Former television host Bob Barker has died at the age of 99.
Barker was most known as the Price is Right host for 35 years, which included 3,524 shows. The program remains the longest-running game show in television history. During his career, Barker’s various television programs awarded $55 million in prizes.
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A spokesperson for Barker said he died from natural causes.
“We lost a beloved member of the CBS family today with the passing of Bob Barker. During his 35 years as host of The Price is Right, Bob made countless people’s dreams come true and everyone feel like a winner when they were called to ‘come on down,'” CBS said in a statement. “In addition to his legendary 50-year career in broadcasting, Bob will be remembered as a dedicated animal rights activist. Daytime television has lost one of its most iconic stars.”
“Bob’s influence on the entertainment industry is indisputable, but what mattered to him most was using his voice and prominent position to protect animals. Of course, everyone is familiar with his “spay and neuter your pets” sign-off on The Price Is Right — a show where he refused to allow fur prizes — but he was also one of the first stars to go vegetarian, more than 30 years ago,” PETA said of Barker in a statement. “His generous donation allowed PETA to open its West Coast headquarters, the Bob Barker Building, in 2012, and it stands as a testament to his legacy and profound commitment to making the world a kinder place. To us — and to so many animals around the world — Bob will always be a national animal rights treasure.”
The Price is Right won 23 Emmys with Barker at its helm, including awards for outstanding game show host. Comedian Drew Carey would go on to take over Barker’s position in July 2007 and has yet to win an Emmy as the new host.
Barker was an advocate for animals throughout his career
In 1994, a lawsuit filed by the Price is Right model Diane Parkinson over sexual assault allegations was brought against Barker. He denied the allegations, claiming that they had a consensual relationship. Barker had been a widower since 1981 when his wife of 40 years died of lung cancer. Parkinson went on to drop the lawsuit.
Parkinson’s suit led to another lawsuit filed by fellow model Holly Hallstrom the next year for wrongful termination because, according to Hallstrom, she didn’t defend the host. She alleged she was asked to spread false information and refused. Hallstrom’s lawsuit was settled outside of court.
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In 2020, streaming service PlutoTV created a 24-hour channel dedicated to reruns of the program featuring the original host, titling it the Price is Right: The Barker Era. The beloved show on CBS was again nominated for an Emmy for outstanding game show this year.
Barker was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Jo Giden. The pair did not have children. He is survived by his half-brother Kent Valandra.
