'Dating Game' Host Jim Lange Dead at 81

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Jim Lange, the original host of game show The Dating Game, has passed away at the age of 81 in his Mill Valley, California home of a heart attack.

His wife Nancy confirmed the news to the Associated Press (via People), revealing that Jim died on Tuesday (Feb. 25).

Lange is most known for hosting ABC's hit The Dating Game which began in 1965 and over time featured prominent guests like Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Steve Martin, Arnold Schwarzenegger and many more.

"As much as he's known for his television work, his real love was radio," Nancy said in a statement. "He loved doing local radio, especially before it was computerized."

Lange is survived by his wife, sister, five children, two stepchildren and four grandkids.