Jim Lange, 'Dating Game' emcee, dead at 81

U.S. radio and television personality Jim Lange, famous as host of "The Dating Game," has died of a heart attack in San Francisco, TMZ said Thursday. He was 81. Lange hosted "The Dating Game" 1965 to 1980. The show, in which three bachelors compete to take one woman out on a date, featured appearances by celebrity competitors Michael Jackson, Steve Martin and Arnold Schwarzenegger, as well as serial killer Rodney Alcala, TMZ noted. Lange began his network television career as an announcer for and sidekick to host Tennessee Ernie Ford on "The Ford Show" in 1962. He went on to star on "The Dating Game" three years later. His other game shows included "$100,000 Name That Tune," "Bullseye," "The $1,000,000 Chance of a Lifetime," "Spin-Off," "Triple Threat" and "Give-n-Take." He made guest appearances as himself on "Bewitched," "Laverne & Shirley," "Parker Lewis Can't Lose" and "Moesha."