Bob Barker, Legendary Host of “The Price Is Right,” Passes Away at 99

Bob Barker, the beloved host of the iconic game show “The Price Is Right,” has sadly died at the age of 99, according to his longtime publicist. Barker’s combination of comforting charm and dry wit made him a staple of American television.

A Game Show Revival

In 1972, Barker was hired to host “The Price Is Right” when the show was struggling and had been dropped by two networks. However, with Barker at the helm, the show found its voice and continued to air for another 15 years after his retirement.

An Iconic Career

Barker’s long and illustrious career on television was one of the reasons he became such an iconic game show host. He spent over 50 years in the industry, starting as the host of “Truth or Consequences” in 1956 and retiring from “The Price Is Right” in 2007.

According to Robert Thompson, a television expert at Syracuse University, Barker’s success as a host stemmed from his ability to connect with regular people who were chosen as contestants. Unlike other game show hosts who remained behind a podium, Barker interacted with the contestants and excelled in this aspect of his role.

A Life Dedicated to Entertainment

Born in 1923 in Darrington, Washington, Barker moved to a Sioux Indian reservation in South Dakota after his father’s death. He later relocated to Missouri and attended Drury College, where he graduated with a degree in economics.

Barker’s smooth delivery and captivating presence caught the attention of television producers, leading to his first game show hosting gig in 1956 on NBC’s “Truth or Consequences.” From there, he went on to host “The Price Is Right” and became a fixture on other programs, including the Miss Universe and Miss America pageants and the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade.

A Controversial Moment

In 1994, Barker faced a scandal when a former model from “The Price Is Right” accused him of sexual harassment. Although the model ultimately dropped the lawsuit, Barker publicly acknowledged their unprofessional relationship off-screen. Despite the controversy, Barker was awarded an Emmy for Lifetime Achievement.

A Passion for Animal Rights

Aside from his television career, Barker was a passionate animal rights activist. He famously ended each episode of “The Price Is Right” with a plea to control the pet population through spaying and neutering. In 1995, he founded the DJ&T Foundation, named after his late wife and her mother, which provided services for pet owners.

Barker’s dedication to animal welfare was evident from the start. He refused to showcase fur coats as prizes on his show and even donated $1 million in 2013 to move three elephants from the Toronto Zoo to a sanctuary in California.

A Fond Farewell

Bob Barker’s impact on television and his dedication to both entertainment and animal rights will not be forgotten. As he once said, what he missed most about “The Price Is Right” was not just the money, but also the people.