Host "The Price Is Right" Bob Barker Passes Away at 99

Bob Barker Host of ‘The Price Is Right,’ Died at 99

Bob Barker, the iconic host of “The Price Is Right,” renowned for his effortlessly smooth demeanor, mischievous sense of humor, and passionate advocacy for animal welfare causes, has passed away at the age of 99.

The sad news was confirmed by his spokesperson, Roger Neal, although the exact cause of his passing has not been disclosed.

Spanning over 35 years, Barker was the charming face of the beloved CBS game show, where participants vied to win prizes by bidding on items as mundane as a pack of gum, a popcorn popper, or a luggage lock, all in pursuit of the exhilarating promise of “A BRAND NEW CAR!” Originally airing in the 1950s and 1960s with Bill Cullen as the host, the show returned in 1972 with Barker at the helm, a position he held for an impressive 35 years before handing over the reins to comedian Drew Carey in 2007.

Barker’s remarkable contributions were celebrated with 19 Emmy Awards and a prestigious lifetime achievement award.

He attributed the remarkable success of “The Price Is Right” to its dynamic pace and emphasis on showcasing the authentic personalities of its contestants. Unlike many other shows, these participants weren’t subjected to pre-screening, allowing viewers to witness relatable individuals taking the stage.

In a 2000 interview with the Archive of American Television, Barker shared, “I think television viewers like to see people just like they are up on the stage doing this stuff.”

While Barker undoubtedly enjoyed his time hosting “The Price Is Right,” deriving both pride and amusement from contestants’ astute guesses and bold wagers, his genuine passion lay in advocating for animals. He invested not only his name but also a significant portion of his wealth into initiatives aimed at ending animal cruelty and curbing pet overpopulation.

One of the most memorable expressions of this commitment was Barker’s daily sign-off on “The Price Is Right,” where he earnestly reminded viewers, “Don’t forget to have your pets spayed or neutered!”

Contemplating his lasting impact, Barker shared with the Archive of American Television, “How do I hope to be remembered? As the individual who advocated, ‘Remember to spay or neuter your pets.'”

Beginnings of Barker

Barker, born as Robert William Barker in Mission, South Dakota, on December 12, 1923, was of partial Native American descent. He spent his early years in the small town of Mission, which had a population of around 200 people and was located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. His upbringing involved playing basketball, enjoying fishing at the local reservoir, and excelling as a student. His parents had respective roles: his mother worked as a teacher, while his father was employed as a utility worker.

Initially, Bob Barker embarked on his academic journey at Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, thanks to a basketball scholarship. However, his educational trajectory took an unexpected turn when, after completing two years, he chose to interrupt his college pursuits and enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II. This pivotal decision was sparked by a photograph that left a profound impact on him. The image portrayed a naval aviator impeccably attired in formal whites.

Barker elucidated, “Upon seeing that image, the thought arose in me, ‘If I’m going to participate in war, I want to do it with the same sense of dignity as that individual.’ Even though I had never ventured into the realm of aviation, never contemplated the intricate dynamics of carrier landings, and hadn’t even laid eyes on the vastness of the ocean, that single image struck a chord within me.”

However, his military service didn’t lead to combat engagement, as the war concluded before he could be assigned to a seagoing unit. Returning to Drury College, Barker ventured into radio, composing news pieces and delivering a concise sports commentary for Springfield’s KTTS radio station. He eventually established his own radio program in Los Angeles titled “The Bob Barker Show.”

This period marked his breakthrough into television. Ralph Edwards, the creator and host of “Truth or Consequences,” sought a host for a daytime iteration of the popular show, which had originally gained fame on the radio. Impressed by Barker’s radio presence, Edwards selected him for the role. However, the initial response from NBC, the broadcasting network, was less enthusiastic. According to the book “Television Game Show Hosts,” Barker was given a mere four weeks to demonstrate his capabilities. Defying expectations, the show turned out to be a success, and Barker remained its host for an impressive 19 years. His tenure spanned from NBC’s broadcasting until 1966, and then he continued hosting in syndication until 1975.

Annually, on December 21, the day Barker was offered the hosting position by Edwards, the two would come together to commemorate the occasion with a celebratory drink. Edwards passed away in 2005.

A fateful career move

Debuting as the host of “The Price is Right” on September 4, 1972, Barker seamlessly juggled his hosting role on “Truth or Consequences” during the same period.

As time progressed, Barker became synonymous with the spirited call, “Come on down!”, used to beckon contestants from the audience. Despite not originating the phrase himself, he revealed that people frequently shouted it to him on the streets, as it had become an integral part of the show’s daily routine.

