In the year 1972, as the iconic song “American Pie” by Don McLean topped the charts and the Watergate Scandal unfolded in the Nixon administration, another significant event was brewing – the rise of a game show legend who would go on to captivate audiences for decades and leave an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and animal advocacy.
Born in 1923 as a member of the Sioux Tribe, Bob Barker grew up on an Indian reservation in South Dakota. After serving in the United States Navy Reserve during World War II, Barker pursued a degree in economics and eventually found his way to the world of broadcasting, hosting a radio show in Los Angeles. It was there that he caught the eye of game show producer Ralph Edwards, who offered Barker the hosting gig for the pioneering television program, “Truth or Consequences.”
Barker’s reputation continued to grow as he hosted “Truth or Consequences” from 1956 to 1975. In 1967, he also began hosting the prestigious Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
But it was in 1972 that Barker’s career took an even more remarkable turn when he made a guest appearance on the set of “The Price is Right.” This fateful moment catapulted both Barker and the show into superstardom, and in 1988, Barker became the executive producer of the iconic game show, which remains the longest-running in history.
Barker’s commitment to animal welfare was sparked by his late wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, whom he met at an Ella Fitzgerald event in 1945.
Gideon was ahead of her time, giving up fur coats and becoming a vegetarian before it was mainstream. Barker followed suit, and together they championed animal rights causes, inspiring Barker’s famous catchphrase at the end of each “Price is Right” episode: “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Despite his remarkable longevity and success, Barker has faced his fair share of health challenges. In 1999, he underwent surgery to open a partially clogged artery, and in 2002, he suffered a stroke. He has also dealt with skin cancer and severe back issues.
However, with the help of his longtime partner, Nancy Burnet, Barker has maintained an exceptional level of health, taking only one prescription medication for his thyroid. Burnet’s guidance in helping Barker maintain a vegetarian diet and supplement regimen has been a key factor in his well-being.
As Barker celebrates his 100th birthday this year, his legacy continues to inspire and influence. He has used his platform to raise awareness about animal welfare, donating millions of dollars through his DJ&T Foundation to establish animal rights curricula at prestigious law schools. Barker’s unwavering dedication to protecting the vulnerable and his ability to captivate audiences for decades have cemented his place as a true icon in the entertainment industry and a trailblazer in the animal rights movement.
Bob Barker’s extraordinary life is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place. From his humble beginnings on an Indian reservation to his meteoric rise to fame as the host of “The Price is Right,” Barker has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and the animal rights movement. As he celebrates a century of life, Barker’s legacy continues to inspire and remind us of the transformative impact one person can have when they dedicate themselves to a cause greater than themselves.
