Actor, TV Game Show Host, Entertainer. His best remembered acting role was as the pocket-picking, safe-cracker "Corporal Peter Newkirk" in the 1960s television comedy series "Hogan's Heroes" (1965 to 1971). Later in his career, he became associated with 1970s television game shows as a regular panelist on "Match Game" and as host of "Family Feud." Born Colin Emm in the Southern region of England, in the town of Gosport, his father was a truck driver; he joined the Merchant Marine at the age of fourteen. He later earned wages as a boxer and waiter, prior to making a name for himself as a comedian in England. He gradually was introduced to American television audiences, beginning with an appearance on Steve Allen's program in 1959. During this period he married British sex-symbol Diana Dors, whom he remained with until their divorce in 1967. He married Gretchen Johnson (born September 22, 1955). He met Gretchen in May 1981 on the Family Feud, They married in 1991 and had a daughter, Shannon Nicole Dawson. He moved onto motion pictures with roles in the films "King Rat" (1965), "Munster, Go Home" (1966), "The Devil's Brigade" (1968), and had an acclaimed role as the villainous game show host 'Damon Killian' in the Arnold Schwarzenegger picture "The Running Man" (1987). During his run as host of "Family Feud" (1976 to 1985, 1994), Dawson became memorable for his consistent kissing of the female contestants. In fact, he would go on to marry a former contestant of the show in 1991.
Actor, TV Game Show Host, Entertainer. His best remembered acting role was as the pocket-picking, safe-cracker "Corporal Peter Newkirk" in the 1960s television comedy series "Hogan's Heroes" (1965 to 1971). Later in his career, he became associated with 1970s television game shows as a regular panelist on "Match Game" and as host of "Family Feud." Born Colin Emm in the Southern region of England, in the town of Gosport, his father was a truck driver; he joined the Merchant Marine at the age of fourteen. He later earned wages as a boxer and waiter, prior to making a name for himself as a comedian in England. He gradually was introduced to American television audiences, beginning with an appearance on Steve Allen's program in 1959. During this period he married British sex-symbol Diana Dors, whom he remained with until their divorce in 1967. He married Gretchen Johnson (born September 22, 1955). He met Gretchen in May 1981 on the Family Feud, They married in 1991 and had a daughter, Shannon Nicole Dawson. He moved onto motion pictures with roles in the films "King Rat" (1965), "Munster, Go Home" (1966), "The Devil's Brigade" (1968), and had an acclaimed role as the villainous game show host 'Damon Killian' in the Arnold Schwarzenegger picture "The Running Man" (1987). During his run as host of "Family Feud" (1976 to 1985, 1994), Dawson became memorable for his consistent kissing of the female contestants. In fact, he would go on to marry a former contestant of the show in 1991.
Bio by: C.S.
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