Chuck Barris: My Life on the Edge 2006 GSN Special

This biography of Chuck Barris from GSN includes his history as a producer and personal moments as well.
© 2006 GSN. All TV promos, news clips, airchecks, etc. remain the sole property of the respective copyright holders. No videos are for sale, nor do they imply challenge to ownerships. They are intended strictly for entertainment, educational, and historical purposes, and fall under the "Fair Use" guideline.

[@deputay]

If you enjoyed this, I've added Chuck's 1985 special on ABC, celebrating 20 years of his shows. Check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJXUlGRvqpKirac

Loved it and thanks verrry much for the post! Loved the guy. Brought so many outrageous laughs to the veiwing world. Hope he has found peace in the world and himself..

[@guygrip2120]

I like guy great brain great to guest. Sad ending of his daughter. But i no awaken that he made it by ELITE AND CIA ARE. LUMINARTI. SO LOT TRUTH IS THERE THEY OWNED HIM TO DO KILLENS. THERES LOT TRUTH BEHIND THAT. I HOPE IN HIS NEXT LIFE HE WILL REMORSE IT AND MOVE ON. ITS REALLY SAD WHAT HOLLY W OOD DOES FOR FAME FOR THERE WORLD OF DARK ENERGY.

[@JPMJPM]

Thank you!

[@guygrip2120]

@@JPMJPM we love you. You were great are great i allso caught you singing on MY THREE SONS. SUCH CLASS. I KNOW SOMETIMES I SAY THINGS ABOUT JUDGEN BUT USALLY EVERY ONE WAS HAVEN FUN. THANK YOU I BELIEVE CHUCK WAS LAST OF BRINGEN TALENT. BUT WE GOING IN PEACE AND WILL REJOYCE AGAIN

[@deputay]

@Harry Engel unfortunately I don't and to be honest I can't remember if I saw those 2 or not. The only other 1 from GSN I saved is the Michael Larson doc which is already on KZbin.

[@missmary.foodconsultantand9174]

Well I don't care what the critics say Chuck Barris was and still is The Man of comedy. Thank you dude for keep me laughing. The Gong Show forever.

[@Notfiveo0]

Chuck hated manual labor, CIA….😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@James_Bowie]

If Chuck was still alive and making TV programs, I'd still be watching TV.

[@TheStrmcliffae46]

I loved Chuck Barris, RIP Chuck you were amazing!

[@lenhummel5614]

Chuck Barris was the epitomy of the absurdist genius. The Gong Show was his masterpiece. Timelessly hysterical.

[@JSB1882]

Chuck Barris was a genius. He brought reality to TV and that is now lost. I wished that they'd interviewed Jaye P. Morgan. She was so great.

[@zachhoran]

Geoff Edwards was asked to be interviewed for this special but he declined.

[@duchessstudioband7896]

The word......and stuff...is a permanent part of my language. I still use it. I don't think he ever realized how much a part he became of peoples lives. His craziness, his jokes live on. Thanks Chuckie baby!!!

[@garylowery6216]

Chuck Barris was way ahead of the times We Miss You Chuck.

[@charlesblack2523]

I loved the Gong Show. I really liked Chuck as well it was a fun time back then.

[@tskinner9623]

I went to a Gong Show taping in 1978. They made 5 shows in a row (after 3 you had the option to leave, more people were waiting outside). I sat in the front row and Chuck walked over, I shook his hand, then found out he came to see his daughter who was sitting next to me. Also shook hands with Gene Gene. Anyway, I always thought Chuck got the idea for his shows from the first reality show I can remember - Candid Camera that first aired in 1948! It starred regular people, and, like Gong, they often looked like fools, but the participants wanted to be on it. Well done, Chuck!

[@kystars]

RIP Chuck in 2017. He was a great guy from what I could see. He did appear to like the Gong Show at times anyway.

[@wasteland70]

Mr. Barris, you are far from some goof. You made a massive difference in a 7 year old's life. You're shows were sincere, good natured. Simon Cowell would have no career without you.

[@actownsend7288]

Simon did acknowledge that.

[@nelsonporter8387]

Chuck was a genius. Period. And the Gong Show is a classic!!

[@mr.logicpants2835]

Can you imagine, someone like Chuck who is having the time of his life in front of all those people and NOT on drugs!? Go Chuck!, what a legacy.

