Game show host Geoff Edwards dies at 83

By Lynn Elber, Associated Press

Wednesday, March 5, 2014 | 5:51 p.m.

LOS ANGELES — Geoff Edwards, the hip-looking 1970s and '80s host of TV game shows including "Jackpot!" and two incarnations of "Treasure Hunt," died Wednesday, his agent said. He was 83.

Edwards died of complications of pneumonia at St. John's hospital in Santa Monica, agent Fred Westbrook said.

Edwards also worked as a radio DJ and actor, appearing on TV shows including "Petticoat Junction," "I Dream of Jeannie" and "Diff'rent Strokes."

"Geoff was one of the cleverest, funniest radio and television personalities I've worked with," said fellow game show host Wink Martindale. The two were DJs at pop radio station KMPC in Los Angeles.

Edwards, a native of Westfield, N.J., hosted "The New Treasure Hunt," a revival of a 1950s quiz show, from 1973 to 1977 and hosted "Treasure Hunt" in 1981-82. He also emceed the 1980s game show "Jackpot!" and appeared on other shows including "Starcade."

Westbrook said his longtime client made a splash on TV by shedding the conservative look worn by his peers.

His hair was longer, he never wore a tie, and he favored jeans over suits, Westbrook said. "He was part of the new breed."

Edwards had been in good health, his agent said. In recent years, he wrote about travel on his website and did radio and TV programs on the subject.

He is survived by his wife, Michael, and stepsons Justin and Jason Feffer, Westbrook said. His survivors also include his ex-wife, Suzanne, and their children Todd, Shawn and Chess, as well as nine grandchildren.

Funeral plans were pending, Westbrook said.