Hogan's Heroes

Credit: ABC

Richard Dawson Diagnosed with Cancer Only Three Weeks Before Death

Originally posted 06/05/2012 11:40AM

Three weeks ago, Richard Dawson thought he was suffering from heartburn.

The late Hogan's Hero actor-turned-game show host, fondly remembered for his lips-on approach to his Family Feud contestants, then found out he had esophageal cancer, according to his children.

"It all just kind of happened really quickly," his son Gary tells Access Hollywood. Dawson, 79, died Saturday night due to complications related to his cancer. "Luckily, he didn't have to go through all the bad treatments and stuff."