Ray Combs Biography: Parents, Siblings, Age, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Movies, Awards

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Ray Combs was an American comedian, actor, and television game show host best remembered for hosting the popular Family Feud from 1988 to 1994.

Known for his quick wit and engaging hosting style, Combs brought energy and humor to television screens during the game show’s revival.

His career was marked by his transition from stand-up comedy to becoming one of his era’s most visible game show hosts, leaving a notable impression in the entertainment industry.

Profile

•   Full name: Raymond Neil Combs Jr.  
•   Date of birth: April 3, 1956  
•   Age (as of 2024): 68 years (deceased)  
•   Gender: Male  
•   Place of birth: Hamilton, Ohio, USA  
•   Nationality: American  
•   Profession: Comedian, actor, game show host  
•   Height: 1.73 m  
•   Parents: Raymond Neil Combs Sr., Anita Jean Waters Combs  
•   Siblings: N/A  
•   Spouse: Debra Jo Loomis (married in 1977)  
•   Children: Kirby Lee Combs, Chelsy Jae Combs, and four others
•   Relationship status: Divorced (at the time of death)  
•   Religion: Pentecostal  
•   Ethnicity: White  
•   Net worth: $5 million   

Early Life and Education

Raymond Neil Combs Jr. was born on April 3, 1956, in Hamilton, Ohio, and would have been 68 as of 2024 if he had been alive. He grew up in a Pentecostal household, the youngest of five children.

Combs attended Garfield High School, where he excelled as an actor, served as the senior class president, and represented his school as a delegate to Boys State.

He graduated in 1974 and initially turned down a nomination to the United States Military Academy at West Point, choosing instead to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Arizona.

Combs began honing his comedic skills during his early years, gaining recognition for his ability to make people laugh—a talent that later defined his career.  

Personal Life

Ray Combs married his high school sweetheart, Debra Jo Loomis, in 1977, and the couple had six children together. Their marriage faced challenges in the 1990s due to financial and personal issues, leading to a separation in 1995.

Although they attempted to reconcile, they filed for divorce before his passing. At the time of his death, their divorce had not been finalized. Combs faced numerous personal struggles later in life, including financial difficulties, chronic pain following a car accident, and deteriorating mental health.  

Career

Ray Combs started his career in stand-up comedy in the late 1970s. After moving to Los Angeles in 1983, he gained attention as a warm-up act for sitcom audiences and made his television debut with an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1986.  

In 1988, he achieved his breakthrough as the host of the revived Family Feud. His engaging style and humor initially garnered positive responses, making him a familiar face in American households.

During the 1992–93 season, Family Feud expanded to one hour, solidifying Combs’s visibility on television. However, declining ratings led to his replacement by Richard Dawson in 1994.  

After Family Feud, Combs continued to work in television, hosting Family Challenge from 1995 to 1996. He also made guest appearances on shows such as In Living Color and participated in charity events and wrestling broadcasts.

Net Worth

At the height of his career, Ray Combs‘ net worth was estimated at $5 million, derived primarily from his television hosting and comedic endeavors. However, financial difficulties plagued him toward the end of his life due to failed business ventures and other issues.

Death

On June 2, 1996, Ray Combs tragically passed away at the age of 40. After being admitted to Glendale Adventist Medical Center in California for psychiatric evaluation following erratic behavior and a reported suicide attempt, he was found deceased in his hospital room, having taken his own life. His death brought attention to the pressures of public life and the struggles of mental health.

Controversy

Combs’ life was marked by challenges that drew public attention, especially during his final years. After losing his role on Family Feud, Combs faced significant financial difficulties, including the failure of his comedy clubs and the foreclosure of his home.  

A severe car accident in 1994 left him with chronic pain, exacerbating his struggles. His marriage also fell apart around the same time, with the couple separating in 1995.

Combs reportedly experienced emotional instability, culminating in his tragic suicide in 1996. These events highlighted the darker side of fame and served as a reminder of the importance of mental health support.  

Social Media

Ray Combs passed away before the advent of social media platforms.

Filmography

•   Overboard (1987)  
•   Family Feud (1988–1994)  
•   Family Challenge (1995–1996)  
•   Guest appearances on 227 and In Living Color

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