Bob Barker, a retired television game show host, had a multifaceted career that spanned various domains. Prior to his television endeavors, Barker served as a naval fighter pilot during World War II. Following his graduation, he ventured into the world of broadcasting and relocated to California in search of greater opportunities.
RELATED: Who is SSSniperwolf’s Boyfriend? Everything You Need To Know
In due course, Barker established his own radio show titled “The Bob Barker Show,” which enjoyed a successful six-year run. Ralph Edwards, a producer of radio shows, recognized Barker’s talent and appointed him as the host of “End of the Rainbow,” a role that proved instrumental in advancing his career. Subsequently, Barker assumed the role of host for NBC’s “Truth or Consequences,” a position he held for an impressive 18 years. While Barker gained significant recognition as the host of “Truth or Consequences,” his true claim to fame rests with another game show: “The Price Is Right.”
“The Price Is Right” quickly became a sensation, largely due to Barker’s amiable nature and affable demeanor. He helmed the show for an astounding 35 years, earning the affection of viewers nationwide. Barker’s contributions were duly acknowledged and celebrated, as evidenced by his receipt of 16 Emmy Awards, including the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Daytime Television. Throughout his illustrious tenure as a television host, Barker was associated with several other shows, such as “End of the Rainbow,” “The Family Game,” “Simon Says,” and “That’s My Line.”
Beyond his television career, Barker remains an active advocate for animal rights. His passionate support for animal welfare has led him to generously donate millions of dollars towards the cause. Even in retirement, Barker’s dedication to making a positive impact continues to resonate.
Profile Summary
| Name | Bob Barker |
| Nickname | Robert William Barker |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 12-Dec-1923 |
| Age in 2022 | 99 |
| Birth Place | Darrington, Washington, U.S. |
| Country | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 1.85 (m) |
| Weight | Unknown (KGs) |
| Profession | Game Show Host |
| Famous as | Television Personality, And Game Show Host |
Віоgrарhу аnd Еаrlу Lіfе
Bob Barker, originally named Robert William Barker, was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, USA. His parents were Matilda Valandra, a school teacher, and Byron John Barker, an electrical lineman. Unfortunately, when Bob was six years old, his father tragically passed away after falling from a tower. Following this loss, his mother remarried, and he gained a half-brother named Kent Valandra from his mother’s second marriage. The family eventually relocated to Springfield, Missouri.
In 1941, Bob graduated from Central High School and went on to attend Drury College in Springfield on a basketball scholarship. However, his education was temporarily put on hold when World War II broke out. During the war, he served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy. After the war’s conclusion, he returned to Drury College and graduated with an Economics degree, earning honors for his academic achievements.
Bob Barker’s early life was rooted in Darrington, Washington, and he spent a significant portion of his childhood in Mission, South Dakota. His mother, Matilda Barker, worked as a school teacher, while his father, Byron John Barker, held the position of an electrical high-line foreman in the state of Washington. Sadly, Bob’s father passed away when he was very young. It is worth mentioning that Bob has Native American ancestry within his family.
Following his father’s death, Bob, along with his mother and younger brother Kent, relocated to Missouri, where they grew up.
Аgе, Неіght, Wеіght & Воdу Меаѕurеmеnt
As of September 23, 2022, Bob Barker is 98 years old. He was born on December 12, 1923. In terms of his physical measurements, he stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inch or 185 centimeters. Regarding his weight, he weighs approximately 194 pounds or 88 kilograms.
Реrѕоnаl Lіfе, Dаtіng, Gіrlfrіеndѕ, Wіfе, Кіdѕ
During his time at Central High School, Bob developed a deep connection with Dorothy Jo Gideon, and they began dating. Four years later, in 1945, the couple exchanged vows and got married. Their marriage lasted for 36 years. Sadly, in 1981, Dorothy passed away due to lung cancer. It was reported that Bob experienced a period of depression following her death. Eight years later, Bob’s name surfaced in relation to American model Diane Parkinson.
Their relationship attracted significant media attention. However, three years later, in 1991, the couple decided to part ways. Following the breakup, Bob was linked to a few other women, but he never remarried. When asked about the possibility of remarrying in an interview, Bob stated that it never crossed his mind after Dorothy’s passing, as he considered her to be the ultimate love of his life.
Bob Barker’s Career
While pursuing his college education, Bob Barker found employment at KTTS-FM Radio. In 1950, he relocated to California, where he embarked on hosting his own radio show titled “The Bob Barker Show” for a successful six-year run.
During his time hosting a radio show on KNX (AM) in Los Angeles, Barker’s captivating voice and engaging interactions with his audience caught the attention of radio show producer Ralph Edwards.
From 1957 to 1958, Barker served as the host of “End of the Rainbow” on NBC. Alongside co-host Art Baker, he traveled to various locations, surprising individuals with generous gifts.
In 1967, Barker hosted a short-lived show on ABC called “The Family Game.” The program involved parents and children answering a series of questions, with points awarded for correct answers. The family with the highest score at the end would win a grand prize.
In 1971, Barker took part in the pilot series of NBC’s “Simon Says,” where he interacted with a large computer named “Simon.” The series was produced by Wesley J. Cox of DUNDAS Productions.
Starting in 1980, Barker hosted a series titled “That’s My Line.” Similar to “That’s Incredible!,” the show featured remarkable and extraordinary stunts. However, it was discontinued after its second season.
Between 1978 and 1986, Barker produced and hosted “The Bob Barker Fun and Games Show,” which combined elements from “Truth or Consequences” and “The Price Is Right.”
In the 1996 comedy film “Happy Gilmore,” starring Adam Sandler, Barker made an appearance as himself. His on-screen altercation with Sandler earned them the “MTV Movie Award” for “Best Fight.”
Following his retirement from “The Price Is Right,” Barker made three guest appearances on the show. His first appearance was to promote his autobiography, “Priceless Memories.” In 2013, he returned to celebrate his 90th birthday, and on April 1, 2015, he appeared as part of an April Fool’s Day switch.
Barker received invitations to numerous talk shows, including “Dinah!,” “Larry King Live,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Wayne Brady Show,” and “The Late Show with David Letterman.”
Additionally, he had a minor role in the sitcom “Something So Right” and made cameo appearances in TV series such as “The Nanny,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and “How I Met Your Mother.”
Awards
Over the past 41 years, Bob has received 33 nominations for the prestigious Daytime Emmy Award. He has emerged victorious, winning this esteemed accolade a total of 15 times. His remarkable achievements have primarily been recognized for his hosting of the long-running game shows “The Price Is Right” and “The New Price Is Right.”
In May 1976, he was honored with the Star on the Walk of Fame Award. Additionally, in 1996, his movie “Happy Gilmore” was bestowed with an MTV Movie Award, which he shared with Adam Sandler. Bob’s talent and contributions to television have also earned him multiple OFTA Television Awards. He received this honor in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, and 2007 for his exceptional work on the game show “The New Price Is Right.”
Bob Barker’s Net Worth
It has been revealed that over the past decade, Bob Barker’s salary has experienced a substantial increase, reaching a remarkable $10 million per year at present.
