Barris became a public figure in a big way in 1976 , when he produced - and served as the host of - the talent contest spoof The Gong Show , which he packaged in partnership with TV producer Chris Bearde . Barris became a public figure in 1976 , when he produced and served as the host of the talent contest spoof The Gong Show , which he packaged in partnership with TV producer Chris Bearde .