Marc Summers is best known for his eleven seasons of The Food Network’s hit show Unwrapped, but for millions of us twenty-somethings, Summers was the host of Nickelodeon’s iconic 80′s game show Double Dare. I, like many of my friends wanted to be a contestant on Double Dare and “take the physical challenge” through the wackiest obstacle course ever created for television. The show’s popularity (over 500 episodes!) changed the way youth centric shows were developed and many credit Summers’ wit and charm for Nickelodeon’s early success.
After having several hit shows on Nickelodeon, Summers became a correspondent and guest host for ABC’s Home Show and began hosting Lifetime’s daily lifestyle show, Our Home. Summers created headlines in the late 90′s when he announced he had OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and appeared on several talk shows promoting his book, “Everything In Its Place.” Unfortunately, this brave move and awareness almost killed his career. Summers spent a few years away from the public eye and then started working for The Food Network and can currently be seen on the ever-so-popular Food Network show, Unwrapped.
In part one, Summers and I discuss his journey to Los Angeles and reveal his early days at Nickelodeon. He takes us through the process of his first audition for Double Dare and even mentions there might be a 25th anniversary Double Dare arena tour! Maybe I’ll finally get that chance to take the physical challenge!
In part two, Summers candidly reflects on his career and how he wanted to be a talk show host or a hard core journalist. We also tackle his struggle with OCD and how it affected his career and family – namely, Summers had a signed deal to host the new Hollywood Squares but lost his job after he became the spokesperson for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
In our third and final segment, Summers and I discuss The Food Network’s Unwrapped, which is going into its eleventh season. Although Summers doesn’t consider himself a foodie, he does feel privileged to be a part of a long history of family programming. Summers also has a special message for all of us who were obsessed with Double Dare.
On a personal note, Marc Summers was one of my childhood heroes. It’s partly because of him that I wanted to be a television host and I’m thankful for all his hard work. Marc Summers, thank you for the impact you made on my childhood and my life.
| Posted by Josh on November 8, 2010 @ 7:25 PM |  |
Another great interview! I always love your work.
Comment by Dawn — November 8, 2010 @ 8:53 PM
¡¡¡¡¡Hola, Josh!!!!
I´m Carter; it`s a good surprise to afront the day with your wonderful interview. Sorry, i dont remeber DOUBLE DARE (i´m living in the other side, ha!) but your interview was one great inspiration to me.
It`s one great reflection about the entertaiment world but one fantastic story in human aspect.
Thank you Josh!
Comment by Carter — November 9, 2010 @ 4:29 AM
OMG!! Marc Summers is almost 60 years old! I can’t believe it. He may be the greatest television host of all time. He paved the way for new cool people like you Josh Skinner. Your site is amazing and I love your guests. I hope you get to run through the Double Dare course during the arena tour. You should film it!
Comment by Lauren — November 9, 2010 @ 8:13 AM
AWESOME! Who doesn’t love Marc Summers? Josh, I also love your Jeff Pescetto DUCKTALES interview. Pop Culture is totally your thing. I can’t wait to see you on tv!
Comment by Gary — November 9, 2010 @ 9:37 AM
Thanks for this incredible interview, Josh! Marc is one of my favorite TV icons of all time!!
Comment by J.E. — November 9, 2010 @ 10:15 AM
There was a moment in part 2 where I felt sad for Marc Summers. I feel like he feels like he was a second rate host because he didn’t have the success the other colleagues had. Very vulnerable moment and almost uncomfortable. Marc, you were a staple of our childhood’s. You made a huge impact in many lives (like Josh’s & mine!). Your journey has changed pop culture and you will have a lasting impact. WE LOVE MARC SUMMERS!
Comment by Jeremy — November 9, 2010 @ 10:55 AM
I used to watch him on What Would You Do? on Nickelodeon, and Double Dare reruns lol =)
Comment by M — November 9, 2010 @ 11:55 AM
Great interview. I loved Marc Summers on Double Dare. MY CHILDHOOD was pretending my house was an obstacle course. I love your site! Where’s your tv show?
Comment by Jay — November 9, 2010 @ 12:03 PM
Nice work Josh! Marc Summers seems very cool. I liked the behind the scenes story of Double Dare. What a brave man to lose his career for the exposure of OCD. I bet he’s impacted a lot of lives.
Comment by Chris — November 9, 2010 @ 12:07 PM
Unwrapped is my favorite show on television. Marc’s career is extensive and he’s down to earth. You made him so comfortable and he didn’t hold back. You do good work Josh
Comment by Sara — November 9, 2010 @ 12:26 PM
“SLIMED UP THE YING YANG!” hahahahahahahahahaha LMFAO
Comment by Candy — November 9, 2010 @ 12:43 PM
Hi Josh!
congrats it’s a new great interview! I love this interview, It shows us the fantastic pop culture world, and Marc Summers is a truly Icon! He has a great career. He was so confortable, he talks about all his works and he is humble and it’s the best! Love this interview.
I like your wonderful work Josh!! really great every interview is more great, you have a special way to show us the best of pop culture, you make a unique, great and interesting show and it’s true, you’re the perfect host to this powerful show!!!
About Double Dare, it sounds me, sure it was a success, and like Carter I’m sooo far but I’m sure that it was in my memory ( perhaps with the name in spanish!)
other thing, I like this interview , like all into withjosh, cause ever there’s moments very intimates where the persons talk about their feeling and experiences and it’s cause you make their feel so good.
Love the show , love you Josh!!!
You’re the better host and it’s good can watch and “see” the inspirator, so I have to say to Marc , thank for inspiring the best host -Josh of course!!!- thanx thanx Marc! woow, thanx you really!!
Congrats josh!! I love your excellent work, and thanx you for the impact you make on my life ever!
Comment by Dheniss — November 10, 2010 @ 1:18 PM
Oh, it`s all that i was waiting for laaarge time!!! Congratulations Josh, it`s unbelieve.All of the above interviews were a reinforcer for your genius and your ability to do an interview as fabulous as this.
Marc Summers shows a great ability to exercise to talk, it denotes a mastery of the conversation. I think you two would make a good couple. They should do another project together, because the interview is a good example of two amazing talents!!!!
Comment by Tin@ — November 15, 2010 @ 8:28 AM
Hi:
Marc Summers is a great host,his experience is evident in all; he`s a example for new generations of Host like you and one legend for all peoples who enjoyed a good show.
Thanx for every interview on Withjosh. You`re our love!!!
Beyonce from Argentina.
Comment by Beyonce — November 16, 2010 @ 4:16 AM
I like the interview! Marc is a cool man, he’s great! Good for you Josh!!! you’re the best host- sorry Marc!- ja !
kiss!
Comment by ale — November 16, 2010 @ 6:50 AM
Josh I love your work, this web is great, the biggest expression of the pop culture!
Comment by Clau — November 16, 2010 @ 7:06 AM
Hello Josh!!!
I watch it with great pleasure; thanx for this video, it`s a good interview.
Comment by Cami — November 17, 2010 @ 11:10 AM
A few years ago I worked with a woman who told me when she was a youngster, she and her sister would set up their own “Double Dare” physical challenge course on the farm where they lived. She did not however inform me what they would use to substitute for ‘Slime’…
Thanks for a great interview with a great guy!
Comment by Joel — December 5, 2010 @ 5:45 PM