Bob Barker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Barker
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Barker in 1975
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| Born |
Robert William Barker
December 12, 1923 Darrington, Washington, U.S.
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| Died | August 26, 2023 (aged 99) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Education | Drury University (BA) |
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| Television |
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Dorothy Jo Gideon
(m. 1945; died 1981) |
Robert William Barker (born December 12, 1923 – died August 26, 2023), known as Bob Barker, was a famous American television host. He was best known for hosting The Price Is Right on CBS, which is the longest-running game show in North American TV history. He hosted it for 35 years, from 1972 to 2007.
Before that, he also hosted another popular show called Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975. Bob Barker was also a strong supporter of animal rights. He worked hard to help animals throughout his life.
Contents
Early Life and Education
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Bob Barker was born in Darrington, Washington. He spent most of his childhood on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. He was a member of the Sioux tribe. His mother was a school teacher on the reservation.
He met his future wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, when he was 15 years old. They met at a concert while he was in high school in Missouri. Bob went to Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, on a basketball scholarship.
During World War II, he joined the United States Navy Reserve in 1943. He trained to be a fighter pilot. On January 12, 1945, he married Dorothy Jo while on leave. After the war, he finished college. He graduated with a degree in economics.
Career in Television
Starting in Radio
Bob Barker began his media career in college. He worked at a radio station in Springfield. Later, he moved to California in 1950 to work in broadcasting. He got his own radio show called The Bob Barker Show. It ran for six years.
Hosting Game Shows
Truth or Consequences (1956–1975)
Bob Barker started hosting Truth or Consequences on December 31, 1956. This was his first big game show job. He hosted the show for many years, until 1975.
The Price Is Right (1972–2007)
In 1972, Bob Barker became the host of a new version of The Price Is Right. This show became very popular. He hosted it for 35 years. On October 15, 1987, Bob decided to stop dyeing his hair. He let it turn gray, which was its natural color.
Bob Barker announced his retirement from The Price Is Right on October 31, 2006. His final episode aired on June 15, 2007. This marked the end of his 50-year career in television.
After retiring, Bob Barker made a few special appearances on The Price Is Right. He came back in 2009 to promote his book. He also appeared for his 90th birthday in 2013. His very last appearance was a surprise on April 1, 2015, for April Fools' Day.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Bob Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 until 1981. She passed away from lung cancer.
Animal Rights Work
Bob Barker was a vegetarian. He was very passionate about animal rights. From 1982, he ended every episode of The Price Is Right with a special message. He would say, "This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population – have your pets spayed or neutered." This encouraged people to get their pets fixed to prevent overpopulation.
In 1987, he even stepped down as host of the Miss USA pageant. This was because they refused to stop giving away fur coats as prizes.
In 1994, Bob Barker started the DJ&T Foundation. He named it after his late wife and mother. This foundation has given millions of dollars to programs that help spay and neuter animals. It also supports animal rescue centers. He also donated money to several law schools to help them study animal rights.
In 2010, Bob Barker donated $5 million to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. This group works to stop whaling. They used his donation to buy a ship, which they named the MY Bob Barker. This ship helps protect whales. He also supported PETA. He donated money for their office building in Los Angeles, which is now called the "Bob Barker Building."
Health and Later Years
Bob Barker had a few health issues later in life. In 1999, he had surgery on his neck. In 2002, he had a stroke and prostate surgery, but he recovered well from both. He also had some mild skin cancer from spending time in the sun. He always encouraged people to see a dermatologist regularly.
Bob Barker passed away peacefully from natural causes at his home on August 26, 2023. He was 99 years old.
Other TV and Film Appearances
- In 1996, Bob Barker played himself in the movie Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler. They had a funny fight scene in the movie.
- He was a guest on other game shows like Tattletales and Match Game.
- Bob Barker also appeared on talk shows like Larry King Live and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
- He made cameo appearances on TV shows like The Nanny and The Bold and the Beautiful.
- In 2009, he was a special guest host for WWE Raw, a wrestling show.
- He voiced a character named Bob Barnacle on the Nickelodeon cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants.
Awards and Honors
- He won 19 Emmy Awards in total.
- He won 14 times for Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for The Price Is Right.
- He won 4 times for Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show as an executive producer.
- He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.
WWE
- He won a Slammy Award in 2009 for Best Guest Host.
Media
- The "Bob Barker Studio" at CBS Television City was named in his honor.
- Time magazine called him the Greatest Game Show Host of All-Time.
- He received the GSN Lifetime Achievement Award.
Halls of Fame
- He has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2004.
- He was inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2008.
Autobiography
Bob Barker wrote a book about his life called Priceless Memories. It was published on April 6, 2009.
See also
- List of animal rights advocates
