Bob Barker, the beloved host of “The Price Is Right” for 35 years, has passed away at the age of 99, according to his representative, Roger Neal. Barker died at his home, with Neal describing his life as “beautiful.”
Barker’s presence on national television spanned over 50 years. Prior to his iconic role on the longest-running game show on CBS, Barker hosted one of the first televised game shows in the nation, “Truth or Consequences,” for nearly two decades. This achievement earned him recognition in the Guinness World Records as television’s “most durable performer.”
During his time on “Truth or Consequences,” Barker won over audiences with his charming wit and plainspoken style. On December 21st of each year, Barker and show creator Ralph Edwards would raise a glass to commemorate the day in 1956 when Edwards notified Barker, who had no previous television experience, that he would become the host. Barker remained with the program for 18 years and fondly referred to it as a “fun show” during a chat at the Google headquarters.
In 1972, Barker took on the role that would define his career – hosting a revival of “The Price Is Right,” which originally aired in the ’50s and ’60s. Barker held this position for an impressive 35 years, leaving a lasting impact on both the show and its audience. He became known for his affable demeanor, with some participants even requesting kisses from the charismatic host. Barker once obliged by planting a smooch on a fan’s lips while playfully dipping her backward. Another fan shared the quirky dream of being chased by Barker in a hayloft.
Throughout his illustrious career, Barker received numerous accolades, including 19 Emmy Awards. Fourteen of these were as the host of “The Price Is Right,” four as the show’s executive producer, and one was a lifetime achievement award. In 2004, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.
Robert Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, to Matilda, a schoolteacher, and Byron, an electrical power foreman. He spent much of his childhood on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota and had citizenship of the tribe. Barker’s mother worked as a schoolteacher and later became a county superintendent of schools. Tragedy struck when Barker’s father passed away after falling from a utility pole in 1929. Eight years later, his mother remarried, and the family relocated to Springfield, Missouri.
It was during his high school years, at the age of 15, that Barker met the love of his life, Dorothy Jo Gideon. They went on their first date on November 17, 1939, attending an Ella Fitzgerald concert. Barker once reminisced that they were inseparable from that day onward until Dorothy’s death in 1981 from lung cancer.
Barker attended Drury College in Springfield and enlisted in the Navy as a fighter pilot when World War II began. After the war, he graduated with a degree in economics, achieving summa cum laude honors. The couple briefly resided in Florida before settling in Los Angeles, where Barker embarked on his radio career with “The Bob Barker Show” before transitioning to television.
Although Barker was primarily known for his television work, he made one notable appearance in a feature film. In the 1996 Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore,” Barker played himself and threw punches at the comedic star. Barker often received questions from “The Price Is Right” audience members about that scene, with fans amusingly asking if he could genuinely beat up Adam Sandler.
Beyond his television endeavors, Barker was also a passionate animal activist. He even testified before Congress in support of a federal ban on using elephants in traveling shows and for rides. Barker made headlines during the 1987 Miss USA pageant when he refused to host if contestants wore real fur during the televised event. Producers eventually relented, and the participants wore synthetic furs that year. However, the following year, after hosting for 21 years, Barker resigned when the producers refused to stop awarding fur coats as prizes.
Barker supported animal rights in various ways, including donating substantial amounts to the law schools of prestigious universities like Harvard, Duke, Columbia, University of Virginia, Northwestern, and UCLA. These generous endowments were intended to advance the study and support of animal rights law.
In 1995, Barker established the DJ&T Foundation in honor of his late wife and mother. The foundation aimed to fund free or low-cost clinics and voucher programs that provided spaying or neutering services to control animal overpopulation. After almost three decades of donating to clinics and championing animal causes, the foundation ceased its activities in 2022.
During Barker’s final episode of “The Price Is Right,” which aired on June 15, 2007, he concluded his remarkable run with his trademark plea: “Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered!”
The passing of Bob Barker marks the end of an era in television history. His enduring charm and dedication to causes close to his heart earned him a special place in the hearts of millions. As we bid farewell to a true icon, we remember his legendary career and the positive impact he made. Bob Barker will always be remembered as one of the most beloved figures in television history.