Bob Barker, the iconic host of “The Price is Right” and a vocal advocate for animal rights, passed away from natural causes at his home in Hollywood Hills. He was 99 years old. Roger Neal, his longtime spokesperson, confirmed the sad news, stating, “It is with deep sadness that we announce the departure of Bob Barker, the world’s greatest MC, who has left an indelible mark on us all.” Barker, a recipient of 18 Daytime Emmy awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, was widely recognized for his role as the host of the long-running game show and for his contributions as its executive producer.
Adam Sharp, the President and CEO of the National Academy of Television Art and Sciences, expressed his condolences, saying, “Bob Barker was a fixture in Daytime television for generations, shaping the game show genre and ensuring that ‘The Price is Right’ remained a timeless format for over fifty years. His dedication to his craft and his passion for animal welfare were equally unparalleled. The Emmy community will greatly miss his presence.”
Barker will also be remembered for his advocacy for animal population control. At the end of each episode of “The Price is Right,” he famously urged viewers to “help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered.” This powerful message played a significant role in addressing the overpopulation of animals in America.
In addition to his television achievements, Barker received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1976, inductions into the Television Hall of Fame in 2004 and the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2008. Despite his many accomplishments, Barker hoped to be remembered as someone who loved all living things and worked tirelessly to create a better world for animals.
Nancy Burnet, a close friend and co-executor of Barker’s estate, praised his dedication to animal welfare, stating, “I am incredibly proud of the groundbreaking work we did together to expose the cruelty in the entertainment industry and improve the lives of abused and exploited animals in the United States and abroad. We were great friends for 40 years, and his absence will be deeply felt.”
Born in Darrington, Washington, on December 12, 1923, Barker spent his childhood on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. As a member of the Sioux tribe, he took pride in his Native American heritage. Barker attended Drury University on a basketball scholarship but left to join the Navy Reserve during World War II. He married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, in 1945 and later returned to Drury to complete his degree in economics. The couple did not have children, and Gideon passed away in 1981.
Barker’s broadcasting career began while he was still in college, working for KTTS-FM Radio in Springfield, Missouri. He then moved to California to pursue opportunities in the industry and hosted his own radio show in Burbank. Barker’s big break came when he was chosen to replace Jack Bailey as the host of the game show “Truth or Consequences.” He continued to host the show from 1956 to 1975 and became a household name. In 1972, Barker was given the opportunity to host and produce the revival of “The Price is Right” on CBS, a role he fulfilled for over thirty years until his retirement in 2007. Barker also served as the host of the Miss Universe pageant for many years.
Following his retirement, Barker passed on the hosting duties to comedian Drew Carey, who shared his heartfelt condolences. Carey tweeted, “Today is a very sad day for the Price Is Right family and animal lovers worldwide. Not a single day on set went by without me thinking of Bob Barker and thanking him for everything. His memory will forever be in my heart. #RIPBobBarker We love you.”
Barker’s legacy will be remembered not only for his contributions to the entertainment industry but also for his unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Despite facing controversies during his career, his impact as a television icon and animal rights advocate remains undeniable. He will be greatly missed.
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