Marc Summers talks journey through TV stardom and struggle

The classic kids' game show "Double Dare" premiered in 1986, and was a massive success for Nickelodeon, which became one of the biggest cable channels of the 1990s. Behind much of that success was TV host Marc Summers. He's enjoyed a long career in front of and behind the camera, hosting and producing shows for Nick, Food Network and others. "CBS Mornings" met with the 72-year-old on the set of his new one-man play in New York City, called "The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers."
Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings" co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and stream it at 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.
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[@Jebbie1976]

I'll ALWAYS associate Marc Summers w/ childhood fun. It's sad knowing that the entire time he was being a beloved friend to so many that he was hurting behind the scenes. You are loved Marc!! ♥

[@zzizahacallar]

I remember him as a child watching Nick.

[@lilbatz]

Seriously Marc, love you to bits 💕 You brought us so much fun.

[@alanfisher2121]

I've been a fan of Marc's forever... so smart, witty and talented! "Unwrapped" was such a cool show. Sorry he had private struggles while bringing joy to us all... ❤

[@hbk42581]

Got the chance to meet Marc at a con a few years ago and he couldn't have been nicer. Just a real great guy.

[@davidslife989]

GLAD to hear what he shows IS who he is on the outside!

[@blind_t2]

this man was one of the big parts of the 90’s.

[@michellerosejacksoncomedy]

1989-1993 birth years.

[@SirBarth]

I remember reading an interview where he was talking about straightening the fringe on the rugs at 130am and how hard it was for him to stop until everything was perfectly straight. Marc Summers, you are awesome. Keep going.

[@christinetassone3156]

I remember that too. Sad. I hope he's doing better.

[@madnesscm]

He was there in my childhood for Double Dare, and again in my teen years for Unwrapped! His voice is nostalgic butter. We love you, Mark! 🚩🍬 Thank you for sharing your story. We are all human with our own personal struggles. Glad you are on the road to recovery! Thank you for everything. ❤

[@brittyn]

Saw Life & Slimes of Marc Summers tonight and it really took me by surprise. Being an 80s kid, I loved Double Dare, but had no idea how much this show would move me. I laughed A LOT, but was brought to tears a few times and I’m so grateful to have seen it.

[@notapplicable761]

I used to come home from school and sit with my snack and watch Double Dare! He we always be the 90s Mr. Rogers

[@zzizahacallar]

He was

[@Pretty_Fly_on_a_White_Guy]

Mr Rogers was geared towards preschoolers, where DD was for preteens. There weren’t many shows for that age group until Nickelodeon came along. Before, most of us seemed to watch reruns of Gilligan’s Island, Brady Bunch, Lost in Space, etc after school.

[@notapplicable761]

@@Pretty_Fly_on_a_White_Guy your over analyzing something that was meant as a comparison. If you have a spot on, better example then post it chooch!

[@TripSoul10]

He also hosted History IQ on the history channel. That game show provided some great in depth knowledge of historic events.

[@MrJamieBattle]

Severely underrated game show

[@user-ep6qz3fq2h]

Actually the first game show when he turned into a producer was the show called pick your brain and he had a tiger electronics product (now owned by Hasbro) that was oversized and it was the classic 2XL robot

[@SolamenteVees]

Nate is a natural. Congratulations on all of your success.

[@alexanderkingtickle]

Marc Summers is an American treasure and must be protected at all costs! Between his work with Nickelodeon and Food Network, he was a huge part of my childhood. What a guy!

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

Double Dare and Marc Summers made my not so great childhood a little brighter. I still watch re runs of Double Dare and Fun House just for the nostalgia.

[@liveloveresell2886]

Marc is our childhood. I wish there was a tour because I would absolutely go❤

[@screenwriterabdullahh.erak2778]

Grew up watching him...TV Legend!

[@criticaldatabeats]

I feel like the phrase OCD gets thrown around a lot in sarcasm, in real life and the media. But seeing the pain in his eyes while telling us about his struggles is making me take it more seriously.

[@wynnkidsnannylorivance4111]

I knew of his OCD, because I think he was on 20/20. God love him. Dealing with that on camera, had to be so tough.

[@montana_patriot]

Marc Summers and green slime were a part of my childhood. Don't forget Harvey. Thanks Marc for the memories.

[@zms8092]

We love you, Marc Summers! Absolute legend.

[@RocStarr913]

Summers not talking down to his young contestants definitely played a role in why Double Dare was so massively popular. He always looked like he was having a good time and that translated well onscreen, especially with children. He was a major part of why it was such a hit.

