Bob Barker
Explore the life and legacy of Bob Barker (December 12, 1923 – August 26, 2023), the iconic American game show host best known for The Price Is Right, and his passion for animal rights.
Introduction
Bob Barker was a broadcasting legend whose charm, wit, and steady presence made him a household name for decades. Though often remembered for his long tenure as host of The Price Is Right, Barker’s life and career also included radio, other television shows, acting cameos, and a lasting commitment to animal welfare. His iconic closing line reminding viewers to “have your pets spayed or neutered” became emblematic of how he blended entertainment with advocacy.
Early Life & Background
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Birth & Family: Robert William Barker was born on December 12, 1923 in Darrington, Washington, USA.
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Childhood: He spent much of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where his mother worked as a teacher. Barker was a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe through his paternal lineage.
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Education & Early Work: Barker attended Drury University (then Drury College) in Springfield, Missouri, on a basketball scholarship. He studied economics and graduated summa cum laude.
While in college, he began working in radio (e.g. at KTTS-FM in Missouri) and later moved to California to build a career in broadcasting.
During World War II, Barker served in the U.S. Navy Reserve training as a fighter pilot, though he never saw combat.
Broadcasting Career & Rise to Fame
Radio to Television
In California, Barker hosted The Bob Barker Show, a radio program that ran for several years and helped him hone his broadcasting voice and style.
His television break came in 1956 when game show producer Ralph Edwards selected him to host Truth or Consequences, a popular quiz/variety show. Barker remained with that show until 1975.
The Price Is Right
On September 4, 1972, Barker became the host of the CBS revival of The Price Is Right. He would continue as its host until June 2007, making his 35-year stint one of the longest in television history.
Under Barker, The Price Is Right became an iconic daytime show. He was also an executive producer on the program from 1988 onward.
His last episode was taped on June 6, 2007, and aired on June 15, 2007.
After retirement, Barker made a few guest appearances on the show (e.g. in 2009, 2013, and 2015 for special occasions).
Other Television & Acting Work
Beyond game shows, Barker hosted the Miss USA / Miss Universe pageants for years, though he stepped down in 1987 when producers refused his request to end the tradition of awarding fur coats as prizes.
He also made cameo appearances in TV shows and films. One memorable cameo was in Happy Gilmore (1996), where he appeared in a comedic fight scene with Adam Sandler’s character.
He voiced a parody version of himself in an episode of SpongeBob SquarePants (“Sanctuary!”) as “Bob Barnacle.”
Personal Life & Advocacy
Relationships & Private Life
Barker married Dorothy Jo Gideon in 1945; they remained married until her death from cancer in 1981. The couple had no children.
In 1983, Barker entered into a long-term relationship with Nancy Burnet, an animal rights activist. They never married, but Burnet became his partner and confidant for the remainder of his life.
Animal Rights & Activism
One of Barker’s most sustained legacies is his advocacy for animal rights. Early in his career, he became a vegetarian, and he consistently used his platform to promote spaying and neutering pets.
From 1982, he ended each episode of The Price Is Right with his signature line:
“This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered.”
In 1987, he asked pageant producers to stop giving fur coats as prizes. When his request was denied, he stepped down from hosting Miss USA/Miss Universe.
He established the DJ&T Foundation (named for his late wife Dorothy Jo and his mother Tillie) in 1994, funding spay/neuter programs and animal welfare causes.
Barker donated $5 million to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to help purchase a ship used in anti-whaling campaigns; the ship was named the MY Bob Barker.
He also engaged in public disputes with organizations (e.g. the American Humane Association) over alleged mistreatment of animals in entertainment productions.
Awards, Honors & Recognition
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Barker won 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, plus additional Emmys as a producer.
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In 1999, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmy Awards.
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He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2004.
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He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Later Years & Death
Into his later years, Barker remained relatively private but still made occasional public appearances and continued supporting animal welfare initiatives.
He experienced health challenges, including skin cancer, falls, back pain, and later Alzheimer’s disease.
On August 26, 2023, Bob Barker passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 99. Alzheimer’s disease was listed as the primary cause of death, along with contributing conditions like high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, and high cholesterol.
He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills, near his late wife.
Notable Reflections & Quotes
While Barker was not a philosopher, he left behind memorable public lines and reflections:
“Help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered.”
“The price is always right when you live with respect.” (variation often associated with his show)
In interviews, he often emphasized kindness, responsibility toward animals, and the idea that fame carries responsibility.
Legacy & Impact
Bob Barker’s influence is multifaceted:
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Cultural icon of television
For a generation, his voice and presence epitomized daytime television. The Price Is Right, under his stewardship, became a staple program with wide appeal. -
Animal welfare champion
He used his popularity to raise awareness and funds for animal causes — demonstrating how celebrities can channel influence toward social good. -
Model of professionalism & longevity
Hosting a daily show for decades underlines his consistency, reliability, and capacity to connect with audiences over time. -
Media-art philanthropy link
Barker showed how entertainment platforms can also serve as platforms for advocacy — blending showmanship with purpose.