Legendary Game Show Host Jim Lange Dies at 81

ABC News reports that legendary game show host and disc jockey Jim Lange, the first host of the popular game show "The Dating Game," died at his home in Mill Valley, Calif. He was 81. Lange died Tuesday morning, February 25th after suffering a heart attack, his wife Nancy told The Associated Press Wednesday.

He was known to listeners in the San Francisco and Los Angeles radio markets with stints at several stations in both markets, racking up over 45 years on the air. Lange was also known to television viewers as the host of several game shows.

Lange began his radio broadcasting career in the Twin Cities after winning an audition as a teenager. He graduated from St. Thomas Academy high school, before going to the University of Minnesota on the Chick Evans Scholarship through the Western Golf Association.

His network television career began in San Francisco with The Tennessee Ernie Ford Show in 1962, where Lange was announcer and sidekick to Ford. Three years later he would sign on to host The Dating Game. While still on-air at KSFO, he commuted to Los Angeles to tape the TV program.

His other game shows include $100,000 Name That Tune, Bullseye and The $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime, as well as short-lived shows including, Spin-Off, Triple Threat and Give-n-Take.
He also appeared as himself on Bewitched, Laverne & Shirley, The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!, Parker Lewis Can't Lose and Moesha. He also appeared during December 2002 on Hollywood Squares for their "Game Show Week".