Robert William “Bob” Barker is a famous American television personality and a former game show host, best known for hosting ‘The Price is Right’, the longest-running game show in day-time in the television history of North America. The show aired on the CBS Network from 1972-2007.
In a career spanning almost 6 decades, Barker has won several awards and recognitions, out of which 19 of them are Emmy Awards. He won 4 Emmys for his work on ‘The Price Is Right’ and the other 15 Emmys for his various other hosting duties. He is also a recipient of a star on the Hollywood walk of fame. Barker is also known for his work as an animal rights activist and supports groups such as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and United Activists for Animal Rights.
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Early Life and Education
Barker was born on 12th December, 1923 in Darrington, Washington, U.S. to Byron John Barker and Matilda Valandra. While his father was an electrical lineman, his mother was a school teacher. At the young age of six, Barker lost his father to an injury sustained after falling from a tower. His mother later remarried and moved to Springfield, Missouri. He has a half brother named Kent Valandra from his mother’s second marriage. Barker is 1/8 of the Sioux tribe ancestry.
Barker was a student at Drury College in Springfield where he also won a basketball scholarship. During the years of the Second World War, he served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy. After the end of the war, Barker returned to Drury College and graduated with an Economics degree, summa cum laude.
Career Rise
Barker started his career in the television industry in 1956 as the host of the show ‘Truth or Consequences’. He was also named the host of NBC’s ‘End of the Rainbow’ where he shared the floor with Art Baker, his co-host. Together the duo visited different places and provided financial and useful gifts to people in need. Barker hosted a short-lived show named ‘The Family Game’ on the ABC network, which was about children-contestants who had to answer questions about their families. He also hosted ‘Simon Says’ on NBC in 1971. The show required him to interact with a computer named Simon.
Barker started hosting the incredibly successful day time game show, ‘The Price Is Right’ in 1972 and remains the show’s longest-serving host, holding the position for 35 years. Between 1978 and 1986, Barker hosted and produced ‘The Bob Barker Fun and Games Show’.
Barker also hosted the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants for 20 years, from 1967-1987 and is till date, the longest serving host in the history of the pageants. He announced his retirement in 2007 and released his autobiography titled ‘Priceless Memories’.
Personal Life
Bob Barker dated and later married Dorothy Jo Gideon, his high school sweetheart in January 1945 and remained married to her for 36 years, until October 1981, when Gideon died of lung cancer. They did not have any children together and although Barker dated ‘The Price is Right’ model, Dian Parkinson for two years from 1989-1991, he remains unmarried.
With Wife Dorothy Jo Gideon
With Dian Parkinson
Barker became a vegetarian after his marriage to Gideon and also championed the cause of Animal Rights. He is the founder of the 1994 ‘DJ&T Foundation’ which funds various rescue programs for animals. He has also donated $2.5 Million to the animal rights organization PETA.
Bob Barker – Net Worth and Salary
Barker has an estimated net worth of approximately $70 Million. His yearly salary is $10 million.
