Legendary game show host Bob Barker, the face of the famous CBS TV show “The Price Is Right” for 35 years, has died at age 99.
Barker’s publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed he passed away from natural causes at his Hollywood Hills home.
Widely recognized as one of the most enduring figures in television history, Barker became synonymous with “The Price Is Right” during his tenure from 1972 to 2007. Over these decades, he maintained a consistent and familiar presence, with the only significant change being his decision to stop dyeing his hair in the early 1990s. Barker was known for his warmth, wit, and ability to connect with contestants and audiences alike.
Bob Barker’s impact on the television industry is clear. He won 18 Daytime Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2004. He was also twice acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as TV’s Most Durable Performer.
Outside of his career, Barker was a staunch animal rights advocate. His reminder to spay and neuter pets became a hallmark of “The Price Is Right.” His dedication extended beyond the show, with notable contributions such as a $500,000 donation to Harvard Law School in support of animal-rights law research in 2001.
Many expressed their condolences on X (formerly Twitter), including the show’s current host, Drew Carey, and actor Adam Sandler, who co-starred with Barker in “Happy Gilmore.”
Born in 1923, Barker’s early life saw him serve as a World War II fighter pilot before transitioning to broadcasting. This eventually led to his big break in 1956 with the TV show “Truth or Consequences.”
Throughout his career, Barker remained a familiar figure for viewers. As “The Price is Right” producer Roger Dobkowitz once said, “All is well in the world because Bob is still on TV.”