Longtime 'Price Is Right' Host And Animal Activist Bob Barker, 99, Dies

Popular game show host Bob Barker has died at his home in Los Angeles, according to the Associated Press citing a publicist.

Barker was 99.

What Happened: Barker, known as the host of both “Truth or Consequences” and “The Price Is Right,” died Saturday morning.

In addition to his work as a television personality, Barker was also an animal activist.

“I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally,” said longtime friend and caretaker Nancy Burnet in a statement.

Barker, who was given a lifetime achievement award at the 26th annual Daytime Emmy Awards in 1999, retired in June 2007.

'Come On Down!'

Barker's broadcast career began in radio back in 1956 when he was invited to audition as the new host of “Truth or Consequences,” a game show in which audience members had to do offbeat stunts if they gave the incorrect punchline to a riddle or joke.

But it was his longtime stint as host of “The Price Is Right” beginning in 1972 that cemented his career as a household name and face.

The show is renowned for featuring excited audience members and inviting them to “Come on down!” to the stage to guess the retail value of products.

If they guessed correctly, they would win extravagant prizes like a new car.

Comedian Drew Carey, who was chosen to replace Barker, commented on the loss via X:

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 �

— ʎǝɹɐƆ ʍǝɹᗡ (@DrewFromTV) August 26, 2023

Barker also saw a resurgence in popularity when he cameoed in the 1996 Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore.”

Sandler also commented on Barker's departure:

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. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us! pic.twitter.com/hhZvYAQUK3

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) August 26, 2023

In the 1990s, Barker faced legal scrutiny when former "Price is Right" model Dian Parkinson sued the host for sexual harassment. Barker maintained that Parkinson initiated the relationship, per the AP. The lawsuit was eventually dropped.

Barker, a native of Darrington, Washington, served in the Navy during World War II.

His wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, died in 1981 after 37 years of marriage. They had no children.

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