Here is my look and take on the hosts of the legendary game show, 'Family Feud.'
RICHARD DAWSON (1976-1985, 1994-1995)
The inaugural host of the show, Richard Dawson, was a veteran of the legendary sitcom, 'Hogan's Heroes.' The host with the longest tenure, Dawson was less known for his hosting skills, and rather his sexual intimidation skills. While one might describe him as a "hands-on" host, "lips-on" would be a better description. Dawson was famous for kissing every single female contestant on the lips, whether she liked it not, which of course she never did. Every kiss would begin with a Scotch-fueled* gaze into her eyes, and end with the shame and uncomfortableness similar to kissing your uncle. Dawson's reign of sexual terror came to an end it 1985, but later returned for one season in the 90's.
RAY COMBS (1988-1994)
An aspiring comedian, Ray Combs became the host in the late 80's, after the 'Feud' had been off the air for three years. Combs may have been small in stature, but was big in heart, energy, and charisma. He also had the fact that he wasn't an amateur sexual predator going for him. Combs may have been a prototypical game show host, but still had a likability that Alex Trebek couldn't even dream of condescending. Unfortunately for Combs he could never escape being typecast as a game show host, and only two years after hosting his last episode of 'Feud' he killed himself in a psychiatric ward. Survey says.....we will miss you Ray!
LOUIE ANDERSON (1999-2002)
Typically, one would never expect to hear "Yeah, Louie Anderson would be a great choice!" However, once I learned that the other possible host at that time was Dolly Parton, my response would have been just that. Personally, I felt like Anderson's career peaked as Maurice, the cashier at McDowell's, in the 1988 classic, 'Coming to America.' After seeing Anderson host just a few episodes of the 'Feud', I knew that I was right. His heavy breathing and nasally voice, which made Rosie Perez sound like James Earl Jones, was just too hard to take. Anderson had the shortest, and ultimately the most forgetful reign as king of the 'Feud'.
RICHARD KARN (2002-2006)
Richard Karn shot to fame as Al, the uber-boring assistant to Tim Taylor, on one of the most overrated sitcoms of all-time, 'Home Improvement.' Karn's Stuart Smalley approach to hosting was evident from the beginning, with one exception - doggone it, people didn't like him! He seemed to take the job too seriously, and never appeared to be having fun while hosting. Luckily for Karn, he succeeded Louie Anderson, which made him look great by default. Karn may have gained his initial fame from 'Tool Time', but he truly achieved "tool" status during his time as host of the 'Feud.'
JOHN O'HURLEY (2006-2010)
I was definitely surprised when I first heard that O'Hurley would be taking over the hosting duties on the 'Feud.' Let's face it, he is one of the most recognizable sitcom characters of the last 25 years. I imagine most people don't know him as John O'Hurley, but rather as Elaine's boss, J. Peterman on Seinfeld. Peterman's time as host was neither great nor horrible, but very middle of the road. He had a charm about him that outshined his predecessors, Anderson and Karn. However, every time I would see him, I was always disappointed to not see Elaine bumbling around him.
STEVE HARVEY (2010-present)
I have been a fan of Steve Harvey, dating back to his 90's WB sitcom, which bore his name. While I never expected to see him host the 'Feud', I have been pleasantly surprised with the job he has done. The first thing I noticed about him is that he seems to be genuinely having fun hosting. His interaction with the contestants is unparalleled. His reaction to bad answers, and the way he lightly pokes fun at them is good-natured. I feel like The Feud has finally found a host that is worth watching, and hopefully that is exactly what everyone will be doing on their sick days, and long bouts of unemployment.
Oh yeah, I have one final note. Richard Dawson went on to marry a former contestant, which goes to show that his sexual intimidation was not unwelcome by everyone.
*Pure speculation
