Richard Karn
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| Richard Karn | |
|---|---|
 Richard Karn as host on Family Feud. |
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| Born | Richard Karn Wilson February 17, 1956 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor/Game show host |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Spouse(s) | Tudi Roche (1985-present) 1 child |
Richard Karn Wilson (born February 17, 1956), better known as Richard Karn, is an American actor and game show host. He is probably best known for his role as Al Borland, the sidekick of Tim Allen's character, on the sitcom Home Improvement (1991–1999).
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[edit] Early life
Karn was born in Seattle, Washington. Karn's father, Gene, was a Seabee who served in World War II. Richard graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Washington. He was also a member of the Fraternity Beta Theta Pi. His character on Home Improvement, Al Borland, was portrayed as a Navy Seabee, probably as a tribute to his father.
[edit] Show business career
In 2002, Karn replaced Louie Anderson as host of the game show Family Feud. In 2002, Karn also made an appearance in The Strokes' music video for "Someday", which featured segments of the band on a fictional showing of Family Feud against the band Guided by Voices.
Karn is sometimes referred to as "Richard Jr."[citation needed] because he and original Feud host Richard Dawson share the same first name. Karn left Family Feud in 2006 and was replaced by John O'Hurley.
On October 6, 2008, Karn replaced Patrick Duffy as host of Game Show Network's Bingo America.[1] Karn is also a substitute host on GSN Radio.
[edit] Other pursuits
In 2008, Karn became the national spokesman for the "Mr. Handyman" franchise chain of professional handymen. He is touted as a "Handyman Guru," borrowing on his TV persona. He has also served as the spokesman for the Little Giant ladder system, a product of Wing Enterprises.
[edit] Selected filmography
[edit] Films
- Snow Buddies (2008) - Patrick
- Mr. Blue Sky (2006) - John
- Air Buddies (2005) - Patrick
- Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch (2002) — Patrick
- Reality School (2002) — Victor Cayanne
- Sex and the Teenage Mind (2002) — Stanley Heitmeyer
- MVP 2: Most Vertical Primate (2001) — Ollie Plant
- The Pooch and the Pauper (1999) — Agent Dainville
- Legend of the Mummy (1997) — Brice Renard
- Picture Perfect (1995)- George Thomas
[edit] TV series
- Bingo America (2008— ) - Host
- Family Feud (2002–2006) - Host
- Foot Soldier (1998) - Host and narrator
- That '70s Show (1 episode, "Bye Bye Basement") - Theo
- Boy Meets World (1 episode, "This Little Piggy") - Animal Control Officer
- Dirt (1 episode, "Ties That (Don't) Bind") - Holt McLauren's Father
- WOW! The Most Amazing Acts on Earth 1996 - Host
- Home Improvement (1991–1999) — Al Borland
[edit] Books
- House Broken: How I Remodeled My Home for Just Under Three Times the Original Bid (1999) - ISBN 0-0610-5144-6 (with George Mair)
- Handy at Home: Tips on Improving Your Home from America's Favorite Handyman (2002) - ISBN 0-3123-0606-7 (with George Mair)
[edit] Notes
- ^ Davis, Alex. "Richard Karn is New Host of 'Bingo America'", 22 August 2008.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Richard Karn |
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