Veteran game show host Robert “Bob” William Barker, the face of “The Price is Right” for over three decades, has passed away in his Hollywood Hills home at 99, dying of natural causes.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us,” Roger Neal, Barker’s publicist, said in a statement Sunday.
Nancy Burnett, a dear friend who had been instrumental in overseeing Barker’s health and well-being for many years, announced the loss. Burnett is also named the co-executor of Barker’s estate.
Barker’s tenure on “The Price is Right” made it the longest-running game show in North American Television history. This 19-time Emmy winner spent more than 35 years with CBS, presenting not just the daytime episodes but also a nighttime version and various primetime specials. Remarkably, five of his Emmys recognized him as the Outstanding Game Show Host.
In 1956, Barker’s broadcasting career started with a radio invitation when Ralph Edwards wanted him to try out for “Truth or Consequences.” By 1972, after 18 years with “Truth or Consequences,” Barker was spearheading a revived version of “The Price is Right.”
When he decided to retire in June 2007, Barker addressed his studio audience with warmth and gratitude, “I thank you, thank you, thank you for inviting me into your home for more than 50 years.”
His shoes on the show were later filled by comedian Drew Carey, who expressed his sorrow online: “Very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world.”
“There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him. I will carry his memory in my heart forever. #RIPBobBarker We love you,” Carey said.
Beyond his legendary television persona, Barker was renowned for his passionate animal rights advocacy. A repeated call-to-action he made was for viewers to “have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Barker’s commitment extended to removing fur coats as prizes on his show. In a bold move, he left the Miss USA Pageant in 1987 over disagreements regarding the awarding of fur coats.
In 1996, he made a cameo appearance on the big screen, literally sparring with actor and comedian Adam Sandler in the movie “Happy Gilmore.”
“The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me,” Sandler said in a tribute to Barker.
“He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!” Sandler said also sharing a series of photos with Barker on social media.
He also made cameo appearances on “The Nanny” and “The Bold and the Beautiful” among other shows during his career.
Barker’s roots trace back to Darrington, Washington, born in 1923. He grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, and interestingly, was listed as a member of the Sioux Indian Tribe.
He shared his life with his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, in a marriage spanning 37 years until her demise in 1981. They had no children.
Post high school, Barker enlisted in the United States Navy Reserve during World War II. His initial foray into broadcasting was with KTTS radio in Springfield, Missouri, during his college days.
Throughout his life, Barker faced challenges and controversies head-on. Yet, his philanthropic spirit shone brightly, especially in animal rights causes. In 2013, he made headlines by generously donating $1 million to aid in relocating three elephants from the Toronto Zoo to a sanctuary in California.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of this iconic figure, paying tribute to him on social media.
Bob Barker is survived by his half-brother Kent Valandra, half-nephews Robert and Chip Valandra and half-niece Vickie Valandra Kelly.