Bob Barker

Bob Barker Passes Away at 99, Cause of Death Revealed as Alzheimer’s Disease

Bob Barker, the legendary television host, passed away in late August 2023 at the age of 99. His cause of death has been confirmed as Alzheimer’s disease, according to his death certificate. Though Barker had not publicly discussed his diagnosis, his friend, Nancy Burnet, shared in a statement that he had continued to engage in conversations and physical exercises until two months prior to his passing.

The Iconic Career of Bob Barker

Barker was one of the most beloved figures in American television, best known for his long-running tenure as the host of The Price Is Right. His career in broadcasting began in 1950 with The Bob Barker Show, followed by his role as the host of Truth or Consequences, a position he held for 18 years. However, it was his 1972 arrival on The Price Is Right that cemented his place in television history. During his 35-year reign, Barker helped the show achieve monumental success, ultimately making it the first hour-long game show and the longest-running daytime game show in history. By the time he retired in 2007, The Price Is Right had won 18 Daytime Emmy Awards under his stewardship.

Early Life and Start in Broadcasting

Born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, Robert William Barker grew up in modest circumstances. After the death of his father, he lived with his mother, Matilda, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. After attending Drury College on a basketball scholarship, Barker served in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II. He later earned a degree in economics before transitioning into the world of broadcasting.

Barker’s journey to television stardom began with his radio career, culminating in the 1950 launch of The Bob Barker Show. His smooth delivery and engaging presence soon led to an invitation to host Truth or Consequences, where he earned nationwide recognition.

A Legendary Run on The Price Is Right

Barker’s tenure on The Price Is Right was groundbreaking. As host, he became synonymous with the show’s vibrant energy, catchy phrases like “Come on down!” and his signature reminder to “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” The show became an institution, offering a vast array of prizes and making Barker one of the most influential television personalities of his era.

In 1975, The Price Is Right made history as the first hour-long game show, and in 1990, it surpassed Truth or Consequences as the longest-running daytime game show. Throughout his career, Barker won numerous accolades, including 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.

Barker retired in 2007, but his legacy lived on through the show, which he returned to in 2013 for a memorable appearance at age 90. In 2015, he surprised viewers with a brief return as host for an April Fool’s joke.

Bob Barker’s impact on television and his advocacy for animal rights left an indelible mark on American pop culture, and his passing marks the end of an era in game show history.

Harassment Scandal

In 1994, Dian Parkinson, a former model on The Price Is Right from 1975 to 1993, filed a lawsuit against Bob Barker, alleging sexual harassment. Parkinson claimed that Barker had threatened to fire her unless she engaged in a sexual relationship with him. Barker denied the allegations, asserting that while he had been involved in an intimate relationship with Parkinson, it was consensual.

During the legal proceedings, the judge fined Parkinson and her attorneys for failing to provide supporting documents related to her damages claims. Ultimately, Parkinson dropped the lawsuit, citing her inability to afford further legal fees and the emotional and physical toll the process had taken on her. While the lawsuit was withdrawn, it created a public scandal that significantly tarnished Barker’s reputation.

Other Hosting Roles and ‘Happy Gilmore’

Barker’s tenure as the host of The Price Is Right also led to appearances on various other notable programs. He hosted the Pillsbury Bake-Off from 1969 to 1985, the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade from 1969 to 1988, and the Miss Universe and Miss U.S.A. pageants annually from 1966 to 1988. In 1980, he hosted the short-lived variety show That’s My Line, created by the team behind What’s My Line.

In 1996, Barker made a memorable cameo as himself in the film Happy Gilmore, starring Adam Sandler. The film features a comedic fight sequence between Barker and Sandler during a celebrity golf tournament, which earned the MTV Movie Award for “Best Fight Sequence” that year. The scene contributed to a surge in young viewers for The Price Is Right, with many fans afterward asking Barker, “Can you really beat up Adam Sandler?”

For his extensive contributions to television, Barker was awarded the Daytime Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999, and in 2004, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame.

Animal Rights Activism

In the late 1980s, Barker became a staunch advocate for animal rights, which led to a notable dispute with the organizers of Miss U.S.A. He chose to stop hosting the pageants after they refused to remove fur coats from the prize packages, a request he made due to his commitment to animal welfare.

Barker’s activism culminated in the founding of the DJ&T Foundation in 1995, an organization dedicated to reducing domestic animal overpopulation through free or low-cost sterilization services for cats and dogs. He named the foundation in honor of his late wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, and her mother, Tilly.

In 2013, Barker spent approximately $1 million to move three African elephants from the Toronto Zoo to the PAWS Animal Sanctuary in California. The move followed years of advocacy by Barker and others who argued against the captivity of large animals in zoos. The elephants were relocated to the ARK 2000 compound at PAWS, which now houses nine elephants. A vegetarian for more than 40 years, Barker’s dedication to animal rights remained a central part of his legacy.

Wife

In 1945, Barker married Dorothy Jo Gideon, whom he had known since high school. Barker often shared the story of their first meeting when she drew a 10 of spades from a deck of cards and told him, “Here, this will be your luck.” He kept the card for more than six decades.

The couple did not have children but worked together, with Gideon serving as a producer for Barker’s game shows until her death in 1981 from cancer. Barker never remarried after her passing.

Death

Bob Barker passed away on August 26, 2023, at the age of 99, in his Los Angeles home due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He had kept his diagnosis private, and according to his close friend, Nancy Burnet, Barker continued to engage in conversation and exercises up until two months before his death. The death certificate also listed hypertension, hypothyroidism, and hyperlipidemia as contributing factors.

In accordance with his wishes, Barker’s family did not hold a funeral or memorial service. He was laid to rest alongside his late wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, at Forest Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Los Angeles.