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Richard Dawson remains one of the most memorable hosts in television history thanks to his long run on Family Feud. Before becoming a game show icon, he gained fame as an actor and television personality, earning a reputation for his quick humor and natural ability to connect with people. His charm helped make Family Feud one of the most successful daytime television programs of its era. According to Grunge, however, one habit often attracted as much attention as the game itself. Dawson regularly kissed female contestants before or after speaking with them, earning the nickname "The Kissing Bandit." While many viewers embraced the tradition, others questioned whether it crossed professional boundaries and whether it should have been allowed to continue. How Richard Dawson Turned Kissing Contestants Into A Signature Tradition FAMILY FEUD, host Richard Dawson, ABC-TV, 1976-1985, (c) ABC / Courtesy: Everett Collection The tradition reportedly began when Dawson noticed a contestant struggling with nerves during an early episode of Family Feud. Hoping to help her relax, he gave her a kiss on the cheek before asking a question. According to Dawson, the contestant immediately settled down and delivered the correct answer. The experience convinced him that the gesture helped put contestants at ease. The Game Show Network hosted several popular programs, including Family Feud / Flickr. From that point forward, kissing female contestants became a regular part of the show. Dawson often described the practice as a symbol of good luck and said it reminded him of the affection his mother showed him growing up. Many viewers saw it as a harmless expression of warmth, and the host's popularity helped make the tradition one of the most recognizable features of the program. Why The Practice Generated Criticism And Health Concerns FAMILY FEUD, host Richard Dawson (ca. 1970s), 1976-85. © ABC / Courtesy: Everett Collection Despite its popularity among many fans, the habit did not escape criticism. Some sponsors reportedly felt uncomfortable with Dawson kissing so many contestants on television and encouraged producers to reconsider the practice. At the same time, some viewers believed the behavior was inappropriate for a game show host and questioned whether it belonged on daytime television. CELEBRITY FAMILY FEUD (from left): Toni Braxton, host Steve Harvey, and Towanda Braxton; 'Anthony Anderson vs. Toni Braxton and Monica Potter vs. Curtis Stone' (Season 1, ep. 101, aired June 21, 2015). photo: Adam Taylor / ©ABC / Courtesy Everett Collection Health concerns added another layer to the controversy. Reports later claimed that producers took unusual precautions behind the scenes because of fears that frequent kissing could spread illnesses. Former contestants recalled undergoing examinations before tapings as part of efforts to reduce potential risks. Although the criticism never forced Dawson to stop, the debate surrounding the kisses became one of the most unusual controversies in Family Feud history and remains a memorable part of his television legacy.