[@brianshorrorcorner9890]

I grew up with Marc Summers, one of my fav tv games show hosts. Hope he finds peace and happiness. OCD is no joke

[@arturomcneil5919]

I love Marc Summers he’s the best

[@jugghead82]

Double Dare is my childhood love an RESPECT Mar Summers ❤❤

[@neilwiththedeal]

I couldnt wait to come home from school and sit and watch Double Dare! He was the 90s mr rogers and the 2000s ryan seacrest ❤

[@edubba83]

I get what you mean...but Mr Rogers was still active in the 90s. American Idol (the show that launched Ryan Seacrest) existed 20 years sgo

[@nostalgiamostalgia0319]

I saw the show last month and it was amazing!

[@MsKylea]

Couldnt wait to get home to watch Double Dare when I was a kid Mark was our Ryan Seacrest and the epitome of COOL!!! 44 y.o. by the way!!

[@actownsend7288]

36!!! I know how you feel!!!

[@neilwiththedeal]

55. Im with U.

[@zzizahacallar]

43 years old

[@VirginiaTombstoneRevival]

A month shy of 45 here and still watch as much 80s nostalgia as I can. I recently began watching episodes of Fun House again if you remember that one.

[@BillCosbyTouchedMyDoodle]

@@VirginiaTombstoneRevivala month shy of 45 here as well. Good morning, fellow Taurus.

[@fakereality96]

Damn we all getting old.

[@traviskemp5408]

Marc Summers, is, the, MAN! He is such a strong, courageous person!

[@nicholastodriff9754]

My childhood game show host💪🌞 Such a treasure and his work on food Network is wonderful.

[@cynthiasmith4130]

I love him on Nickelodeon!!!! I loved him on Unwrapped!!! He is a really fun guy!!!! Best of luck, Marc!!! Get well soon!! ❤❤❤.....

[@geoffreylane5606]

I will take the physical challenge Marc.

[@suttysuddeth7990]

Always wanted to be on this show.

[@Jasonk1979]

Easy guy to route for. Great childhood memories. All the best Marc.

[@BrittKatSlat]

Goodness, bless him

[@SigHawk04]

Nate's NFL Slimetime hoodie is a nice touch for an interview with a Nick legend.

[@RocStarr913]

It’s so unprofessional for a journalist, I feel.

[@Blueeyedsoul1986]

I love double dare I used to watch it all the time growing up . Love Marc summers too

[@spongebob03]

I keep forgetting about Double Dare! I see Marc and I think… What would you… What would you. WHAT WHAT WHAT WOULD U DO?! We all get old. But occasionally seeing Marc Summers and Carson Daly is a trip for me. Seeing them get older. Idk why those two, for me. 😂

[@danielbloomquist9810]

I very much want to see this show, but even if I didn't, I would feel like my childhood owed it to this delightful chap who sparked joy in so many kids like me to experience, in his own words with his own voice, what it took for him to do so, especially any personal struggles or sacrifices. Marc is the only man to whom I, just like Blake Anderson before me, would surrender my overcoat made from grizzly bear pelt without hesitation if he were to express his desire to have it... and I actually had one.

[@DavidMiller-kf1ss]

Unwrapped!❤

[@redcomet0079]

TV host icon

[@michaelwilson2340]

Believe me. I can sympathize with him. I've had OCD for decades. I've never sought treatment though. Mine is closer to what Joey Ramone of The Ramones had. A lot of repetition and rituals. Checking things over and over and over. It can go into overdrive with stress or when I'm alone. Throw in a side order of anxiety. But physically I'm in great shape. So I figure I'm doing better than someone who had a heart condition, diabetes, or Cancer.

[@popo_53]

Grew up watching Marc on Nick. What an awesome human being.

[@robalt1983]

He was a big part of my childhood. Good to see he's happy and still going.

[@kayeb7809]

I read his story a long time ago. My kids who are grown now loved his shows. Great guy suffering so much. Him and Howie can relate.

[@aresef]

Thanks for letting me know about this. I'll try to go to New York before it closes.

[@leediamond4609]

Never saw Double Dasre, yet Marc is one of my favorite people, from all the great Unwrapped shows to his production of Restaurant Impossible. I also count Burt Reynolds as a favorite, but I never forgot how rude he was, slapping Marc's face on the Tonight show.

[@4biz]

I DIDNT KNOW THAT ABOUT MARC SUMMERS.THIS GOES TO SHOW.EVEN THE PEOPLE LIFE THATS SEEMS SO SO PERFECT.HAVES ISSUES&BATTLES NOBODY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT.