Over the years, the CBS program ingrained itself in the tapestry of American culture, with Barker’s approachable nature serving as a key factor in its success.

He adeptly managed exuberant participants – including an incident where a contestant’s enthusiasm resulted in a wardrobe malfunction – as well as those who struggled to grasp the rules of the game.

In 1987, Barker made a decision that caught attention: he opted to forego hair dye. The response from the audience was a standing ovation.

Expanding on his choice, he whimsically disclosed, “After years of coloring my hair, an interesting transformation occurred – it started taking on a blue hue at one point… Then, with the application of a permanent dye, it unexpectedly turned red. So, I thought, why not embrace a patriotic theme and let it naturally turn white? And that’s how we’ve reached the current state of affairs.”

Barker also introduced the signature sign-off of urging viewers to “spay or neuter your pets.”

The animal welfare advocacy that would later become synonymous with Barker’s name developed gradually, partly influenced by his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, who passed away in 1981. Gideon’s transition away from wearing furs and leather, along with her adoption of a vegetarian lifestyle, prompted Barker to confront the plight of mistreated animals.

A pivotal moment emerged when he was extended an invitation to serve as the honorary chairman for “Be Kind to Animals” week in Los Angeles. This experience, he revealed, acted as a catalyst, unveiling the extensive and distressing extent of animal exploitation. “As my understanding deepened regarding the severe exploitation that animals face, an internal motivation surged within me to bring about change,” he expressed. This awakening prompted Barker to make the personal choice to embrace a vegetarian way of life.

Scandal and continued activism

Barker encountered a few minor controversies during his career. Notably, he was romantically involved with one of the “Barker’s Beauties,” Dian Parkinson, a model on “The Price Is Right,” for a span of three years in the late 1980s. Parkinson later brought forward a $8 million lawsuit, alleging harassment and wrongful termination. Although the latter claim was dismissed by a judge, Parkinson eventually withdrew the former claim.

In 2000, Barker conveyed to the Los Angeles Times, “It was all in the minds of the women,” in reference to the controversies. Other models also openly discussed their challenges in working with Barker.

Beyond his endeavors to curb pet overpopulation – an effort manifested through his foundation providing grants for spaying and neutering initiatives – Barker took a stand against animal testing, advocated for the humane treatment of captive animals such as bears in substandard conditions, and made substantial financial contributions to wildlife rescue groups and various organizations.

In a significant gesture in 2008, he donated $1 million to his alma mater to establish the country’s first course in animal ethics.

Barker garnered a fresh wave of admirers in 1996 for his role in the Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore.” His on-screen moment, where he concludes a slapstick altercation with Sandler’s character by delivering the memorable line, “Now you’ve had enough, b***h,” became particularly popular. Reflecting on this, Barker mentioned, “I never taped a ‘Price Is Right’ episode after ‘Happy Gilmore’ had been released that the audience didn’t want to talk with me about my fight scene.”

While he took great pride in his extensive tenure on “The Price Is Right,” Barker’s most profound source of pride stemmed from his advocacy for the spaying and neutering of pets. He remained resolute in his commitment to ensuring the campaign’s continuity even after his departure. In 2013, he found solace in knowing that his successor, Drew Carey, shared this unwavering dedication. Reflecting on that moment, Barker remembered, “As we were being introduced, even before I could say anything, Drew Carey told me, ‘Bob, I’m going to include the spay and neuter message at the end of every show as long as I host ‘The Price Is Right.” I responded, ‘Drew, you’re my man.'”

Bob Barker is survived by his devoted partner of many years, Nancy Burnet. Tragically, his wife of 36 years, Dorothy Jo Gideon, succumbed to lung cancer in 1981. The couple, who did not have children, remained united until her passing, and Barker chose not to enter into another marriage.

Tribute of Barker

Two prominent figures closely associated with Barker wasted no time expressing their condolences through social media on Saturday.

Adam Sandler, Barker’s co-star from “Happy Gilmore,” took to Twitter to share his sentiments: “An extraordinary individual. A legendary figure. The absolute best. He was a genuinely kind and humorous person to spend time with. Engaging in conversations with him was a delight. The moments shared in laughter were treasured. And I can’t forget the times he playfully trounced me.”

Sandler went on to convey his emotions sincerely: “The void he leaves will be profoundly sensed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. A day cloaked in sadness. My sincere condolences to Bob and his family. We are grateful for the enrichment he brought into our lives!”

Drew Carey, who succeeded Barker on “The Price Is Right,” also joined in, tweeting, “A day of profound sadness for the extended family of The Price Is Right and animal enthusiasts worldwide. Not a single day on set passed without my thoughts turning to Bob Barker, a sentiment of gratitude. His memory will forever reside within me.”