[@weseethetruth158]

To be fair he was a CIA asset so he probably was on drugs...

[@g.davidtenenbaum8563]

Life is both complicated and fragile. So successful in one endeavor, and a catastrophic failure in another. Sad all the way around. From a man who gave so many so much joy.

[@dalehoward3704]

Chuck Barris was a true genius!!! I wish he knew what he did was so influential for today's TV. RIP C.B.!

[@momofmaria]

I hate what he doubted his brilliance for one minute. This show brought so many people joy. RIP 🙏🏽

[@georgegates526]

I got to admit - Shows were a heck of a lot animated and funnier than they are now.

[@georgegates526]

Looking at his face, it doesn't show the 'wear and tear' or doing drugs or alcohol.. Maybe I'm wrong.

[@iampaulzy]

@ Yeah, Chuck never did drugs...okay...then I guess the KIDS show Lidsville and H.R. Puff' n' Stuff weren't drug euphemisms either! Poop!

[@stickymeat88]

it was new, no one knew what would make ratings or not, per se.

[@ATCguy1973]

Chuck Barris was way ahead of his time in TV. A true legend. RIP Chuck 😢

[@jasonandjessicaproductions2877]

he lives bruh, aliens never die God Bless You though and thank you for your assistance

[@kathrynscottmelvin8548]

I totally agree 👍 👌 👏

[@kingstoneyblanco9925]

Gong Show is one of my best memories as a kid!! Loved that guy!! Newlywed game came in 2nd, then Dating Game. My top 3...

[@doublebo7]

This genius was ahead of the game. I only managed to watch re-runs of the gong show in the mid 80’s and concluded that the man had a talent ahead of time. Just watch the shows from the 70’s now, 50 years on and all generations would enjoy them.A pioneer, genius and a decent human being. God rest his soul

[@zekelucente9702]

It’s crazy that Al Michaels was a production assistant working for Chuck Barris. I just listened to him call the game on TNF tonight. What an incredible career Michaels’ has had and still does and it started in the mid 60’s working with Barris.

[@paulfeagans9904]

I was in high school when the gong show was on and I always made a point to get my butt home to watch it everyday. The Gong Show is one of my fondest memories. Thank you Chuck!

[@rockets4kids]

best of all you can relive them on youtube... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYLdgZ1-qLempJY

[@richardpowell3259]

Yes sir, I loved the show. It was great. Chuckie baby.

[@shiulibarua7310]

@@rockets4kids zz

[@Physics072]

Me too, had great memories watching that show up at our cottage.

[@chrisballas3356]

Yes and in my case I had 10 minutes to run home before it started. I was obsessed with this show. That half hour somehow was just magical.

[@6153calme]

Chuck Barris was a game show innovator as well as a game show creator. A genius who honed his skills. The Gong show will be always my favorite. Chuck Barris. RIP.

[@JulieHannah-lg7fy]

Truth 💯

[@RickMahoney2013]

Chuch you were and always be the BEST.

[@lucygirl4926]

I have ALWAYS loved Chuck Barris. I remember when The Gong Show premiered. It was cheesy, but hilarious. And he was adorable on it. I believe Chuck Barris is one of the most interesting celebrities ever to come out of Hollywood. The movie CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND was so wonderful.

[@ajk]

I watched it for the first time actually last night.....it's quite good......pretty gripping with lots of nostalgia thrown in. I want to get the book now and compare it to the movie.

[@tracya.schneider7698]

I LOVED the GONG SHOW as a child! I am so thankful for Chuck Barris...wishing him much peace!

[@jamescrouch3217]

What is so wrong with being remembered as the creator and host of the Gong Show? Absolutely nothing! Those that want to learn more about him will realize what a special talent he was for the industry. I admire the man. Self made!

[@3506Dodge]

So was Hitler. Hitler came from poverty to lead Germany!

[@taureanmay7480]

Yes.

[@cindywitter9741]

I loved the Gong Show, I still refer to it as my favorite! I’ve said for years some one has to bring the old shows back. My favorite will always be between the guy imitating bacon in a frying pan to the Vatican 4 🤣. Hurt ourselves laughing!

[@AegisNova]

Not a thing!

