Game Show Icon Dies At 99

Bob Barker, former host of the game show “The Price Is Right,” has died at the age of 99 years old. He was at his home in the Hollywood Hills at the time of his death.

Barker’s publicist, Roger Neal, announced the game show host’s death via a statement. He explained, “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us.” Barker died on August 26, 2023. According to Neal, he died of natural causes.

TMZ has learned from Barker’s death certificate that the icon died of Alzheimer’s disease, something the gameshow host never publicly disclosed. It is unknown how long Barker suffered from the disease but the docs said he suffered from the disease for a period of years.

Barker is best known as the host of “The Price Is Right.” He emceed the show for 35 years telling contestants to “come on down.” The look and style of the show didn’t change much over those years either.

Instead of changing the show as trends changed, Barker and “Price” stayed the same. The show’s producer, Roger Dobkowitz, once hypothesized why the show remained popular despite it’s lack of change. He said, “It’s like, ‘There’s good old Bob.’ All must be well in the world because Bob is still on TV, and I’ve been watching him since I was in the arms of my mother.”

Barker was born in Washington and grew up in South Dakota. He was a fighter pilot in the Navy during WWII before attending Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. After college, Barker started his career with various radio and TV jobs before getting his big break in 1956 when he became the host of the game show “Truth or Consequences,” but ultimately “The Price Is Right” is the show he is best known for.

Barker retired in 2007, and Drew Carey took over hosting the show. Several times since retiring, Barker made guest appearances on the show alongside Carey.

Upon hearing the news of Barker’s death, Carey posted on X (formerly Twitter), “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.”

Besides hosting game shows, Barker also narrated the Tournament of Roses Parade for 19 years and the Pillsbury bake-off for 16 years. In addition, he hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants for 22 years. 

Younger generations also remember Barker for his role in the Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore.” Barker surprised everyone by using his karate skills in the movie. It turns out he was a black belt in karate.

Sandler posted a tribute to Barker on Instagram, shared a series of photos and writing, “The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with.” He added, “He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!”

Barker was married once to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon. She died of cancer in 1981. He never remarried. He never had any children.

Barker is survived by his half-brother, Kent Valandra.

Rest in peace.