Gary Collins

American actor and television host. Collins won a Daytime Emmy for "Outstanding Host of a Talk/Informational Series" in 1984. He started out as a feature actor in minor films such as "The Pigeon that Took Rome," "Airport" and "Angel in my Pocket." He tried his hand as lead actor in television series but his programs, "Sixth Sense" and "Born Free" were canceled on the networks. In 1980, Collins was offered a job as television host and interviewer for a daytime information program, "Hour Magazine." The transition from actor to interviewer of celebrity guests, professionals in the medical field, beauty consultants, and sample cooking on his television show proved to be a success. Audiences liked his relaxed, easy manner in front of the camera. He won an Emmy for Outstanding Host in 1984. Collins enjoyed the enormous level of career stability offered to him by a daily daytime program. The joy of hosting a popular show in the '80s made Collins realize how important job security was in his life. He considered himself lucky and recognized career stability was hard to achieve in the entertainment field. A failed first marriage produced a son and daughter. In 1975, Collins married former 1959-Miss America, Mary Ann Mobley. Together they were happily raising their 16-year-old daughter, Clancy in 1985. The couple volunteer their time to help the needy in third world countries. Collins and Mobley regularly make trips to Asia and Africa to help distribute food and medicine to people in refugee camps. Their humanitarian efforts have been recognized by international circles. Collins is a Republican who formally actively campaigned for his party until the Watergate scandal. Collins tries to present himself to people he meets as a sincere, intelligent, sensitive Christian man. Link to Wikipedia biography