[@michellerosejacksoncomedy]

My childhood hero growing up. ❤

[@bighuge1060]

I had the honor of seeing Mr. Summers at the Surflight Theatre on Long Beach Island as the dance host in Grease and where he gave a preshow curtain speech. I think this was either 2011 or 2012. Great production and great seeing him in person.

[@LoyalmoonieProductions]

Sadly, going public with his OCD diagnosis allegedly got him fired from hosting the 1998-2005 version of Hollywood Squares. Maybe, CBS could ask Marc to host their upcoming version to rectify this…

[@RocStarr913]

He didn’t get fired. He never got the gig and they went with Tom Bergeron instead. Summers made the admission during a time when the diagnosis was still new to a lot of people, even in show business. It’s business. If he did want to try again at hosting Hollywood Squares, he should audition and earn it like everyone else. You are not automatically entitled to a job because you were rejected years ago.

[@shoeengine1161]

i don't like how he dismissed the smoked salmon business as a joke. It's Marc Summers.

[@geminiecricket4798]

happier times

[@thegameshowgeek]

Nickelodeon does not realize what they lost when they let this guy walk out the door. Who else can tell you to “get back in your taco” with a straight face? You’re the experts, internet. My two cents are a drop in the bucket.

[@RocStarr913]

Summers hosted Double Dare for seven years. Plus, so many editions were made that Nickelodeon just reran it for years after production stopped on the program. I’m sure he wanted to move on to other things.

[@donaldhsmiley5723]

Not bad for a guy who got his start in network TV on the very same network that's interviewing him now ..

[@jonjl96]

Eh, CBS is not Nickelodeon; but both networks are owned by the same company.

[@donaldhsmiley5723]

He was hired by CBS as a page in the early seventies...

[@jonjl96]

@@donaldhsmiley5723 I did not know that. Thank you for letting me know

[@jewelqueen5949]

I'm inspired to do therapy. Turning 50 in July. I have a great career, but every day is challenging. Thank you!!!

[@csmith3243]

Used to spend Saturday mornings with my mom watching double dare and eating cereal before she went to work. Damn i miss her

[@Detailguy101]

I have ocd its tough!

[@user-ke8vk8bo4j]

You can say he was living a... Double-Life.

[@user-uj9zj4uv5r]

Mac summers he is my favorite person

[@MsInteresting]

I remember him from What Would You Do. I'm so old.

[@moretoknowshow1887]

I knew about the OCD from seeing him on Oprah years ago, It helped me get my scene together. That being said: We need a Double Dare reboot.

[@RocStarr913]

Nickelodeon already tried that in 2018, even putting in Summers as the announcer, and it likely just wasn’t popular enough after a year. Cable viewership has declined across the board to less than half and a new iteration is certainly not something Nickelodeon are going to use to get more subscribers to Paramount+.

[@user-cc5bi4fv1q]

I loved the show Nickelodeon GUTS as well.

[@misstee101]

Marc!

[@cherylsaxon243]

Great interview Nate!! Mark Summers discussed his career from a host of the , Beginning 1986 Small company at the time Nickelodeon’s as gameshow host of Double Dare Summers discussed lit being like the late Alex Trebek , who I love and love watching Jeopardy , to kids Kid’s Choice Sports Mark discussed as a joy he had being host of Mark discussed to Nate having ACD OCD and earlier in life not discussing it and shared to Oprah, Howard Stern, etc On their shows his OCD announcement Mark discussed how therapy For OCD and to save the life of his marriage with wife of 50 years Alice he wanted and needed therapy and did so. After Nickelodeon and Food Network Today Mark has a NYC show “The Life and Slimes of Mark Summers” Nate discussed his love for who is and growth of therapy and his NYC show along with his history of being a host.

[@RocStarr913]

Double Dare was the program that really put Nickelodeon on the map, because it also aired on broadcast television on syndication during a time when not that many people had cable.

[@hailseasare]

ok but why couldnt his wife be like "marc you know your ocd is gonna go wild with these fringes...lets get the non-fringe rug"

[@anadthebarbarian]

Tom cruise should play him in his biopic. Uncanny mannerisms resemblance

[@thecoolcreativebuildchanne2613]

He'll always be remembered as the guy that mouthed off to Burt Reynolds, and got a little water poured on him, and still occasionally whines about it after 30+ years! RIP Burt🙏

[@GeorgeMaster-xg7lg]

I loved the 80s Double Dare! Unwrapped was a great show. Is it still on Food Network? I met Marc at my work,and he was very nice.

