PETER FUNT is the host of PAX TV's "Candid Camera," continuing a Funt Family tradition that now spans more than five decades on television. Funt has hosted "Candid Camera" for 14 years, including a successful run on CBS TV in which he was partnered with Suzanne Somers. His new partner on PAX is Dina Eastwood.
Peter Funt actually made his first appearance on "Candid Camera" when he and Allen Funt's legendary series were each just three years old. Peter posed as a shoeshine boy who charged $10 per shoe! Since that time he has appeared in hundreds of "Candid Camera" sequences. He
… More took over as host in 1987.
In addition to his hidden-camera work, Funt has produced and hosted TV specials on A&E and Lifetime cable networks. He also spent five years as an editor and reporter with ABC News in New York.
Funt has written dozens of articles for The New York Times and TV Guide about television and film. He was editor and publisher of the television magazine On Cable. And he authored the book Gotcha! for Grosset & Dunlap on the lost art of practical joking.
Funt has lectured before many top business, education and social groups on human nature, using the vast library of "Candid Camera" footage to bring his points to life. His two training videos, "Too Close to the Customer" and "Expect the Unexpected" are marketed to the business community.
Funt also follows in his father's footsteps as President of Laughter Therapy Foundation, a non-profit organization started by Allen Funt in 1982. Drawing from the "Candid Camera" library, Laughter Therapy sends special tapes, at no charge, to critically ill people throughout the U.S.
When Peter Funt took over as host of the CBS specials, Variety wrote: "The latest new ‘Candid Camera' specials seem to be getting funnier. Peter Funt is as personable as his dad…" In November of 1997, following "Candid Camera's" Battle of the Sexes special, The Hollywood Reporter observed: "This show is great fun. Peter Funt has a remarkably effective presence."
Funt received his degree in journalism from the University of Denver. He won the 1970 Silurian's Award for the year's best radio news reporting for his coverage of racial disturbances in Asbury Park, NJ. He and "Candid Camera" won the Gold Angel Award in 2000 for television programming.
He resides in California with his wife, Amy, and two children, Stephanie and Danny. His favorite pastimes are tennis, golf and people-watching.