[@bigron8346]

He was a legend

[@user-ty6do8yz4l]

I LOVED this guy! I was a 70s kid, and I love and appreciate all 70s icons. Toda Chuck...

[@kennethbutler1343]

Chuck Barris… in the team picture with Goodson/Todman but with more originality and art. Watching the Gong Show as a kid gave me the courage to play in a rock and roll band at 16. I'm now 60 and I'm still playing thanks to him. People who thought The Gong Show was trash are the same types who said Van Gogh couldn't paint. They've entirely missed the point.

[@michaelz6309]

@Willie Gordon because he was

[@garyoa1]

I'm among those who think Van Gogh couldn't paint, but Chuck... he was a genius.

[@JasonRainbows]

I picked up the book "Confessions..." for less than a buck at a publishers overstock bookstore around 1990, and thought it would be a funny, nostalgic thing to read. When I got home and started reading the book, my jaw was on the floor. I couldn't put it down and read it cover to cover in one sitting. I still have that copy as part of my most cherished books. Chuck is a true legend.

[@photomanwilliams4147]

during one of my lowest points of life, I watched the Gong show. It sounds crazy to say this, but, the humor, and antics were my high point of the day. Just out of a romantic love break up, working a horrible night job with no future, and a list of other life-crushing events I knew 3:00 each afternoon I would have a little joy out of life. Thank God my life changed to success, and joy, but so wish I could have spoken to Chuck in those dark days of his about the gong show. "Chuck, you may have saved my life" May you RIP.

[@kerry9025]

Steve williams ♥️

[@jamesb7651]

Amen. Thousands of depressed people counted on the Tonight Show (Johnny Carson) to get sane too. Loved the Gong Show.

[@photomanwilliams4147]

@@jamesb7651 funny, so true, as I wrote, I worked nights 8pm to 4:30am. Lunch was durning Johnnys monolog. depressing times but gong show, and Carson sure helped to bring a little joy while going through a hard time of my life.

[@muffdiver240]

Great story, Steve. Glad things are looking up.

[@dburch7894]

Steve williams I hear ya! Barris helped brighten up my miserable life back then too!

[@ladymarijanorris5006]

I'm going to say this, as a kid I watched the Gong show with Chuck Barris.. I absolutely adored it. I felt like I wAs in a party for a half hour. When he waant the host anymore, it was just not the same. I stopped watching it when he left. As teens, it was funny, crazy, and insane. But I loved the randomness, the nutsy feel. I still love it today. It's a part of my humor. I hear gene gene dancing machine, I want to get up and dance.

[@xenalawarrior6916]

We loved his shows! He underestimated his talents!

[@stephenmitchell3569]

Chuck you gave better than you got! The gong show was Awesome 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 and better than todays over hype shows!!!

[@candid1954]

Chuck BareAss...Gong with the wind!

[@milominder]

What would the 70s be without Chuck Barris?

[@sochenzie8386]

I was 13 when I first saw the gong show. And I got so excited when it came on. Like a kid on Christmas about to open all the giftwrapped presents. It so much zany damn fun. I absolutely loved it! The best times of my youth, I feel bad that chuck was not happy later on about it, but his show. Made me laugh and feel alive. I wish some station and chuck’s family would re broadcast the series, for all of the legions of fans like myself , to bring back that zany good feeling

[@donnaskokowski9654]

I loved watching this show. I would cry laughing. I wish they would place all the old episodes on TV or sell all the episodes on DVD's. Every single one was funny. Chuck Barris was a great man!

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

A brilliant mind, and a brilliant legacy which will follow him forever. Creators create.

[@iron60bitch62]

Very rarely is a guy who’s in this successful in Hollywood at the end of his life come out and tell you the truth

[@shivercanada]

Never hear the term "Genius" when talking about Chuck, but that's what he was

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Chuck I think of you as the guy I was so grateful for making me laugh when life was shit. 👍🏻 Chuck Barris Thanks man.

[@BushcraftingBogan]

The Gong Show and Match Game had a perfect chemistry between the hosts and celebrities. Those shows can’t be repeated.

[@movieman9100]

Also The Hollywood Squares

[@sdushdiu]

Say what you will, but his shows were fun, goofy, delightful excapes from the worries of the day. And the Gong Show was amazingly camp and - well - FUN - if for no other reason than his manner of hosting and the Unknown Comic! Thanks Chuck....

