Marc Summers

Marc Summers has hosted all variations of the original Double Dare series since it's inception in 1986. Starting with the original Double Dare, Marc must have uttered the phrase "On your mark, get set, go!" more than 5,000 times within the 7 seasons of the messiest show on television.

Double Dare quickly became a success because of Marc's talent and wit - along with a passion for great entertainment. In 1988, Double Dare was picked up by Fox Television Stations Productions for syndication to its affiliates nationwide. In most markets, Double Dare was partnered with its Nick-sibling Finder's Keepers or even with its competition: Fun House (again, a show later to be syndicated to Fox). Many people fail to realize that within Double Dare's first year on-air, Nickelodeon's afternoon ratings nearly tripled - most of which can be attributed to Marc Summers' ability to entertain.

Marc continued as master of ceremonies as Double Dare evolved to Super Sloppy Double Dare (I & II), Fox's Family Double Dare, and Nick's Family Double Dare -- ending his run as host in 1994 (hosting the home video "Double Dare: Super Sloppiest Moments"). At the same time, Marc was hosting Nick's What Would You Do? and also enjoyed a short stint hosting a show that aired in syndication, later on the USA Network called Couch Potatoes. He truly is the hardest working man in show business - just check out this example:

In addition to hosting the super-messy game show on Nickelodeon, Marc also served as host for the many annual live tours beginning in 1989 that brought the mess of Double Dare to cities across the country. Marc would eventually hand-off hosting duties to Phil Moore in 1994. If you were fortunate enough to live in a city where this Nick Live Tour paid a visit, then you know exactly how much energy Marc Summers was able to pack into the show. Of course, he's only one person and he couldn't do it alone, so along came Robin Marella - the only Double Dare assistant to remain throughout Double Dare's run and follow Marc on the live tours as well as help out with Marc's other show, What Would You Do?

After Double Dare ended its run in 1994, one of the final Double Dare-related shows that Marc hosted was the "Double Dare: Super Sloppiest Moments" home video released by Sony Wonder/Nickelodeon in 1994. Sadly, this marked the end of the Marc Summers Double Dare Era. In fact, the Family Double Dare set had already been broken down - that's why the newly-produced segments of the video were done in and around Nickelodeon Studios.

There is life after Nickelodeon, however, and Marc went on to producing shows for networks such as Fox Family Channel and served as host on Pick Your Brain - a syndicated kids' quiz show produced by Marc Summers Productions in 1995. He also hosted a one-time CBS television special called The World's Greatest Practical Jokes.

Later, Marc moved on to the Lifetime Network to host a show called Our Home with Sissy Biggers that spun off a talk show called Biggers & Summers. It was on this show that Marc learned from a guest that he unknowningly suffered from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

Since then, Marc has received treatment and is enjoying a successful recovery. He has talked about his experience on various radio morning shows across the country in addition to appearing on Oprah and Dr. Joy Browne. He also wrote an inspiring book about his fight against OCD that is a must-have for any true fan. It's appropriately titled "Everything In Its Place."

More recently, you may have spotted Marc as co-host on the PAX Network's Great Day America and in 1998, Marc helped out the Game Show Network by hosting its "Coast-to-Coast Search for a Host" traveling from city to city to find the next new host for GSN.

Speaking of game shows - you know that Marc couldn't stay away from Nickelodeon for long...he now serves as executive consultant and producer behind the scenes of Nickelodeon's new Double Dare 2000.