Richard Dawson (30 November 1932 – 2 June 2012) an English actor, comedian, game show panelist and host in America has died due to complications of esophageal cancer.

"It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that my father passed away this evening from complications due to esophageal cancer. 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…,” wrote Dawson’s son Gary in a posting on Facebook early this morning.

Dawson hosted several incarnations of the popular game show the “Family Feud” after it debuted in 1976.

In addition to hosting “Family Feud,” Dawson also appeared on the show “Match Game” as a guest panelist.

He also appeared in films like “The Running Man” and television series such as “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour,” according to IMDB.com.