[@JohnDoe-gk7ok]

Imagine having OCD and you host a show in which you are always slimed or covered in food.

[@pika23]

My friend saw this play

[@rosie1394]

❤

[@fransschreuders8488]

It's 1:30am and I can't stop editing this comment

[@tobybartlett8449]

Alls well that ends well

[@BillyReplies]

The way I handle my OCD on game day determines who'll win.

[@DanielRodriguez-tp2jp]

What would you do and double dare...we will never get those times back

[@aimeeinkling]

The silence about the Nick controversy is weird.

[@RocStarr913]

Double Dare was likely before that. Summers may not have been privy to any of that.

[@yesterdaydream]

OCD comes with a lot of sacrifices, and the luxury of a fringed rug is most definitely one of them!

[@yappering]

Incredible how a channel with over a million subscribers can only get a few hundred views.

[@usergodcandy777]

But this story is about someone not that famous. Nobody cares.

[@rensinclair4218]

That is not Marc Summers. Marc is a young man and so am I.

[@RocStarr913]

He just looked younger than he was when he did Double Dare.

[@robdixon7732]

72? Damn I feel old now.

[@Scottwilkie18]

He also hosted couch potatoes

[@KorySutherland]

Someone needs to learn how to de-interlace video before uploading to KZbin

[@Scottwilkie18]

He had hosted and executively produced his own game show Pick your brain

[@RocStarr913]

It likely never caught on.

[@dmerth]

Wouldn't it be cool to see him partner with Mike Rowe who did Dirty Jobs to tour food production plants and do a show like How It's Made. Both have a fantastic voice. OK internet... Do your job... Make it happen.

[@user-fb6lf3vl7p]

Mark would done any show. See how he changed that name to fit into the system.

[@HurricanePatrick]

Marc didn't even wanna participate in the documentary Quiet on Set when he learned what the subject matter was, he's as guilty as the people who did those things to these kids for not calling it out for what it was.

[@RocStarr913]

He may not have been privy to any of that. Double Dare was in production years before a lot of that.

[@AMMendez-vf1ui]

Despite all of the success The original Double dare has lost episodes One episode was called the Brittle bone Disease episode due to a kid going on the show and he actually broke his arm and his bone was peeking out of the skin and another one was when Marc had a kid dead on the show but the boys father was a attorney and he made Marc give the tv to the boy so that Marc didn’t get sued by the kid’s father

[@abptt]

He told this story when I went to see his documentary called "On Your Marc" back in 2017. Pat Sajak was a special guest doing a Q & A with him and I got to ask him a question about any incidents on that happened on the show and this was one of them.

[@emilymatt9999]

What about the dittling of the children??

[@archivestereo]

Why on earth did the reporter describe ocd as sinister? That’s horrible.

[@steveec9704]

Burt Reynolds was awesome this guy not so much

[@user-rh8fl8qz2z]

"Stardom"?! NEVER HEARD OF HIM. He must be a legend in HIS OWN MIND!

[@user-fb6lf3vl7p]

Still stealing off GMA folks. Why? Strahan sports/Nat/sports--Robin black--Gayle black and then the white guy.

[@evancortez2]

Burt Reynolds was not a fan of his

[@tommyriam8320]

OMG WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO THIS GUY..BARELY RECOGNIZABLE AT FIRST THE YEARS HAVE *NOT* BEEN KIND

[@muppetsstoogesfan1]

Couple years back Marc had a horrible accident involving a taxi cab partition. He had to have several surgeries. Had some memory problems for awhile. He's also been dealing with cancer.

[@cpf383]

It’s so weird that the entertainment industry makes people with Jewish names change them in order to not appear Jewish.

[@colorfulcrochet371]

It’s not called “Nick”, it’s NICKELODEON. Geez…

[@usergodcandy777]

Jesus saves.

[@realdealastrology9]

He looks terrible.

[@bellydancer3146]

So are we just acting like his face doesn't look like it was kicked by a horse??

[@laerwen]

It's called aging. It happens to everyone, including you. We don't know his personal medical history, and it's none of our business. Didn't someone in your life tell you not to shame people for stuff they may not be able to control? Jeez.

[@Johanna.EG.]

He was in a terrible car accident

[@Shesawakeandyouredumb]

Times have changed and it makes me so sad 😞 🙏🏼the kids today don’t have a clue.. breaks my heart