Many significant events took place in 1972. Don McLean’s cult song “American Pie” dominated the charts, Richard Nixon was president while his administration was embroiled in the Watergate scandal, NASA began its Space Shuttle program, and Bob Barker, the charismatic host of the game show The Price is Right, gave brand new cars under $4000.
Bob Barker became synonymous with The Price is Right and a household name, captivating audiences for 35 years. And this year, Barker celebrates its 100th birthday – a remarkable milestone.
Bob Barker and his wife Dorothy Jo Gideon Bob Barker’s life began on an Indian reservation in South Dakota. While in the United States Navy Reserve, where he trained as a fighter pilot during World War II, he met his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at an Ella Fitzgerald concert.
They married in 1945, and after leaving the Navy, Barker graduated with a degree in economics. Barker’s journey to fame began when he caught the attention of producer Ralph Edwards while hosting a radio show in Los Angeles. Edwards was looking for a new host for the TV game show Truth or Consequences. Barker’s popularity grew as he entertained audiences in the series from 1956 to 1975.
In 1967, he also began hosting the Miss Universe and Miss USA beauty pageants. But it was in 1972 that Barker stepped onto the stage of The Price is Right, propelling both himself and the show to superstardom.
The Price is Right holds the record as the longest-running game show in history, and Barker, who became an executive producer in 1988, has won 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host and four Emmys for his role as executive producer.
Partnerships and Philanthropy In an interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Barker spoke fondly of his late wife and credited her for his professional success. He said: “She gave me the confidence to even try what I set out to do. She not only encouraged me, but also worked alongside me.” Sadly, Gideon passed away in 1981 at the age of 57 from lung cancer, leaving behind her husband after 36 years of marriage.
Bob Barker found love again with Nancy Burnet, his partner of 40 years. Burnet believes Barker’s limited use of medication over the years has contributed to his good health. Despite turning 99, Barker only takes one prescription medication for his thyroid. His commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including a long-term vegetarian diet, played a significant role in his well-being and vitality.
Throughout his career, Barker has made numerous guest appearances, including an unforgettable visit to The Price is Right on his 90th birthday. He never tired of the play and always approached it with enthusiasm. His contagious energy and passion for entertaining the audience contributed to the show’s success.
But beyond the glitz and glamor of show business, Bob Barker used his platform to advocate for animal rights. Inspired by his late wife, who was ahead of her time in terms of ethical choices, Barker left a lasting mark in this field. He actively supports animal rights organizations through his DJ&T Foundation, named after his wife and mother Matilda or “Tilly”, both passionate animal advocates. Barker has donated millions of dollars to establish animal rights programs at law schools, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and Northwestern.
Nancy Burnet, who met Barker at an animal adoption event he hosted in 1983, is a staunch animal advocate alongside Barker. Together they oppose animal entertainment and work to raise awareness of animal abuse.
Bob Barker’s incredible journey spans almost a century, marked by numerous successes and contributions. His influence on the world, both as an entertainer and as an animal rights activist, is unparalleled. We are privileged to have such a compassionate and dedicated individual like Barker, who uses his celebrity status to improve the lives of innocent animals.
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Source: HIS Education