Bob Barker Comes On Up at 99

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Mark Jeffries

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Aug 26, 2023, 1:19:27 PM8/26/23
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Arguably the master host of heavy audience participation television, Mr. Barker honed his skills in radio before Ralph Edwards called on him to host a daytime reboot of  "Truth or Consequences," a radio powerhouse in its time. His version ran for 17 years on NBC and later in first-run syndication (and the only TV version of "T or C" to be successful). Near the end of the run, CBS pitched him for a reboot of "The Price is Right." Saying he didn't want to be marked as an audience participation host, he asked for one of the other game shows CBS was adding ("The Joker's Wild" and "Gambit"), wanting what he thought would be an easier job. CBS exec Bud Grant was insistent and he took the job--he held onto it for 35 years. During that time, the long-time animal lover became an animal rights activist and a vegetarian, stopping giving away fur coats and including meat products in grocery games on "Price," and stepped down as MC of the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants when they refused to stop giving fur coats as prizes. He died peacefully at his home, including to his rep:


"Help control the pet population--have your pet spayed or neutered. So long everybody!"

Doug Eastick

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Aug 26, 2023, 1:23:01 PM8/26/23
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He was a staple of being home sick from school.

RIP Bob.

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Kevin M.

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Aug 26, 2023, 2:11:48 PM8/26/23
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As someone quicker than me posted elsewhere: Bob Barker got as close as he could to 100 without going over 

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Kevin M. (RPCV)

Bob Jersey

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Aug 27, 2023, 7:37:33 AM8/27/23
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And sadly, at least one generation of kids will only know him for slugging Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore... a role that could have gone to Ed McMahon had he answered producer's messages...
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Kevin M, to Doug Eastick and Mark Jeffries, Aug 26th:

Bob Jersey

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Aug 29, 2023, 3:12:45 PM8/29/23
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He did not want a large nor public memorial; he has a plot next to his wife at Forest Lawn. "Sandman" paid tribute on IG:
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Moi, Aug 27th:
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