Bob Barker, adored ‘The Price Is Right’ host, passes away at 99.
Beloved Game Show Host Bob Barker Passes Away at 99
Bob Barker, the iconic host of “The Price Is Right” for 35 years, passed away on Saturday at the age of 99. His publicist Roger Neal confirmed the news to ABC News, stating that Barker died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us,” Neal said in a statement.
During his illustrious career, Barker earned 19 Emmys, making him the most decorated performer in the game show industry. He retired in 2007 after an impressive 50-year run in show business and was later inducted into The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame in 2017.
“Bob brought a lot of much-needed class and humor to the genre,” said Jerry Katzman, former vice chair of the William Morris Agency and adjunct faculty member in the film and television department at UCLA. “I don’t think we’ll ever see that again.”
Born in Darrington, Washington, Barker’s journey to stardom was marked by resilience and determination. After his father’s tragic death, he and his mother relocated to the Midwest, where he spent his formative years. Barker attended Drury University on a basketball scholarship but put his studies on hold to serve as a Navy fighter pilot. Upon returning, he completed his degree in economics and ventured into the world of entertainment.
Arriving in California in 1950 with no job prospects or connections, Barker faced numerous challenges. However, his breakthrough came in 1956 when he was chosen to host the game show “Truth or Consequences.” Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Barker shared, “That telephone call from Ralph Edwards was and will always be the most important thing that ever happened to me professionally.”
Barker’s career soared when he took the helm of “The Price Is Right” in 1972. Despite the show’s initial struggles, Barker’s charm and wit captivated audiences, leading to its status as the longest-running game show in history. He hosted both the daytime and nighttime versions before focusing solely on the daily program for an impressive 35 years.
While hosting was his primary role, Barker also made notable appearances in film and television. One of his most memorable moments was his cameo in Adam Sandler’s comedy “Happy Gilmore,” where he hilariously confronted the film’s protagonist.
Beyond his entertainment career, Barker was known for his commitment to animal rights. As a long-time vegan, he used his platform to advocate for spaying and neutering pets, ending every episode of “The Price Is Right” with a reminder. In 1988, he even quit hosting the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants due to their continued use of fur as prizes.
Barker’s dedication to animal welfare led to a unique feud with the late Betty White over the care of an elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo. Despite their differences, Barker’s affection for those close to him endured. After the passing of his beloved wife Dorothy Jo, he declared, “I’ll never marry again. Dorothy Jo was the love of my life.”
When Barker retired, his impact as a game show host was undeniable. Rich Cronin, former CEO of the Game Show Network, summed it up best, saying, “There are a lot of people viewing at home that are alone, and Bob is their best friend in the world.”
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