Born in Gosport, Hampshire, England, Richard Dawson was 14 when he ran away from home and joined the Merchant Navy, serving for three years. During his tour he reportedly earned almost $5000 in shipboard boxing matches. Following his discharge he began to pursue an acting career using the name Dickie Dawson, which he later legally changed to Richard Dawson. He was known to his fans as Newkirk on Hogan's Heroes, and his famous line "Survey says...!" on Family Feud.
Richard Dawson passed away of complications from esophageal cancer at age 79
