Who Is Richard Dawson? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Dawson was born on November 20, 1932, in Gosport, Hampshire, England. He gained fame in the United States as a beloved actor and game-show host, particularly recognized for his charismatic role on "Family Feud." Dawson’s career spanned several decades, marked by his unique wit, charm, and engaging on-screen presence. He passed away on June 2, 2012, but his legacy lives on, with many fans and scholars celebrating his contributions to television and entertainment.
| Occupation | Game Show Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1932 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Gosport, Hampshire, England |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 2 June, 2012 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, US |
Popularity
Richard Dawson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Richard Dawson was known for his tall stature, standing at approximately 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). His weight fluctuated throughout his career, particularly during the height of his television fame. While specific measurements are not available posthumously, Dawson was often noted for his charming appearance, which contributed to his on-screen charisma.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Richard Dawson was married twice. His first marriage was to actress Diana Dors, with whom he had a son, Mark Dawson; they divorced in 1967. Later, he married Gretchen Johnson in 1991, and they remained together until his death. Their partnership was well-publicized, and Dawson often expressed his love for her, especially during his appearances on "Family Feud." While there are no records of Dawson having a boyfriend, he was a beloved figure who garnered attention for his affable nature and playful demeanor in relationships.
His father drove a removal van and his mother worked in a munitions factory. Colin and his older brother John Leslie Emm were evacuated as children during World War II to escape the bombing of England's major port cities in the south.
In a radio interview with Hogan's Heroes co-star Bob Crane, Emm (by this point, known by his changed name) recounted how this experience severely limited his school attendance, stating that he attended school regularly for only two years.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2012, Richard Dawson had an estimated net worth of around $100 million. His wealth was primarily derived from his prolific career in television, film, and voice work. Dawson's role as a game-show host on "The Match Game" and "Family Feud" significantly boosted his earnings, along with appearances in various films and television shows. His continued popularity has solidified his financial legacy, influencing entertainment and media over the years.
After Laugh-In was cancelled in 1973, game-show pioneer Mark Goodson signed Dawson to appear as a regular on Match Game '73, alongside Brett Somers, Charles Nelson Reilly, and host Gene Rayburn.
Dawson, who had already served a year as panellist for Goodson's revival of I've Got a Secret, proved to be a solid and funny player, and was the frequent choice of contestants to participate in the Head-To-Head Match portion of the "Super-Match" bonus round, in which the contestant and a panellist of the contestant's choice had to match exactly.
During Dawson's time on Match Game, he most often occupied the bottom centre seat, only sitting elsewhere (in the top centre seat) during one week early in the show's run.
Career, Business and Investments
Richard Dawson's career began in the United Kingdom where he appeared in various television shows before moving to the U.S. He found success in American television, becoming a beloved figure through his roles on game shows and sitcoms. Beyond acting, Dawson dabbled in investments and various business ventures, although specific details are sparse. His enduring popularity ensures that he remains an iconic figure in entertainment history even in 2025.
At age 14, Emm ran away from home to join the British Merchant Navy, where he pursued a career in boxing, earning almost $5,000 in shipboard matches. During 1950 and 1951, Emm made several passages on the RMS Mauretania from Southampton to ports of call, including Nassau, the Bahamas, Havana, and New York City.
Following his discharge from the merchant service, Emm began pursuing a comedy career using the stage name Dickie Dawson; he later changed his alias to Richard Dawson, which he eventually adopted as his legal name.
Social Network
Although Richard Dawson passed away in 2012, his legacy continues on social media platforms, where fans and followers share memories, clips, and tributes celebrating his career. Official fan pages and profiles dedicated to his work across various platforms allow new generations to discover his timeless charm and wit.
Education
While there is limited public information on Richard Dawson's formal education, he had a background in performance arts, which he often mentioned in interviews. His natural talent and on-screen charisma were evident early in his career, leading him to significant roles and opportunities within the entertainment industry.
