As Variety notes, Bob Barker (The Price Is Right, Happy Gilmore) has passed away at age 99. Barker was a beloved gameshow host known for hosting The Price Is Right and Truth or Consequences. Barker’s publicist, Roger Neal, stated that Barker passed away in his home in Los Angeles.
According to Variety, Neal released a statement explaining, “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us.”
Barker was the host of CBS’s The Price Is Right from 1972 until 2007. For his time as a gameshow host, Barker won fourteen Emmy Awards. He also won four awards for his work as an executive producer of The Price Is Right in 1988. In 1999, he also won a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award for Daytime Television.
He became a part of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2004 as well as the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame four years later.
In addition to his work as a host, Variety notes that Barker was a large animal activist. He spoke for animal rights as well as donated to programs to have animals neutered.
According to ABC, longtime friend Nancy Burnet wrote in a statement, “I am so proud of the trailblazing work Barker and I did together to expose the cruelty to animals in the entertainment industry and including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and internationally.”
As Variety notes, other colleagues of Barker also expressed their condolences.
Adam Sandler (50 First Dates, Just Go with It) worked with Barker on Happy Gilmore where Barker played himself. Sandler stated, “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!”
Drew Carey (Geppetto, Robots), the current host of The Price Is Right released a statement on Twitter/X, stating “Very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world. 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. #RIPBobBarker We love you.” His statement can be viewed below.
The CEO of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Adam Sharp stated, “Bob Barker was a Daytime television mainstay for generations. He helped to define the game show genre, cementing the Price is Right as a powerhouse format that has remained essentially unchanged for more than half a century. You don’t mess with perfection. His championship of the craft and for animal welfare were equal in their exuberance. His presence will be missed greatly by the Emmy community.”