Richard Dawson net worth in 2024 has sparked the interest of many fans. Known for his charm and humor, Dawson was a TV icon, best remembered for hosting the popular game show Family Feud. His career spanned decades and included acting, hosting, and even some memorable appearances on shows like The Match Game.
So, let’s take a closer look at how Dawson made his money and what contributed to his financial success.
Richard Dawson in Brief
| Full Name | Richard Dawson |
| Date of Birth | November 20, 1932 |
| Died | June 2, 2012 |
| Place of Birth | Gosport, Hampshire, England |
| Occupation | Actor, Television Host |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (175 cm) |
| Spouse | Gretchen Johnson (m. 1991–2012), Diana Dors (m. 1959–1966) |
| Children | Shannon Dawson, Mark Dawson, Gary Dawson |
| Net Worth | $100 Million |
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What is Richard Dawson Net Worth in 2024?
Richard Dawson is an English-American actor, comedian, and television host who had an estimated net worth of $100 million at the time of his passing in 2012, according to TheRichest. Richard Dawson’s main source of wealth came from his television career. His most famous role was hosting the TV game show Family Feud. Dawson hosted Family Feud for many years, from 1976 to 1985, and then again from 1994 to 1995. He became very well-known for his charm and humor. His time on the show brought him a lot of money.
In addition to his hosting work, Dawson earned money from acting. He appeared on various TV shows, including Hogan’s Heroes, where he played a main role as Corporal Newkirk. His acting career helped increase his wealth.
Richard Dawson also made money from book deals and other projects. However, Family Feud was by far the biggest contributor to his fortune. It is estimated that at his peak, Richard Dawson was earning up to $10,000 per episode as the host of Family Feud. This helped him accumulate a net worth of around $100 million at the height of his career.
Richard Dawson’s Early Life
Colin Lionel Emm also known as Richard Dawson Colin Lionel Emm was born on November 20, 1932, in Gosport, Hampshire, England. His parents were Arthur Emm and Josephine Lucy Emm. His father drove a removal van, and his mother worked in a munitions factory.
Colin had an older brother named John Leslie Emm. During World War II, the family had to move to a safer place to escape the bombings. Colin and his brother were evacuated, which made it hard for him to attend school regularly.
At 14, Colin ran away from home to join the British Merchant Navy. He also started boxing and earned almost $5,000 from matches on ships. Between 1950 and 1951, Colin traveled on the RMS Mauretania, visiting places like Nassau, Havana, and New York City.
After leaving the Merchant Navy, he decided to become a comedian. He first used the stage name Dickie Dawson and later changed it to Richard Dawson, which he kept for his career and legally adopted.
Richard Dawson’s Career
Early Career in the UK
Dawson started his career in England as a stand-up comedian known as Dickie Dawson. He may have appeared on television for the first time on 21 June 1954. He was featured on The Benny Hill Showcase, a BBC show that introduced new artists. He also made several appearances on BBC Radio in 1954, including Midday Music Hall and How Do You Do, which featured artists from the Commonwealth.
Transition to the US and TV Roles
Dawson moved to the United States in 1961 and began hosting The Mike Stokey Show in Los Angeles. In 1963, he appeared on The Jack Benny Program and The Dick Van Dyke Show. He also had roles in films like King Rat and The Devil’s Brigade. Dawson became famous for playing Cpl. Peter Newkirk on the TV show Hogan’s Heroes from 1965 to 1971.
Game Show Fame and Family Feud
In 1976, Dawson became the host of Family Feud, a game show that became very popular. He had previously been a regular on Match Game, where his humor made him a fan favorite. His time on Family Feud was marked by his playful kissing of female contestants, earning him the nickname “The Kissing Bandit.” He won a Daytime Emmy Award for hosting Family Feud in 1978.
Later Appearances and TV Hosting
Dawson guest-hosted The Tonight Show several times in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He also appeared in the 1987 film The Running Man, playing an egotistical game show host. Dawson was later involved in a pilot for You Bet Your Life in 1988, but the show was not picked up.
Final Years and Retirement
Dawson returned to Family Feud in 1994 for its final season. He chose not to kiss female contestants anymore as a promise to his daughter. After the show ended in 1995, Dawson retired. In 2000, he narrated TV’s Funniest Game Shows. GSN aired a marathon of his greatest moments in 2012, celebrating his legacy on Match Game and Family Feud.
Richard Dawson’s Personal Life
Family Life
Dawson was married to actress Diana Dors first. They had two sons, Mark and Gary. They got divorced in 1967, and Dawson got custody of both sons. He later had four grandchildren. Dawson became a U.S. citizen in 1984.
Marriage and Children
After his first marriage, Dawson met his second wife, Gretchen Johnson, on the show Family Feud in 1981. They married in 1991. They had a daughter in 1990. Dawson shared the news on his second time hosting Family Feud in 1994. He even showed a picture of her on the first episode of his return. Dawson also appeared with his daughter on two Family Feud episodes in 1995.
Activism
In the 1960s and 1970s, Dawson was active in several important causes. He marched from Selma to Montgomery and supported George McGovern‘s campaign for president in 1972.
Richard Dawson’s Death
Dawson passed away on June 2, 2012, due to complications from esophageal cancer. He was 79 years old at the time. He died at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Burial and Memorial
After his death, Dawson was laid to rest at Westwood Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
