Claim to Fame: When I hear the name Chuck Barris there is only one
thing I think... 'The Gong Show.' But what is interesting is he is the guy
behind so many Game Shows. Even to this day his name comes up about his old
classic shows as The Game Show network seems to be reviving more and more of
them.
Family Life: Mary (2000 - present)
Robin Altman (divorced in 1999)
Lyn Levy (divorced in 1976) on daughter Della Barris
Info:
Chuck got his start in television as a page and later staffer at NBC in New
York, and eventually worked backstage at the TV music show American Bandstand,
originally as a standards-and-practices person for ABC. Barris soon became a
music-industry figure, writing a top-ten hit song called Palisades Park in 1962,
which was performed by Freddy Cannon. He eventually wrote or co-wrote some of
the music that appeared on his game shows.
Chuck first hit the jackpot in 1965 with his first game-show creation, The
Dating Game on ABC, hosted by Jim Lange, in which three bachelors or
bachelorettes competed for the favor of a contestant blocked from their view.
Trivia: Nephew of singer/songwriter/actor Harry Barris.
As a songwriter, co-composed the song "Palisades Park", a number four hit in the
US for singer Freddy Cannon in 1962.
Chuck's younger sister, mother, and father all died by the time he was a
teenager.
Survived lung cancer.
Introduced first-run syndication on television when he bought back an
unsuccessful show he created and resold it.
Began his television career as an NBC page
Daughter Della Barris died of suspected overdose. She was his only child.
He attended Drexel University, where he was a columnist at the student
newspaper.
In
his "unauthorized autobiography" 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind', Barris
claimed to have also worked as a CIA hitman, with over 100 kills (the movie
suggested only 33 kills.) As of yet, these claims have been neither proven nor
disproved. In 2002
the book was made into a film, turned into a script by Charlie Kaufman and
directed by George Clooney. Sam Rockwell starred as Barris.
Chuck has also written a sequel entitled, 'Bad Grass Never Dies.' But the first
movie was less than a hit, so it is doubtful it will see the light of day.
Where
is He Now:
He splits his time living in Los Angeles and St. Tropez, France.
Chuck's name has been mentioned so much lately, because of the new NBC show
'America's Got Talent.' Many critics are comparing it to the Gong Show.
He also tours the country and makes appearances at various conventions and book
fairs. In fact our now picture was taken of him at a book fair just this year.
CREDITS: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) .... Himself - Present Day
Hugo Pool (1997) .... Irwin
"The Chuck Barris Rah-Rah Show" (1977) TV Series .... Host
"The Gong Show" (1976) TV Series .... Himself/Host (1976-1978 & 1977-1980)
"Sanford and Son"
- Sanford and Gong (1976) TV Episode .... Himself
PRODUCING CREDITS: "The All-New Dating Game" (1986) TV Series (executive producer)
"The New Newlywed Game" (1984) TV Series (executive producer)
"Treasure Hunt" (1981) TV Series (executive producer)
"3's a Crowd" (1979) TV Series (producer)
"The $1.98 Beauty Show" (1978) TV Series (executive producer)
"The Gong Show" (1976) TV Series (producer)
"The New Treasure Hunt" (1973) TV Series (executive producer)
"The Game Game" (1969) TV Series (producer)
"Operation: Entertainment" (1968) TV Series (producer)
"The Newlywed Game" (1966) TV Series (executive producer)
"The Dating Game" (1965) TV Series (executive producer)
COMPOSER CREDITS:
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)
Roger & Me (1989) (writer: "The Newlywed Game Theme")
"How's Your Mother-in-Law?" (1967) TV Series (writer: "Mother Trucker")
"Dream Girl of '67" (1966) TV Series (writer: "Hunk O' Love")
"The Dating Game" (1965) TV Series (writer: "THE DATING GAME", "Little Rosie"
(1965))
The Gong Show Movie (1980) (songs)
"The Gong Show" (1976) TV Series
"The Dating Game" (1965) TV Series
Rock-n-roll hit Palisades Park (1962), performed by Freddy Cannon
WRITING CREDITS:
Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002) (book)
The Gong Show Movie (1980)
OTHER SHOWS HOSTED OR CREATED BY CHUCK: The Bobby Vinton Show
Cop-Out (unsold pilot)
Dream Girl of '67
Family Game
Game Game
How's Your Mother-In-Law
Operation Entertainment
The Parent Game
People Pickers (unsold pilot)
Rah Rah Show
Updated:
7/23/2006
In
his "unauthorized autobiography" 'Confessions of a Dangerous Mind', Barris
claimed to have also worked as a CIA hitman, with over 100 kills (the movie
suggested only 33 kills.) As of yet, these claims have been neither proven nor
disproved. In 2002 
