Family Feud host Richard Dawson dies

Long-time host (1976 - 1985) of the ‘Family Feud’ Richard Dawson died Saturday night at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Dawson, known for Always wearing a flower on his lapel and always kissing the female game show contestants earning him the nickname "The Kissing Bandit", was a regular guest on popular game shows including Match Game and Password.

In the 1960’s Dawson appeared on television shows including Steve Allen and The Dick Van Dyke Show but was best known for his role as British POW Corporal Peter Newkirk on 60’s TV series Hogan’s Heroes.

His film credits include popular flicks King Rat and The Running Man.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away this evening from complications due to esophageal cancer," Gary Dawson said in a post on his Facebook page Sunday.

"He was surrounded by his family. He was an amazing talent, a loving husband, a great dad, and a doting grandfather. He will be missed but always remembered."

He was 79.