Most Popular Game Show Hosts in History

Bob Eubanks has had an entertainment career as an actor and producer, however, he is best known as the baritone-voiced host of “The Newlywed Game,” famous for its often risqué questions posed to newly united couples who vied for prizes such as home furnishings. The first version of the show ran from 1966 to 1974.

Hugh Downs, a descendant of frontiersman Davy Crockett, had one of the most varied careers in television. He was an announcer and sidekick for “Tonight Starring Jack Paar” from 1957 to 1962; a co-host of the NBC News morning program “Today” from 1962 to 1971; and anchor of the ABC News magazine “20/20” from 1978 to 1999. Downs was also the host of the game show “Concentration,” based on a kids’ memory game, from 1958 to 1969. He was one of the first inductees into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2007.

Actress and sketch comedian Melissa Peterman is best known for her role as Barbra Jean in the television comedy series “Reba.” She has been the host of the game shows “The Singing Bee” and “Bet on Your Baby.”

Ray Combs leveraged his notoriety on the comedy circuit to become the host of the game show “Family Feud,” in which two families compete against each other for prizes. Combs hosted the show from 1988 to 1996. He also helmed the show “Family Challenge.”

Television personality Meredith Vieira began her career in television journalism, which included a stint as an editor on the long-running news program “60 Minutes.” The Emmy-Award winner was the co-host of the “Today” show and the talk show “The View,” and she was the host of “The Meredith Vieira Show.” The personable Vieria was also host of the game show “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” for 11 seasons.