Bob Barker Remembered as a ‘Legend’ and ‘Master of the Game’ in Heartfelt ‘Price Is Right’ Primetime Tribute

The price is right honored the late Bob Barker with a special tribute episode hosted by his successor, Drew Carey.

On Thursday’s episode, the longest-running daytime game show featured an hour of Barker’s greatest achievements, his love for contestants, his advocacy for animals and the show’s historic moments.

“Most people remember Bob from the 35 years he spent as a host The price is right,” Carey, 65, began. “So it’s easy to forget that he was a fixture in American living rooms for 18 years Truth or Consequences, before that a radio presenter, and during World War II a naval aviator. We will also remember Bob for his tireless work for the benefit of all animals, from whales and elephants to cats and dogs, who at the end of the show reminded everyone to spay or neuter themselves.”

He continued: “You know, I mentioned the word ‘legend’ earlier and how that word gets thrown around way too much these days. It couldn’t be more fitting when you think of Bob’s time The price is right.”

Bob Barker on ‘The Price Is Right’. courtesy of CBS Remembering Bob Barker’s Life in Photos

Adding that his skills were “second nature” and that Barker was considered a “master of the game”, Carey noted that he always made sure the contestants were “the real stars of the show”.

“Today we celebrate Bob’s legacy by looking back at some of the incredible moments from his time here The price is right“, he said moved. “This is for you, Bob.”

The special then cut to a clip of Barker explaining how he began his illustrious career in television after his time as a war veteran. Later, viewers could see footage of its first episode in 1972 when the game was reintroduced to the American public as The new price is right.

Bob Barker presents ‘Plinko’ on ‘The Price Is Right’. Courtesy of CBS Drew Carey pays tribute to predecessor Bob Barker: ‘I will always carry his memory in my heart’

It also highlighted some of the show’s historic first moments, including Barker’s announcement of the transition from 30-minute episodes to hour-long episodes, the introduction of the new wheel, and the first-ever introduction of the “Plinko” game to audiences.

“Bob has celebrated more milestones on the show than we can count,” Carey said. “Thousands of episodes, becoming the longest-running game show in television history, celebrating 50 years on television and more.”

Despite the various milestones he went through during his time on the show, the current The price is appropriate host said Barker was “most touched” when CBS announced it would name the soundstage “The Bob Barker Studio” in his honor.

A retrospective by Lucy Johnson, former SVP of daytime programming at CBS, honoring the honor. “In honor of your 26 years here at CBS and in celebration of your 5,000th episode The price is rightall of us at CBS would like to extend our congratulations by officially renaming this historic stage the Bob Barker Studio,” she said.

Bob Barker on ‘The Price is Right’. Kevork Djansezian/AP/Shutterstock Bob Barker, 97, reflects on ‘The Price Is Right’ as season 50 approaches: ‘There Was Mutch to Love’

Various celebrities have joined Barker over the years The price is right, including Betty White, Chuck Norris, Burt Reynolds and Adam Sandler. On his dressing room door, the late presenter placed a star that read “WGMC” (World’s Greatest Master of Ceremonies) to pay tribute to all his achievements and celebrate the fact that he was adored by fans and celebrities alike.

“Bob spent 35 years The price is right, and retired at the top of his game just as all legends should. But we didn’t see the last of him in Bob Barker’s studio,” Carey continued, presenting sweet moments where Barker surprised fans after his retirement.

“Bob came back a few times: once when he wrote his memoirs, once to celebrate his 90th birthday with us and then one last time for a very memorable April Fool’s episode,” he said. “And none of us were surprised that he never missed.”

Bob Barker celebrates his 90th birthday on ‘The Price Is Right’.

Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty

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Then a clip of Barker appeared on the screen in which the television icon explained her decision to retire in 2007.

“They asked me why I decided to retire now,” he explained. “I turned 83 last December and I want to retire while I’m still young. I feel humbled, really, I count my blessings that I think this happened to me. That they allowed me to come to their home for 15 years, I am very grateful and I say so at every opportunity.”

Speaking about his legacy, Carey said: “Bob had an incredible 50-year career in television, something that will never be repeated. thanks to bob, The price is right it became part of the American fabric, a multigenerational legacy of viewers who loved it, along with the shared experience of watching the series with their grandparents, children, or when they were sick from school—a bond that continues to this day. ”

‘The Price Is Right’ host Drew Carey knew he ‘could never be Bob Barker and didn’t want to try’

During his time on the show, Carey revealed that Barker won “an incredible 14 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Showrunner.”

“Bob will be remembered for his incredible talent and he will also be remembered for six now very famous words,” he said as footage of Barker’s final episode began to play on the screen.

“Folks, I want to thank you very, very much for inviting me into your home for the last 50 years,” Barker said as he signed off for the last time. “I am deeply grateful and please remember to help control the pet population by spaying or neutering your pets.”

Carey ended his tribute to his predecessor with these final words: “On behalf of all people and animals everywhere. Thank you, Bob Barker.”

All about Bob Barker’s animal activism — from turning down fur bounties to starting a nonprofit that funds spay/neuter clinics

In a press release shared with PEOPLE ahead of the special, Margot Wain, senior vice president of daytime programming for CBS, said the tribute aims to “bring back great memories for generations The price is right fans who loved Bob, his humor, his ability to connect with the contestants and his innate talent for making the most of every moment.”

She continued, “Bob was one of a kind; he will be remembered as an extraordinary host, a dedicated animal activist and, as he would say, a ‘faithful and loyal friend’. We are very pleased to be able to salute his many achievements and honor his memory in this way.”

On Saturday, August 26, Barker’s former publicist Roger Neal announced on behalf of Barker’s girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, that the TV star died of natural causes at his longtime home in Hollywood Hills, California. He was 99 years old.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of the world’s greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker,” Neal said in a statement.

Bob Barker during the last filming of ‘The Price Is Right’. Mark Davis/Getty Wheel of Fortune Vanna White thanks the late Bob Barker with ‘Introducing Me’ to the ‘Game Show World’

“I am so proud of the pioneering work that Barker and I have done together to expose animal cruelty in the entertainment industry, including working to improve the plight of abused and exploited animals in the United States and around the world,” Burnet added in her statement. “We have been great friends over these 40 years. We will miss him.”

Barker was the host The price is right 35 years before he announced his retirement at the age of 87. During his career, he earned 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Host and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1999 Daytime Emmy Awards.

His last episode on the show was in 2007, when Carey took over as host.

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The price is right airs weekdays on CBS (check local listings).

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Source: HIS Education