Family Feud's Richard Dawson Dies of Cancer

Esophageal cancer complications claim the life of Richard Dawson

(RxWiki News) He was the distinguished Brit with a sexy laugh who like to kiss contestants and knew how to keep people working together. Richard Dawson, the host of the game show "Family Feud" has died of complications from esophageal cancer.

Dawson was 79.

E! Online reports that Dawson's son Gary posted on Facebook, "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."

Cancer of the esophagus (the tube that connects your through with your stomach) is difficult to treat. The outlook for this cancer can be grim, as an average of only 15 percent of people diagnosed with it are alive five years after diagnosis.

However, patients who have their cancer discovered early in stage 1 can have up to an 80% five year survival rate.

Esophageal cancer has been on the rise since the 1970s, and the reasons behind this trend are not clear. This year, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 17,500 people will be diagnosed with, and the disease will overwhelm another 15,000 Americans.

Dawson was both an actor and a host. He appeared on a number of variety shows, including The Dick Van Dyke Show.

It was the role he played on "Hogan's Heroes" - Capt. Peter Newkirk - that brought Dawson to American television viewers.

After the WWII sitcom, Dawson hosted the Family Feud from 1976-1986 and 1994-1995.

He won a Daytime Emmy in 1978 for his on-air hosting hospitality. 

Review Date: 
June 2, 2012