FAMILY FEUD’S RICHARD DAWSON DIES AT 79.

Family Feud host Richard Dawson died Saturday at the age of 79.

His son Gary posted on Facebook, "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."

Steve Harvey, the current host of Family Feud, tweeted, "I have been blessed because of Richard Dawson's work...the birth of Family Feud. God Bless You Sir -- You Were The Best."

Dawson, who was born in England, first found fame in the U.S. playing Captain Peter Newkirk on the '60s sitcomHogan's Heroes. But his popularity soared with appearances on The Match Game and as host of the FamilyFeud. He had a small but memorable role in 1987's The Running Man.