Death Takes Dating Game Host Jim Lange

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The very first host of “The Dating Game” JIM LANGE has died at 81.He died yesterday after suffering a heart attack, his wife Nancy told Associated Press.

Lange was born on Aug. 15, 1932, in St. Paul, Minn., where as a young man he discovered a passion for local radio.Lange is best remembered for hosting  ABC’s “The Dating Game” for more than a decade. The show debuted in 1965 playing host to many future celeb guests.

A pre-”Charlie’s Angels” Farrah Fawcett was intro’ed as “an accomplished artist and sculptress” hoping to open her own gallery.

Michael Jackson, Steve Martin and Arnold Schwarzenegger were among the many celeb contestants.

“I’ve never been out on a date before. What do two kids like us do on a date?” a teenage Michael Jackson asked one of his potential dates on a 1972 ep. “Well, we’d have fun,” the girl answered. “We’d go out to dinner, and then I’d go over to your house.”

Oddly enough,  future serial killer Rodney Alcala was not only a contestant but won.

After "The Dating Game" brought him fame, Lange also hosted the game shows "Hollywood Connection", "'$100,000 Name That Tune" and "The New Newlywed Game."