[@dburch7894]

I loved every show Barris did. The Gong show was awesome! Chuck and Soupy were the best.

[@kenlieck7756]

I never met Chuck, sadly, but I'll pass your regards to Soupy's sons Hunt and Tony...

[@dburch7894]

Ken Lieck Late but, thank you!💕

[@danwallach8826]

I grew up on Soupy. I grew the rest of fuck up on Chuck. By which I mean not at all.

[@bryanfindley1438]

he created some fun memories... thanks Chuck

[@daveduffy2823]

Great stuff. Those shows were great when I was young. Even my parents watched them.

[@aprilkurtz1589]

I loved, and still love, the Gong Show. I ditched high school to watch it. It helped make me the weirdo I am today.

[@hobbygamer6220]

very cool

[@glennhecker4422]

The Gong Show, the Dr. Demento Show, Robin Williams, and "Looney Tunes" cartoons helped to do the same for me.

[@iluvpittys242]

I grew up watching all his shows, loved the Gong Show.

[@nounya7900]

Me too.

[@randyrysdale852]

staying home sick from school and watching the newlyweds hahahaaha

[@sirpoppinchuck]

My family n me always watched Chucks shows are favorites Newley Wed game and Gong Show Classic Fun!!!!! My Dad used to love Gene Gene the dancin machine!!! He would laugh when he came out!!!

[@1MahaDas]

I never thought that the Gong Show was absurd as it was hilarious! The outrageous acts that he presented were a gags in themselves! Thanks for making me laugh when you did Chuck!

[@alangray9117]

As a kid growing up in the 70s I absolutely was a huge fan of his watching the Gong Show. It had me rolling all the time.

[@paulmcgo1089]

Greatest show ever

[@LaptopLarry330]

Chuck Barris was an important figure in American television history. His production company was the only effective competitor to Goodson-Todman Productions in the game show production market for the three commercial US TV networks during the 1960s and 1970s.

[@actownsend7288]

Chuck Barris you are a genius!! You gave game shows a new light. I miss you pal!!

[@rosemariemedrano4699]

I loved the gong show. Couldn't wait for it to come on. It was so funny. Now ,occasionally. The theme song comes on the radio. I can still see chuck dancing to it .

[@user-px7cl3ng5x]

ゴングショーは、日本で放映されていた時、必ず見ていた。こんな楽しくて面白い番組は、日本では絶対できない。チャック・ベリーは最高だった。J・P・モーガンも美人で素敵だった。ゴングショーをユーチューブでまた見ることができて、感謝したい。ありがとう。

[@iamjaychase1]

Just finished watching.... I guess you could say that I loved Chuck. How else can you describe someone who made you laugh, cry, and wish they were still here? I'll forever be glad to know what I know of him, his TV legacy, and what I loved most about him, his ability to make people/ me laugh

[@ericdebord]

I was a kid and the whole family would watch the gong show , eat grill cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. And if Gene Gene the dancing machine came out, we all would jump and and do the dance.

[@davebruton5731]

God Bless Chuck Barris . He's brought us all , young and old , a smile and a laugh . Unfortunately , with a price .

[@mandross]

Chuck barris was my childhood crush... his humour was totally brilliant.. I loved him 🥰

[@jacksmith3189]

One of a kind

[@wruff378]

The Gong Show was awesome. I was 7 years old when it hit the air and we watched it all the time. What a blast. :)

[@markbirchette8740]

Chuck, had you but known. Many of us, millions of us, if a son called critic doesn't like something ? That usually means that their over inflated egos were and are WRONG. You are a genius. And millions of us loved your shows, style, and irreverence.

[@oldtimedrumcorps]

the song of praise to his precious child is heartbreaking and bittersweet may they always smile together forever

[@angelacarleton9575]

He's an amazing guy and never realized what he was capable of doing so much. I love how he had to manipulate the politics to get his foot in the doorway - good for him! Love what he has accomplished.

[@TheStikapos]

Chuck made us laugh at a time when there wasn’t much to laugh about. There are much worse things to be remembered for than making people laugh and lifting our spirits during a tough time in our history. The show was funny then and continues to be today.

