Richard Karn

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Richard Karn

Richard Karn as host on Family Feud.
Born Richard Karn Wilson
February 17, 1956 (1956-02-17) (age 53)
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

[edit] TV series

[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

  1. ^ Davis, Alex. "Richard Karn is New Host of 'Bingo America'", 22 August 2008.

[edit] External links