In 1972, many events took place. Don McLean’s “American Pie” was the top song, Richard Nixon held office, and his administration was trying to conceal its role in the Watergate Scandal.
The Space Shuttle program by NASA had recently commenced, while Bob Barker from the Price is Right was presenting brand-new cars as prizes, each valued at less than $4000 during that period.
Bob Barker, a well-known household name and entertainment legend, is closely associated with The Price is Right. For 35 years, he served as the host of this popular game show. This year, Barker is celebrating his 100th birthday.
Barker, a member of the Sioux Tribe who was raised on an Indian reservation in South Dakota, crossed paths with Dorothy Jo Gideon at an Ella Fitzgerald event. In 1945, during a break from his training as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy Reserve in World War II, he tied the knot with Gideon, his childhood sweetheart. Although he did not serve in active duty, he pursued further education and obtained a degree in economics.
Ralph Edwards, the game show producer, was in search of a new host for Truth or Consequences, the first game show to be televised. At that time, Bob Barker, who is currently 99 years old, was hosting a radio show in Los Angeles. Barker’s popularity soared as he hosted the highly successful show from 1956 to 1975, and in 1967, he also took on the role of hosting the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants.
It occurred in 1972. He appeared on The Price is Right set, launching both himself and the program into superstardom.
In 1988, Barker assumed the position of executive producer for The Price is Right, the longest-running game show in history. Barker was awarded 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host and four Emmys for his role as executive producer.
Barker expressed in an interview with the Television Academy Foundation in 2008 that his late wife was instrumental in giving him the confidence to pursue his goals. He emphasized that she not only encouraged him but also actively supported him throughout his work.
Gideon passed away from lung cancer in 1981 at the age of 57, leaving her husband of 36 years to mourn her loss.
“I never had any inclination to remarry. She was my wife.” Barker mentioned.
Another partner, Nancy Burnet, has been with Barker for 40 years. Nancy believes that Barker’s good health is due in part to his minimal use of medication throughout the years.
In a recent interview with Fox News Digital just before his 99th birthday in December, Burnet, now 79, shared a surprising revelation: “He’s turning 99, and he only takes one prescription medication, which is for his thyroid.” Whenever someone visits him or healthcare workers inquire, they often ask for a list of his medications. Burnet humorously responds, “Let me just show you the bottle. I’m all set. He doesn’t require any medication for high blood pressure, cholesterol, or any other common conditions that typically come with age,” Burnet quipped about his single prescription.
His health is excellent considering his age, and his sense of humor remains sharp. He has been fortunate throughout his life.
Nevertheless, it was not always the case. Barker had a procedure to clear a partially blocked artery and reduce his risk of stroke in 1999 after noticing what he described as clumsiness in his hand. He suffered a stroke in 2002, and a few months later had prostate surgery. He likes the sun, but he has also experienced a few minor skin cancer cases, several falls leading to additional hospital visits, and serious back problems.
Burnet clarified her approach in assisting Barker, a dedicated vegetarian, in boosting his strength through supplements. “The goal wasn’t to substitute meals but to elevate his overall well-being. He needed to incorporate these supplements alongside his meals as he wasn’t in good shape. He appeared fatigued and somewhat fragile, lacking a healthy appearance. If you choose to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, it’s crucial to be well-informed.”
After stepping down as host of The Price is Right, he popped up as a guest on a few episodes, including a memorable appearance on his 90th birthday in 2013, now that the show is hosted by comedian Drew Carey.
Burnet mentioned that during his time on the show, he never lost interest. He admitted that he personally might struggle with doing the same show every day, but the host never seemed to tire of it. Perhaps his unwavering enthusiasm and dedication played a key role in the show’s success.
Barker also shared this feeling during an appearance on Good Morning America back in 2007.
“I am really not ready to say goodbye to it. So, I think it’s a good time to say goodbye because I want to leave them wanting more.”
He went away with some great memories, like seeing Vanna White on Price is Right before she got famous on Wheel of Fortune and watching girls lose their shirts after dancing around in excitement.
The best part of the show was that it gave Barker a chance to educate people about taking care of animals.
Barker is famous for supporting animal rights and his famous line at the end of the show, “Remember to spay or neuter your pets to help control the pet population.”
He acknowledges his late wife, Gideon, for being the driving force behind his animal rights work.
“She was ahead of her time,” Barker informed Good Morning America. “She stopped wearing fur coats before anyone was stopping. She became a vegetarian before people were becoming vegetarian. And I gradually did the same thing with her.”
Indeed, he generously donated millions of dollars to his DJ&T Foundation, named after Gideon and his mother, Matilda or “Tilly,” a fellow animal lover. The foundation has effectively implemented animal-rights programs at prestigious law schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and Northwestern.
“If young people are introduced to the terrible exploitation and mistreatment of animals in society, it will help influence them in anything they do,” Barker informed the Associated Press in 2015. “When your education and encouragement fail, you have to have legislation.”
Alongside Barker, Burnet, who he initially encountered at a pet adoption event he funded in 1983, advocates for animal welfare and stands against animal exploitation.
The past hundred years have truly been remarkable! Bob Barker’s influence has been felt worldwide for nearly a century. We are fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Barker, who use their celebrity status to advocate for vulnerable animals.
