Bob Barker, Affable Host of TV’s ‘Price is Right,’ Mourned at 99
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Tributes are expected shortly for Bob Barker, the affable TV game show host best known for The Price Is Right, who died at age 99 on Saturday, August 26, 2023. The news was shared by his spokesman, Roger Neal, who noted that Barker died of natural causes at his home in the Hollywood Hills. “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us,” Neal said in the statement.
Barker is in the Guinness Book of Records for his longevity; he hosted The Price Is Right, the longest-running game show in television history, for 35 years. During his decades-long career, he earned 19 Emmy Awards including one for lifetime achievement in daytime television. Barker, who began hosting the show upon its debut on September 4, 1972, retired from the program in June 2007. He also hosted Truth or Consequences for nearly 20 years. His legacy also includes his tireless efforts for animal rights.
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.’ In addition to his legendary… pic.twitter.com/ql3ZLDAh2J
— CBS (@CBS) August 26, 2023
We are saddened Bob Barker has passed at the age of 99. Renowned host of The Price is Right for 35 years, animal activist, radio host, husband, and all-around game show legend will forever hold a spot in our hearts. We thank him for bringing joy to our homes for so many years. pic.twitter.com/giLIN4NloR
— The Price Is Right: The Barker Era (@TPIRBarker) August 26, 2023
Watch a vintage episode of The Price Is Right
When Barker retired from The Price Is Right, the hosting duties were taken over by comedic actor Drew Carey who remains in that role. Carey wrote, “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.”
Barker’s final appearance on the show was on April Fool’s Day in 2015 when he appeared unannounced on the show’s intro.
In 1996, he appeared as himself in the Adam Sandler film, Happy Gilmore.
Sandler paid tribute, writing, “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!”
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
Actor Rob Schneider wrote, “One of the nicest things I ever heard in showbusiness was Bob Barker saying, ‘I moved to Hollywood to be an actor and the only person who ever let me do it was Adam Sandler!’
“This scene with them was and will always be absolutely hilarious!
God bless you, Bob.”
A fellow game show veteran paid tribute…
When I moved to LA in 1980, I was on Price Is Right and met Bob Barker. Thank you Bob for introducing me to the game show world! We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/b4VTbI1DzF
— Vanna White (@TheVannaWhite) August 27, 2023
Comedic actress Ruth Buzzi wrote, “A friend once said we must cross a bridge to heaven guarded by every animal we had ever encountered… What a beautiful welcome Bob Barker is having today if that’s true.
“Wonderful neighbor for 4 decades, rest in peace.”
A heartfelt farewell and thank you to Bob Barker, a major part of many of our childhoods and the first national figure to educate the public about Spay/Neuter. What a wonderful man. I know he’ll be greeted at the Rainbow Bridge with a huge parade. Run free Bob! pic.twitter.com/eRacsMfHzU
— Elayne Animals & Comedy Boosler (@ElayneBoosler) August 26, 2023
Rest in peace to legend #BobBarker.
He used his voice to speak up for animals every chance he got, like reminding everyone that animals don’t belong at marine parks & to NEVER visit #SeaWorld 🐬💔 pic.twitter.com/9m5Maz2wBF
— PETA (@peta) August 26, 2023
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Jump into a conversationAnother piece of our childhood is gone!
Keith Richards once said, if you were of a certain age, the three things you’ve known all your life are: The Sun, The Moon, and The Rolling Stones.
And Bob Barker. The golf clip is priceless.
Let us neither forget the PITA fan, the wonderful Joe Flaherty, aka Count Floyd.