Beloved TV Host Bob Barker Passes Away at 99, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of legendary TV host Bob Barker, who has died at the age of 99. Barker, best known for his iconic role as the host of The Price Is Right, passed away of natural causes, according to his publicist. The news of his death has left fans and friends devastated, leading to an outpouring of support and heartfelt tributes on social media.
One of Barker’s notable on-screen appearances outside of his game show gig was in the 1996 sports comedy film Happy Gilmore. Playing a fictionalized version of himself, Barker found himself teaming up with unorthodox pro-golfer Happy Gilmore, portrayed by Adam Sandler, for a celebrity tournament. The film included a memorable scene where Bob and Happy engaged in a fistfight on the golf course. Sandler took to social media to express his grief, posting a tribute and sharing cherished photos of the duo throughout the years. In his tribute, Sandler described Barker as a sweet and funny person to be around and expressed his sadness at the loss.
Barker’s personal life was marked by love and loss. He was married to Dorothy Jo from 1945 until her passing in 1981. After her death, Barker found companionship with animal rights activist Nancy Burnet. Burnet not only became his caretaker but also co-executor of his estate, a role she continued until his demise. Reflecting on their 40-year friendship, Burnet emphasized Barker’s commitment to animal rights and their joint efforts in exposing the cruelty within the entertainment industry. She praised Barker’s dedication to improving the lives of abused and exploited animals and expressed her profound sadness at his passing.
Hosting The Price Is Right for a remarkable 35 years, Barker retired from his iconic role in 2007. Drew Carey took over as host that same year but Barker made occasional returns to the show, appearing onscreen with Carey three times after his retirement. Carey expressed his sorrow at the loss of Barker, describing it as a very sad day for the Price Is Right family. He acknowledged the daily impact Barker had on the show and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside him, vowing to carry his memory in his heart forever.
Bob Barker leaves behind a lasting legacy as a beloved TV personality and animal rights advocate. His contributions to the entertainment industry, his passion for protecting animals, and his impact on the lives of those he encountered will be remembered and cherished by fans, friends, and colleagues alike. As the world mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, they will forever hold his memory dear.
