VIA: Variety
Who’s been tapped as the new host of the syndicated gamer “Family Feud”? Survey says: Steve Harvey.
Harvey replaces John O’Hurley, who is departing the show after four seasons at the helm. Funny-man officially takes over next fall, when the current version of the “Feud” enters its 12th season.
FremantleMedia North America CEO Cecile Frot-Coutaz, who announced the hire, said the host “exemplifies the spirit and the appeal of ‘Family Feud.
Harvey is no stranger to the hosting world, having emceed the talent competish “Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge” for the WB. Harvey also continues to host the nationally syndicated “Steve Harvey Morning Show,” heard in 64 markets and by 7 million listeners daily.
One of the “Kings of Comedy,” Harvey sports TV credits including the WB’s “The Steve Har-vey Show” and ABC’s “Me and the Boys.” More recently, Harvey wrote the bestselling book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.”
Family Feud” distrib Debmar-Mercury co-prexy Ira Bernstein called Harvey “one of today’s top comedians”; co-prez Mort Marcus said the host was a “great fit.”
Harvey becomes the sixth host of the gameshow franchise, which first bowed in 1976 as a Mark Goodson/Bill Todman production.
Richard Dawson was the show’s original host on the ABC series and in syndication, 1976-85. Ray Combs then hosted a syndie revival ’88-94, with Dawson returning for one more year. Most recent version bowed in ’99 with Louie Anderson as host; Richard Karn and then O’Hurley later handled the gig.