[@Wooley689]

So many of his shows back then made my life a little more able and brighter, thanks Mr. Barris for being there during the hard times.

[@hhairball9]

I bought Chuck's book and it was a great read!

[@bigsparky8888]

I loved Chuck...I know a lot of people did...also later he was connected to the CIA...(KEWL) But music...wow...game shows too...awww he had a lovely munchkin lotto girl...how blessed...Thank You Chuck...God Blessed...So sad about family...success rules and trashed your loves in life...however...Thank You for so much...!!!

[@ssnoc]

Barris was a genius - a terrific businessman and very sharp guy.

[@richardleewagner3939]

Ioved Chuck Barris I admired his insanity. Feel so sorry about his daughter

[@davesaunders59]

I remember me and my dad watching this when we first got cable in the UK. Chuck is a one off. Supremely talented and I am grateful of my memories of howels of laughter whilst we watched the show. Cheers Chuck.

[@r.catssapin191]

Thank You!

[@wolfgangzrx]

Amazing story!!!! Thank you!! Someone you've seen 1000's of times but know nothing about!! I LOVE it!!!

[@patton303]

Chuck is a great example of somebody who got after it. He visualized success and achieved it.

[@JoeyMayo]

A very interesting and creative man who wrote a touching and painfully truthful memoir about his daughter.

[@nelsonporter8387]

Chuck was a genius. I'll never forget my memories of his work.

[@zekest]

watch the gong show evert week

[@JanelleC717]

I LOVED the Gong Show! I wish there was still such a show! :) Great guy and I'm so sorry about his daughter!

[@Hank5861]

Excellent. Gong Show. I totally loved the show

[@chimpshock7790]

Loved u Chuck..you were a big part of my childhood..RIP

[@deuteronimus750]

The Gong Show was always freewheeling and hilarious and Chuck's guitar playing was legendary.

[@meganlockhart4148]

RIP Chuck. You were one of a kind. I can still see you wearing those hats with the brim pulled down to hide your eyes. Love you.

[@Tanker1106]

Megan Lockhart every time I hear his name I see the same thing. 😂

[@puddins51]

loved this show miss it so much

[@xo3308]

I loved the Gong Show!! One of my childhood favorites! Great laughs-great memories. Thank you Chuck. Plus the Dating Game, the Newlyweds etc...❤️a true Icon, so much respect to him

[@JAF-pd9mw]

The shows Chuck produced entertained me. On The Gong Show, he made me laugh. Thanks for entertaining me for decades Chuck and I hope you made your peace with yourself before you died. RIP.

[@petej.8676]

Chuck was awesome..way before his time..I was only 11 12 years old when the Gong Show hitbt.v but my dad and I would watch it togrther..I miss it all

[@carolyng651]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THE GONG SHOW JUST BECAUSE OF CHUCK BARRY! BRILLIANT MAN AND COMEDIAN !!!!!!! LOVE HIM💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@spaceghost8995]

Barris not Barry you idiot.

[@taureanmay7480]

Yes.

[@scottburton9701]

Chuck Barris was,without a doubt,the founding father of reality TV.

[@EddyRice]

Nothing wrong with giving us the gong show! You made us laugh and laugh out loud! If you were nothing than how come all of these shows have copied you and lasted for years and made billions. WE LOVE YOU BABY!!!

[@robertkaplan7001]

I used to go to tv tapings back in the 70 s when I was a teen,soap match game threes company I went to the gong show taping and Chuck took the fishing hat off my head and went on 😆 after came back and gave me my hat back 😆

[@carlpassarellirealtor2671]

A Great and sometimes misunderstood man who was clearly ahead of his time.

[@user-db6pt7vr3l]

This is what passed as funny back in our grandparents day.

[@denisespurlock7869]

RIP, Chuck!

[@jimmiesexton3131]

Great !!Word!!!

[@joebloe1401]

I liked Chuck--he was very entertaining!!!!

[@BagladyNH]

Wow! Talk about a walk down memory lane. Thank you for all this

[@deputay]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@1ndone132]

What a day and age! Again, the right place and the right time! Good for him! And to thank you 😜

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

CHUCKIE BABY!!

[@AlmostReady504]

"Chuckie Chuckie Chuckie"