Bob Barker, the beloved host of the iconic game show “The Price Is Right,” has sadly passed away at the remarkable age of 99. This game show legend and passionate animal rights activist died at his residence in Los Angeles on Saturday morning, as confirmed by his publicist, Roger Neal.
Throughout his career, Barker made a lasting impression on American TV viewers with his amiable nature and easily entertained demeanor. He embarked on his broadcasting journey in 1950 with his radio show, “The Bob Barker Show,” before making his first foray into television game shows in 1956 as the host of “Truth or Consequences.” This game show held the record as the longest-running game show until “The Price Is Right” claimed the title.
In 1972, Barker revived “The Price Is Right,” which initially aired from 1956 to 1965. His tenure as the host lasted for nearly 35 years, and in tribute to his remarkable longevity, CBS renamed Studio 33 after him. Barker eventually retired in 2007, passing the baton to Drew Carey.
Under Barker’s guidance, “The Price Is Right” became the first hour-long game show and the longest-running daytime game show. His warm personality and unwavering support for every contestant were believed to be integral to the program’s success.
However, Barker’s career wasn’t without controversy. In 1994, Dian Parkinson, a former model on the show, filed a sexual harassment lawsuit seeking $8 million from Barker. Parkinson alleged that she was coerced into a sexual relationship with Barker under the threat of losing her job. The lawsuit was eventually dropped the following year due to its high cost and its toll on Parkinson’s health.
Aside from his notable game show contributions, Barker appeared in various contests and events. He served as the emcee for the Pillsbury Bake-Off from 1967 to 1986 and hosted the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade from 1969 to 1988. Barker even made a memorable cameo in the film “Happy Gilmore,” starring alongside Adam Sandler in a fight scene at a celebrity golf tournament. Their on-screen brawl earned them an MTV Movie Award for “Best Fight Sequence” in 1996.
Barker garnered numerous accolades throughout his career, including 15 Emmy awards, a Lifetime Achievement Emmy, and two OFTA Television awards. In 1976, he received a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beyond his work in entertainment, Barker was known for his passionate advocacy for animal rights. In 1995, he established the DJ&T Foundation, which supports low-cost spay and neuter clinics and voucher programs across the United States. Barker also made a substantial donation of $2.5 million to PETA, enabling them to relocate to a new office space named the Bob Barker Building. Additionally, in 2013, Barker played a pivotal role in convincing Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to discontinue the use of live cats in medical training drills. He generously offered $75,000 to purchase specialized mannequins for medical students to practice on instead.
One of Barker’s enduring legacies from “The Price Is Right” was his iconic sign-off message to viewers: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
The world has lost a true entertainment icon and a passionate advocate for animals. Bob Barker’s influence will continue to be felt for years to come, as his contributions to the world of television and animal welfare remain immeasurable.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
