Veteran TV host Gary Collins dies at 74

Washington: Gary Collins, a familiar TV figure throughout the ‘80s as both an actor and show host, died of natural causes on Saturday. He was 74.

According to a website, Harrison County Deputy Coroner Brian Switzer said, Collins died just before 1 am on Saturday in Biloxi, Mississippi, a magazine has reported. The talk show host lived in Biloxi and died in the hospital, a leading daily has reported. In addition to leading roles in three short-lived TV series, including ‘The Wackiest Ship in the Army,’ he made a number of guest appearances on shows like ‘Perry Mason,’ ‘The Six Million Dollar Man,’ ‘The Love Boat’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ He was best known as the host of the syndicated ‘Hour Magazine’ – for which he was awarded an Emmy in 1983 – as well as ‘The Home Show.’ He also hosted the Miss America Pageant from 1982-1990 – and married a former Miss America, Mary Ann Mobley, though the couple separated last year. The couple wed in 1967, and have one daughter together, Mary Clancy. In addition to Mobley and their daughter, Collins is also survived by his two other kids, Guy William and Melissa, from his previous marriage to Susan Peterson. ANI