Robert William Barker (December 12, 1923 – August 26, 2023) was an American media personality and animal rights advocate. He hosted CBS’s The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007, making it the longest-running game show in North America.
Barker also hosted Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975. Born in Darrington, Washington, he spent his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation and served in the United States Navy Reserve during World War II. After retiring, he remained a pop culture icon, making appearances until 2015.
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Table of Contents
Bob Barker’s Net Worth
At the time of his death, Bob Barker’s net worth was reported as $0. Bob famously vowed to “die broke” after donating all of his money to animal charities. He lived in the same Hollywood Hills home for over 50 years, just 15 minutes from the studio where he filmed “The Price is Right.”
In March 2024, his estate listed the home for just under $3 million after moderate renovations, including new paint and fixtures. The property sold in April 2024 for $3.8 million, achieving an impressive $800,000 above the asking price. A video tour of the home was available in September 2021.
Early life
Robert Barker was born in Darrington, Washington, and spent his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He was recognized as a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. His mother, Matilda Valandra, was a schoolteacher, and his father, Byron Barker, worked on electrical high lines.
Barker was one-eighth Sioux and attended school on the reservation. He met his future wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at an Ella Fitzgerald concert while in high school. Barker attended Drury College on a basketball scholarship and graduated summa cum laude in economics after serving in the Navy Reserve.
Career
In early 1972, Mark Goodson and Bill Todman sought to revive The Price Is Right, with Dennis James as host. NBC first bought the syndicated nighttime version, but CBS wanted Bob Barker as the daytime host. After some negotiation, Barker agreed to host another game show, but CBS rejected this.
In 1974, James briefly filled in for Barker when he was ill. Barker began hosting the CBS revival on September 4, 1972. He later retired on June 6, 2007, with Drew Carey succeeding him. After retirement, Barker made several guest appearances on the show.
Personal life
Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 until her death from lung cancer in 1981. From 1983 until his death, he was in a long-term relationship with Nancy Burnet, a radical animal rights activist nearly 20 years younger. They chose not to marry and maintained separate homes throughout their relationship.
Barker had no children, citing concerns about parenting and regrets. By the late 2000s, Burnet described their relationship as platonic, despite Barker’s interest in remarrying, including a failed attempt to draft a prenuptial agreement in 2011.
How big is Bob Barker’s house?
Bob Barker’s residence, built in 1929, boasted approximately 5,000 square feet of living space, including 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The house’s interiors, though largely private, were revealed during a few public occasions.
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Conclusion
Bob Barker’s life story is one of tremendous success, both in the entertainment industry and in his philanthropic endeavors. His legacy extends beyond the television screen, with his contributions to animal rights and charitable causes marking him as a man of compassion and generosity. Barker’s memory continues to inspire, and his financial legacy will benefit many through his thoughtful endowments.
FAQs about Bob Barker’s Net Worth
- How much was Bob Barker worth?
- Bob Barker had an estimated net worth of $70 million at the time of his death.
- Did Bob Barker leave his fortune to charity?
- Yes, the bulk of his estate is being donated to various animal rights and military charities.
- Was Bob Barker married or did he have any children?
- Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon and did not have any children.
- What type of home did Bob Barker live in?
- He lived in a 5,000-square-foot house built in 1929, featuring 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
- What were the significant shows hosted by Bob Barker?
- Barker is best known for hosting “The Price Is Right” and “Truth or Consequences.”
