogan's Heroes, died in Los Angeles on June 2.
The network is also running on-air remembrances of Dawson from June 4-6 during the network's broadcasts of the two game shows. The "Richard Dawson Marathon" will air on June 7 from 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. (ET).
"GSN would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the Dawson family," said Amy Introcaso-Davis, GSN executive vice president, programming, in a statement. "Richard was one of the most memorable and beloved game-show talents in the history of the genre, and we at GSN are proud to spotlight his talents with this special marathon and tribute. His wit, his style, and his genuine rapport with guests can never be duplicated, and fans will have a chance to relive some of his greatest moments."
The marathon will feature unforgettable moments, such as when Dawson first meets his future wife Gretchen, who was a contestant on Family Feud, as well as the infamous "September" episode, when Dawson had to stop the clock because of his uncontrollable laughter when a guest responded to the question, " During what month of pregnancy does a woman begin to show?" with the answer, "September." The marathon also will highlight Dawson's return to Family Feud in 1994.
Dawson, born Colin Lionel Emm in Gosport, Hampshire, England, gained fame for his role on Hogan's Heroes, and then became a TV fixture as the quick-witted game-show panelist on Match Game and as the gregarious host of Family Feud from 1976 - 1985 and 1994 - 1995. Dawson became known for kissing female contestants of all ages "for luck and love." He won a daytime Emmy in 1978 for his work on Feud, which remains one of the medium's enduring shows, with Steve Harvey serving as the host of its current iteration on GSN.
