In 1972, many notable events occurred. The top song was “American Pie” by Don McLean, Richard Nixon was president amid the Watergate scandal, NASA’s Space Shuttle program launched, and Bob Barker was giving away cars worth under $4000 on “The Price is Right.”
Bob Barker, an iconic TV personality, hosted “The Price is Right” for 35 years and is celebrating a century of life this year.
Barker, a member of the Sioux Tribe, grew up on a reservation in South Dakota. He met his future wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at an Ella Fitzgerald concert. In 1945, while on leave from the U.S. Navy Reserve, where he trained as a WWII fighter pilot, he married his high school sweetheart. Though he never saw active service, he later earned a degree in economics.
By 1956, Barker was hosting a popular radio show in Los Angeles when game show producer Ralph Edwards chose him for “Truth or Consequences.” He hosted the show until 1975 and also began hosting the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants in 1967.
Barker’s big break came in 1972 when he joined “The Price is Right,” skyrocketing the show and himself to fame.
In 1988, Barker became the show’s executive producer, guiding it to become the longest-running game show ever. He won 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host and four more as executive producer.
Reflecting on his wife, Barker said in a 2008 interview, “She gave me the confidence to pursue my career. She supported me fully.” Gideon passed away in 1981 from lung cancer after 36 years of marriage.
Barker never remarried but found companionship with Nancy Burnet, his partner of 40 years. Burnet credits Barker’s good health to his minimal use of medication.
Just before his 99th birthday, Burnet told Fox News Digital, “He’s 99 and takes only one prescription for his thyroid.” She highlighted that Barker doesn’t need medications for common age-related conditions, contributing to his good health and sharp humor.
However, Barker faced health challenges, including surgery for a clogged artery in 1999, a stroke in 2002, and prostate surgery. He’s also had skin cancer and back issues, but Burnet’s nutritional supplements have helped him regain strength.
After retiring from “The Price is Right,” now hosted by Drew Carey, Barker made guest appearances, including one on his 90th birthday. Burnet noted, “He never got tired of the show. His enthusiasm made it successful.”
Barker expressed a similar sentiment in 2007, stating, “I’m not ready to say goodbye, but it’s a good time to leave them wanting more.”
Barker’s fond memories include seeing Vanna White before her “Wheel of Fortune” fame and watching excited contestants. More importantly, he used the show to promote animal welfare, ending each episode with, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Inspired by Gideon, Barker became a passionate animal rights advocate. Gideon stopped wearing fur and became a vegetarian before it was popular, and Barker followed her lead.
He donated millions through the DJ&T Foundation, named after Gideon and his mother, Tilly. The foundation has funded animal rights programs at prestigious law schools.
Barker believes educating young people about animal mistreatment can influence their future actions, saying, “When education and encouragement fail, you need legislation.”
Together with Burnet, whom he met at an animal adoption event he sponsored in 1983, Barker continues to champion animal rights.
Bob Barker’s century-long life has left a profound impact on the world. We are fortunate to have role models like Barker, who use their influence to protect animals and inspire others.
