Salute to Richard Dawson

If there is one word to describe Richard Dawson, it is versatile. With a career spanning over 40 years, on stage, TV and Film, Dawson captured a huge audience with his role as Corporal Peter Newkirk in Hogan's Heroes, a show much beloved in Wapella and other places.

Born Colin Lionel Emm in Gosport, England, Dawson started out in the merchant marine at the age of 14, then became a boxer and comedian appearing as Dickie Dawson. Dawson hit it big when he married starlet Diana Dors, recognized as the most beautiful actress in England, whereupon they moved to Los Angeles to pursue their careers.

And what a career it has been, with the amazing role as the crafty Corporal Newkirk firmly establishing Richard Dawson as major star, then moving on to Laugh-In and two huge hits as game shows with Match Game and the masterpiece of Dawson's career, Family Feud, which he played to great effect in the "Running Man" Movie.

Approaching 78 years old, and living in Beverly Hills California, Richard Dawson has truly had a fabled and admirable career, one of the great performers of the 20th Century. And for a tip of the hat, Joe Jackson (from neighboring Portsmouth, England) questions "Is She Really Going Out With Him" a question never asked of the suave Dawson.

Cheers to you Richard Dawson!