The world is mourning the loss of a legend
The world is mourning the passing of Bob Barker, who passed away on August 26 at the age of 99. Though he is most famously known for The Price Is Right, Barker was known across the entertainment world and far beyond for his work inspiring comedians and for promoting conservation efforts. Now, tributes are pouring in honoring Barker after his passing.
Barker was born on December 12, 1923, and was active in his field from 1950 to 2007, and from 2009 to 2015. He hosted The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007 and served in the United States Navy Reserve. All the while, he’s been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation. Those honoring his memory come from all walks of life and backgrounds, just as he did in his long and exceptional life.
Throughout his career, Barker left a strong impression across multiple fields. Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White spoke fondly of Barker in her Sunday tribute on Instagram. She shared a photo of Barker from his time on The Price Is Right and shared a walk down memory lane.
She captioned the post, “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.”
Barker also very famously crossed paths with Adam Sandler on Happy Gilmore, where the two brawled while Barker was essentially playing himself. Sandler similarly took to Instagram to celebrate Barker, saying, “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!”
Another big name paying tribute to Barker is Drew Carey, his successor on The Price Is Right. “There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him,” he said on Twitter. “I will carry his memory in my heart forever. #RIPBobBarker We love you.”
Carey also mourned his passing as a “Very sad day for The Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world.”
He is referring to Barker’s tireless conservation efforts. A vegetarian, Barker, ever since ’82, would end The Price Is Right episodes by saying, “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population – have your pets spayed or neutered.” He pushed to remove fur prizes from the Miss USA pageant and founded DJ&T Foundation, which is dedicated to animal neutering programs. In 2009, Barker donated a significant amount of money to secure a vessel dedicated entirely to preventing whaling; the ship went on to be named in his honor and, when he died, flew its flags at half-mast, along with all other ships that are part of the marine nonprofit Sea Shepherd.
Actress Julie Bowen of Modern Family fame said on Instagram, “I will never forget Adam convincing Bob Barker to say the iconic line, “the price is WRONG, bi*ch!” Bob was kind and polite and had declined to say the line, but he got swept up in the hilarious fight scene between him and Happy, he just…said it. It’s one of my favorite filming memories ever.”
Community alum Yvette Nicole Brown made a callback to Barker’s work, saying, “Oh no! #SpayAndNeuter your pets in his honor.”
Even outside of Barker’s usual stomping grounds, there is grief. John Rich, one half of the country group Big & Rich, said, “We watched Bob Barker all the time growing up, he the best there ever was! Remember the time @TheVannaWhite was asked to “Come on down!” on The Price Is Right? He was an American treasure. RIP Bob Barker.”
Barker’s longtime publicist Roger Neal said that, in accordance with the former host’s own wishes, there will not be a public service, writes Deadline. However, public tributes have been plentiful, with the final poignant one coming from his girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, who said she was “so proud of the trailblazing work” they “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.”
Rest in peace, Bob Barker.
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