A publicist says popular game show host Bob Barker, a household name for a half-century as host of Truth or Consequences and The Price Is Right, has died at his home in Los Angeles. Barker was 99.
Barker died Saturday morning, according to publicist Roger Neal.
Barker retired in June 2007, telling his studio audience: "I thank you, thank you, thank you for inviting me into your home for more than 50 years."
Early Life and Education:
Bob Barker, whose full name is Robert William Barker, was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, USA. He grew up on a Native American reservation, as his mother was of Matinecock Native American descent. His father was a utility worker. Barker's early life was marked by financial struggles, and his family often had to rely on public assistance during the Great Depression.
Barker attended Drury College (now Drury University) in Springfield, Missouri, on a basketball scholarship. He majored in economics and psychology and was also a member of the college radio station. This interest in radio eventually set the stage for his career in broadcasting.
Early Career:
Barker's broadcasting career began in the mid-20th century. After working various odd jobs, including serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he started his radio career at KTTS-FM in Springfield. He then moved on to work at a local radio station in Palm Beach, Florida, where he hosted a program called "The Bob Barker Show." This show helped him gain experience and develop his distinctive broadcasting style.
Game Show Hosting:
Barker's breakthrough came when he was selected to host the game show "Truth or Consequences" in 1956. The show's success helped solidify his reputation as a charismatic and engaging host. However, it was his legendary tenure as the host of "The Price Is Right" that truly made him a household name.
In 1972, Barker took over as the host of "The Price Is Right," a daytime television game show where contestants compete to win prizes by correctly guessing the prices of various items. Barker's warm and enthusiastic personality resonated with viewers, and he became synonymous with the show. He famously signed off each episode with his catchphrase, "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
Barker hosted "The Price Is Right" for an astonishing 35 years, becoming one of the most recognizable faces on television. His contributions to the show earned him numerous awards and accolades, including several Daytime Emmy Awards.
Animal Rights Activism:
Outside of his television career, Bob Barker was a passionate advocate for animal rights. He was particularly vocal about animal welfare issues and used his platform to raise awareness about the mistreatment of animals. His advocacy led to significant changes, such as the alteration of the show's prizes to exclude fur coats and trips to hunting destinations.
Barker's dedication to animal rights extended beyond his television work. He donated substantial amounts of money to various animal welfare organizations and even funded the construction of an animal rights law library at Harvard Law School.
Retirement and Legacy:
In 2007, at the age of 83, Bob Barker retired from hosting "The Price Is Right." His departure marked the end of an era in television history. He continued to make occasional public appearances and remained active in his advocacy work.
Bob Barker's legacy is defined by his enduring contributions to the world of entertainment, his philanthropic efforts, and his role as a beloved television personality. His impact on the game show genre and his dedication to animal rights continue to be celebrated by fans and admirers.
Personal Life:
In terms of his personal life, Bob Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 until her death in 1981. The couple had no children. Barker was known for his commitment to a healthy lifestyle, which he credited for his longevity and continued vitality.
Bob Barker's journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a television icon is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and dedication to making a positive impact on the world. He passed away on August 26th, 2023, at the age of 99, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both the entertainment industry and the realm of animal rights activism.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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