Legendary game show host Chuck Barris passed away on Tuesday. He was 87.

Chuck Barris, Creator and Host of The Gong Show, Dead at 87

Legendary game show host Chuck Barris passed away on Tuesday. He was 87.

According to a statement from his family obtained by PEOPLE, Barris died of natural causes in Palisades, N.Y.

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The statement began: “Charles Hirsch ‘Chuck’ Barris passed away at his home in Palisades, New York this afternoon (Tuesday) from natural causes at the age of 87. He was well known as a game show creator, producer and host. His credits included The Dating Game, The Newlywed Game and The Gong Show.”

“Barris was also a best-selling author and had success in the music world having written the 1962 hit record, ‘Palisades Park,’ as recorded by Freddy Cannon,” the statement added. “He is survived by his wife of 16 years, the former Mary Clagett. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to the New York Police Foundation.”

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Barris created and hosted the classic game show The Gong Show, and created both The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game.

His autobiography, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, was made into a film in 2002, which was directed by George Clooney. Sam Rockwell starred as Barris, who claimed in the book that he worked as a CIA assassin in the 1960s and 70s.