"Family Feud" host Richard Dawson died Saturday at age 79 from complications linked to esophageal cancer.

The British actor who used to kiss female contestants on the lips on "Family Feud" died at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, just three weeks after he learned he had cancer, his family said.

"He had a heart attack and went in the hospital. He was actually going in for his first radiation treatment when he had a heart attack," his son Gary told Access Hollywood today.

Dawson was also known for his role as Corporal Peter Newkirk on "Hogan's Heroes."

He won a daytime Emmy Award in 1978 as best game show host.