Bob Barker, the legendary game show host known for his energetic personality, passed away at the age of 99, according to his representative. Barker entertained audiences for over 50 years as the host of popular shows such as Truth or Consequences and The Price Is Right.
Beginning his career in radio, Barker eventually became the host of the nationally televised game show Truth or Consequences in December 1956. He continued hosting the show until 1975. Barker then joined a revival of The Price Is Right in 1972 and remained the host until 2007, surpassing Johnny Carson’s record for continuous performances on the same network TV program.
Barker had a unique talent for interviewing and bringing out the fun in regular people on both Truth or Consequences and The Price Is Right. Unlike other hosts who would not pay attention to the contestant’s answers, Barker believed in actively listening to their responses and finding gems that he could work with in his interactions.
His exceptional skills as a host earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. Barker received a total of 15 Emmy Awards, 12 of which were for hosting. He was also honored with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2004. Additionally, the Guinness World Records recognized him as TV’s Most Durable Performer and the Most Generous Host in Television History, estimating that he had given away over $200 million worth of prizes.
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Barker was not only known for his work in game shows but also for his activism. In 1987, he stopped dyeing his gray hair due to the animal products used in dyes and publicly criticized the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants, which he hosted, for their use of furs. Upon discovering that the contestants would be wearing animal skins at the 1987 Miss USA Pageant, Barker refused to go on with the show. The decision generated significant attention and raised awareness for animal rights activists. As a result, Barker distanced himself from both pageants and became an advocate for animal welfare, frequently closing episodes of The Price Is Right with the line, “Have your pets spayed and neutered.” He also donated $3.1 million to his alma mater Drury University to establish and support an interdisciplinary Animal Studies Program.
Born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, Barker was raised on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where his mother worked as a teacher. After his father’s death, Barker and his mother relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where he attended high school and later went on to study economics at Drury University, graduating in 1947. Barker trained as a Navy fighter pilot during World War II.
After serving in the military, Barker returned to Springfield and worked at radio station KTTS while completing his degree. It was during this time that he discovered his talent for hosting audience-participation shows. After receiving positive feedback from his wife, Barker realized he had found his true calling.
In 1956, Ralph Edwards, the creator and original host of Truth or Consequences, heard Barker’s radio show and offered him an audition for the hosting role. Barker impressed the executives and received the job, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Truth or Consequences quickly became the number one show on daytime television, eventually airing five times a week in syndication.
During his tenure on Truth or Consequences, Barker agreed to host another daytime show, a new version of The Price Is Right, at the request of producer Mark Goodson. Little did Barker know that his involvement was crucial in selling the show to CBS, as the network’s daytime head Bud Grant insisted on having Barker as the host. The Price Is Right proved to be yet another successful venture for Barker, and in 1998, CBS honored him by dedicating Stage 33 at CBS Television City as the Bob Barker Studio.
Outside of his game show career, Barker gained a new generation of fans when he appeared in the film Happy Gilmore in 1996, exchanging blows with the character played by Adam Sandler. The memorable scene, where Barker delivers the line, “The price is wrong, bitch,” earned the duo an MTV Award for best fight.
Despite his professional success, Barker also faced personal challenges. His wife, Dorothy Jo, passed away from lung cancer in 1981. Barker never remarried but had a relationship with Dian Parkinson, a model on The Price Is Right, from 1989 to 1991. Parkinson filed a lawsuit against Barker and the show for sexual harassment, which she later dropped, and wrongful termination, which was dismissed by a judge. Several other former models also sued Barker and the show.
Bob Barker’s career and influence extended far beyond the game show realm. He will be remembered as a charismatic host, an animal rights advocate, and a philanthropist. His immense contributions to the entertainment industry and his dedication to various causes have left a lasting impact.
