Hollywood celebrities and industry insiders took to social media to pay tribute to the late Bob Barker, who passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 99 from natural causes. Barker, best known as the longtime host of the popular game show The Price Is Right, gained a new group of fans after his iconic fight scene with Adam Sandler in the 1996 comedy film Happy Gilmore.
Adam Sandler, who starred alongside Barker in the movie, remembered him as a man, a myth, and “the best,” in an Instagram post. Sandler described Barker as a sweet and funny person to hang out with and expressed his love and admiration for the late host. He also mentioned how Barker kicking the crap out of him in their fight scene became a beloved moment. Sandler concluded his tribute by expressing his heartfelt condolences to Bob’s family and acknowledging the impact Barker had on all those who knew him.
Drew Carey, the current host of The Price Is Right who took over from Barker in 2007, expressed his sorrow over the loss of the game show legend. Carey described it as a very sad day for the Price Is Right family and animal lovers worldwide. He expressed his gratitude to Barker, stating that there hasn’t been a day on set that he didn’t think of him and thank him. Carey vowed to carry Barker’s memory in his heart forever and ended his tribute with the hashtag #RIPBobBarker and the message “We love you.”
In addition to his work as a game show host, Barker was also a prominent animal rights activist. According to PETA, Barker was one of the first stars to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle over 30 years ago. The organization highlighted his efforts in urging families to stay away from SeaWorld, advocating for the closure of cruel bear pits posing as tourist attractions, and demanding better treatment of animals in the entertainment industry. As a Navy veteran, Barker also called for an end to military medical drills on live animals. PETA expressed their gratitude for Barker’s dedication to animal rights in their statement.
Related Post
Julie Bowen, who starred alongside Barker and Sandler in Happy Gilmore, shared her favorite filming memory of the iconic fight scene between the two actors. She mentioned how much she enjoyed working with Barker and Sandler and concluded her Instagram caption with a nod to Barker’s signature sign-off line from The Price Is Right: “In honor of Bob: please remember to spay and neuter your pets.”
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) commemorated Barker’s 50-year TV career in a post celebrating his contributions to the industry. They hailed him as an iconic host and acknowledged his role in becoming a beloved household name for families across America. The MPA thanked Barker for the memories he created throughout his career in television.
Other notable figures in the entertainment industry also paid tribute to Barker. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips, who was lucky enough to be Barker’s neighbor for a period, remembered him as a consummate gentleman and a tireless advocate for animals. Phillips expressed his admiration for Barker’s epic run and his impact as an animal rights activist.
Barker’s passing also elicited tributes from renowned comedian Rob Schneider, country singer John Rich, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), comedy writer Mike Drucker, and production company Fremantle US. Each tribute reflected the profound influence Barker had on their lives and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.
Bob Barker will always be remembered as a legend and icon in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over 60 years on television and radio, he entertained generations of viewers and left an indelible mark on the world of game shows. His contributions as a beloved host, animal rights activist, radio personality, and husband will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who adored him.
