A shocking revelation from a new book has surfaced regarding the behind-the-scenes practices during Richard Dawson’s reign as the host of Family Feud. It turns out that contestants on the popular game show were subjected to mandatory herpes tests during his tenure, an anecdote that would likely leave even Steve Harvey speechless.
According to Kliph Nesteroff’s newly published book, Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars, Family Feud implemented a peculiar policy that required contestants to “undergo a mouth test with a magnifying glass from medical staff.” This unusual procedure was a direct consequence of Dawson’s signature move: kissing female contestants on the lips.
The book recounts a contestant’s experience, revealing the extent of this policy. “A contestant revealed that before her appearance, a Family Feud production assistant entered the dressing room with a magnifying glass and a cotton swab and said, ‘Okay, everybody line up for your herpes test,'” Nesteroff detailed.
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This policy was reportedly implemented after significant backlash from viewers and medical professionals who voiced concerns about Dawson’s on-screen kissing. Many viewers were “repulsed” by Dawson’s actions. One particularly critical viewer complained, “Richard Dawson spreads more bugs every week than a flu epidemic,” highlighting the public’s growing unease.
Adding to the controversy, a physician even wrote to the Philadelphia Daily News, questioning the health risks involved. The letter stated, “As a physician, I have wondered about the risks Richard Dawson takes in kissing every female contestant on Family Feud. The diseases that could be transmitted by promiscuous kissing are too long and too loathsome to recount here. Does Dawson or the producers take any caution to prevent infection? Are none of them informed?” This public outcry and professional medical concern seemingly led to the implementation of the herpes testing protocol.
Richard Dawson, who passed away in 2012, was the original and iconic host of Family Feud, captivating audiences from 1976 to 1985 and again in the mid-90s. In a 2010 interview with the Television Academy, Dawson explained that the kissing tradition began innocently as a way to ease contestants’ anxieties. He recalled an instance where a contestant was so nervous she couldn’t even name a green vegetable.
“I said, ‘I’m gonna do something that my mom would do to me whenever I had a problem of any kind,” Dawson recounted. “And I kissed her on the cheek, and I said, ‘That’s for luck.’ And she said, ‘Asparagus.'” Although ABC initially urged him to stop the kissing due to complaints, Dawson claimed that an outpouring of supportive letters from viewers convinced the network to allow him to continue his affectionate greetings.
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The book Outrageous: A History of Showbiz and the Culture Wars delves into various controversies within the entertainment industry, spanning from the vaudeville era to modern times. It examines censorship attempts and contentious moments in television history, including episodes of classic shows like I Love Lucy and Laverne & Shirley.
Today, Family Feud continues its successful run, currently in its 25th season with Steve Harvey as host. However, the kissing tradition is a relic of the past, as Harvey has hosted the show without engaging in such displays of affection since 2010. The Richard Dawson era of Family Feud, with its kissing and the subsequent herpes test policy, remains a unique and controversial chapter in game show history.
