27-8-2023 (LOS ANGELES) Bob Barker, the iconic host of the beloved US television game show “The Price Is Right,” has died at the age of 99, confirmed his publicist on Saturday.
For an impressive 35 years, audiences across the United States and around the world were captivated by Barker’s warm and inviting presence as he invited contestants to “Come on down” and compete in guessing the prices of consumer goods for cash and prizes.
In a statement to AFP, his publicist Roger Neal shared the news of Barker’s passing due to natural causes at his Hollywood Hills residence, saying, “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us.”
Over his remarkable 60-year career in radio and television, Barker received 19 Emmy Awards. His most iconic role was as the host of “The Price Is Right,” which holds the distinction of being the longest-running game show in North American history. He helmed the show from 1972 until 2007, when comedian Drew Carey took over.
Carey expressed his deep appreciation for Barker, stating, “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.”
Beyond his television career, Barker was a passionate animal activist. He notably donated $5 million to the anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd, which even named one of its vessels after him. He also successfully advocated for the “Miss USA” pageant to ban furs during his 20-year stint as its host.
In addition to his television work, Barker made memorable cameo appearances in various films and TV shows, including “The Nanny,” “Happy Gilmore,” and the soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful.”
Adam Sandler, star of “Happy Gilmore,” shared his admiration for Barker, describing him as “The man. The myth. The best,” and expressing how much he enjoyed their time together.
Born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington state, Barker grew up on a Native American reservation in South Dakota. He joined the US Navy Reserve during World War II before launching his radio career.
Barker’s high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo, became his wife. Tragically, she passed away in 1981, and Barker chose never to remarry. In his later years, Nancy Burnet, a close friend who worked alongside him on animal rights causes, provided care and support.
A beloved segment of “The Price Is Right” involved contestants spinning a wheel marked with increments from five cents to one dollar. If they chose to spin a second time for the prize, their combined totals could not exceed one dollar, or they would lose the game.
