Sad news to pass along. John O’Hurley, who was until recently best known for his role as J. Peterman on Seinfeld, is calling it quits after four seasons as host of Family Feud. Survey says: This blows! With everything that’s been going on in the news these days, you would be forgiven for assuming that original Feud host Richard Dawson has decided to un-retire and reclaim his position; however, this is simply not the case. “The time has come to try something new, and while I have prized my time on Family Feud, I’ve decided to set a course for new adventures,” O’Hurley said in a statement.

So what sort of new adventures is he referring to, exactly? Well, from his lips to your ears eyes, “This includes immediately heading into rehearsals for the U.S. touring show of Chicago, launching my new company Energy-Inc. which focuses on renewable energy solutions, debuting an original golf apparel line in the J. Peterman catalog, and visiting our troops overseas.” Renewable energy solutions!

All kidding aside, we’re actually going to really miss O’Hurley as host of the Feud. For those of you who haven’t watched since you were a kid, O’Hurley has proven himself to be one of the best game-show hosts since the golden age of the seventies, when giants like Wink Martindale, Chuck Woolery, Bob Eubanks, and, of course, Richard Dawson roamed the airwaves. Not only did the dulcet tones of O’Hurley’s baritone voice lend a certain air of authority to the otherwise silly proceedings, his quick wit and engaging personality were several stratospheres above other people currently working in this arena (cough, Drew Carey, Wayne Brady, cough). You will be missed, John! (Especially considering that the humor-challenged Steve Harvey has been named as his replacement.)

John O’Hurley Leaves “Family Feud”; Steve Harvey New Host in Fall [BuzzerBlog]

Sadly, John O’Hurley Set to Retire As Host of Family Feud