Bob Barker

Robert (Bob) Barker - South Dakota's Indian Census Roll; April 1, 1930

Bob Barker dec 31 1956

Bob Barker 1958 Truth or Consequences

Bob Barker and Sam Farr

Bob Barker at WWE crop

USMC-12327

Bob Barker (born Robert William Barker on December 12, 1923) is an American retired television game show host. He is best known for hosting CBS's The Price Is Right from 1972 until 2007, making it the longest-running daytime game show in North American television history. Barker also hosted Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975.

Born in Darrington, Washington, and raised on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, Barker enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. After the war, he attended Drury College (now Drury University) in Springfield, Missouri, on a basketball scholarship. He graduated with a degree in economics.

Career

Barker's broadcasting career began in 1950, when he moved to California and worked at radio station KTTS-FM in Springfield. His move to television came in 1956 when he was hired to host Truth or Consequences. The show was a mix of quiz and stunt segments that challenged contestants to perform difficult tasks on the spot. Barker's easygoing personality and quick wit made the show a hit, and he hosted it for nearly two decades.

In 1972, Barker was selected to host the revival of The Price Is Right on CBS. The show's format, which involved contestants guessing the price of merchandise to win cash and prizes, was a perfect match for Barker's hosting style. Under his guidance, The Price Is Right became one of the most popular and enduring game shows in television history. Barker's signature sign-off, "Have your pets spayed or neutered," reflected his strong advocacy for animal rights and spaying/neutering to control the pet population.

Animal Rights Activism

Beyond his television career, Barker is a prominent animal rights advocate. He has donated millions of dollars to animal rights causes, funded animal rescue and rehabilitation facilities, and supported legislative efforts to protect animals. His contributions led to the establishment of the DJ&T Foundation, named after his wife, Dorothy Jo, and his mother, Matilda, which focuses on funding spay/neuter programs.

Awards and Honors

Over his career, Barker has received numerous awards and honors. He has won 19 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, more than any other host in the category, and the Lifetime Achievement Award for Daytime Television. In 2004, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame.

Retirement

Barker retired from The Price Is Right in June 2007, ending a 35-year tenure on the show and a 50-year career in television. His retirement was marked by numerous tributes and accolades, recognizing his contributions to television and his work in animal rights advocacy.

Legacy

Bob Barker's legacy in television and beyond is marked by his charismatic hosting style, his advocacy for animal rights, and his impact on daytime television. His catchphrase to "have your pets spayed or neutered" has become synonymous with animal population control efforts. Barker's work has left an indelible mark on television history and animal welfare.

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