Post by stevearino on Jul 25, 2018 16:33:14 GMT -5
According to Randy West's Facebook page, Howard Felsher, the original Producer of the '70s "Family Feud," died this week at age 90 after being in ill health for some time.
Per Randy, "Howard Felsher is a name known well in all corners of the game show world - quite unusual for a producer who never hosted a series, and whose time on camera was limited to rare moments.
Among fans, Howard was likely best known as the driving force behind "Family Feud," as host Richard Dawson mentioned his name frequently. Among self-annointed "experts," Howard has taken much criticism for his conflict with Dawson over the show's presentation.
Among contestants, for decades Howard was the producer for whom they auditioned as the last hurdle before appearing on the several series he controlled. For students of media, Howard's name is among the more frequently mentioned producers who testified before Congress during the quiz show scandals.
Like many, Howard ultimately confessed to controlling the outcome of competitions - that included his estimate of 75% of the episodes of NBC's "Tic Tac Dough," during the period in question. One of the contestants he coached also testified.
Howard had a lightening quick mind and an intuitive gift for reading people, as well as a track record for contributing to the repair of troubled game formats that eventually made it to air. He was a firm believer that the contestants were the stars, and the gameplay the most important element of any program."
Among fans, Howard was likely best known as the driving force behind "Family Feud," as host Richard Dawson mentioned his name frequently. Among self-annointed "experts," Howard has taken much criticism for his conflict with Dawson over the show's presentation.
Among contestants, for decades Howard was the producer for whom they auditioned as the last hurdle before appearing on the several series he controlled. For students of media, Howard's name is among the more frequently mentioned producers who testified before Congress during the quiz show scandals.
Like many, Howard ultimately confessed to controlling the outcome of competitions - that included his estimate of 75% of the episodes of NBC's "Tic Tac Dough," during the period in question. One of the contestants he coached also testified.
Howard had a lightening quick mind and an intuitive gift for reading people, as well as a track record for contributing to the repair of troubled game formats that eventually made it to air. He was a firm believer that the contestants were the stars, and the gameplay the most important element of any program."
His insight into the genre brought Howard to Barry-Enright Productions prior to becoming a long-serving member on the Goodson-Todman team. In addition to "Family Feud," Howard was also showrunner for "Password Plus. "Super Password," and "Concentration."
Howard had an interest in the media's impact on politics and, in 1966, authored a book entitled, "The Press in the Jury Box." It was later re titled "Justice in the Media." He also ran for public office. When I was an air personality on all-talk KIEV Radio 870, I interviewed Howard during his In 1982 run for the Republican nomination to be the Congressman from the 26th district of California. He lost in the primary.
Howard might well be remembered as a perfectionist who could be difficult to work with, but his contributions are undeniably great and many. Among those he mentored were his son Andy and the present showrunner for "Family Feud," Howard's longtime assistant at Goodson-Todman, Gaby Johnston."
Howard had an interest in the media's impact on politics and, in 1966, authored a book entitled, "The Press in the Jury Box." It was later re titled "Justice in the Media." He also ran for public office. When I was an air personality on all-talk KIEV Radio 870, I interviewed Howard during his In 1982 run for the Republican nomination to be the Congressman from the 26th district of California. He lost in the primary.
Howard might well be remembered as a perfectionist who could be difficult to work with, but his contributions are undeniably great and many. Among those he mentored were his son Andy and the present showrunner for "Family Feud," Howard's longtime assistant at Goodson-Todman, Gaby Johnston."
Indeed.