After years of speculation, Bob Barker, the venerable host of CBS’ Price is Right, has announced his retirement. Bob will be 83 in December of this year and says he wants “to retire while I’m still young.”
Bob Barker started his national television career in 1956 as the host of the popular Truth or Consequences after many years in local television and radio markets. Bob became the host of The Price is Right in the Fall of 1972 and has been with the show ever since — outlasting games, “Barker’s Beauties” and two announcing legends, both Johnny Olson and Rod Roddy.
Bob’s been considering retirement for at least ten years but says he was just having too much fun to give it up. But, now that he’s reached a pair of impressive milestones (35 years on The Price Is Right and 50 years on national television), Bob feels the time is right to hang up the mic.
“I’ve gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m going to miss it. I’m just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me. I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to go) a year too soon than a year too late,” Bob admitted.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century,” he said.
President and CEO of CBS Leslie Moonves said, “We knew this day would come, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time.” A primetime special celebrating the long-running show and host is reportedly already in the works.
Does Bob’s retirement spell the end of the popular and long-running daytime game show? Hard to say. Bob Barker and Price have been considered inseparable entities for years and years. Many have believed that his retirement would spell the end of the show. CBS has tried primetime incarnations of the show with other hosts over the years and none have succeeded.
That being said, CBS and Freemantle Media (who produces Price) certainly are not ready to say goodbye to the profitable game show. Freemantle is said to have been looking for a replacement host for the past few years in preparation for Bob’s eventual departure. No word on how soon a new host is expected to be selected.
How will Bob finish his 35 year run? Well, Bob’s last Price will air in June of 2007 and at this point, he plans to treat the final episode like “business as usual.” He intends to end it with his trademark sign-off: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.” I’m guessing Price fans wouldn’t have it any other way.
Dear Bob,
I was a very young boy when I first watch you on Truth or Consequences. I had my family take me to the T or C Festival just to see you. You shook my hand. That was a great day in my life. I have watch you on the Price is Right since you started doing it as much as I could. I want you to know how much I will miss you when you stop doing the show. But, I wish the best for you and a long retirement. Thank you for all the memories. Bill
TO BOB BARKER-
THANK YOU FOR SO MANY YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT. YOU TOOK A SIMPLE GAME SHOW AND MADE IT A PHENOMENON WITH YOUR DIGNITY, CLASS AND ELEGANCE. ALWAYS THE GENTLEMEN, ALWAYS KIND TO ALL YOU MET. YOU WILL TRULY BE MISSED AND ALWAYS LOVED.
Over 20 years ago, my father was on the Price is Right and went on to win the showcase. My 18 year old daughter Jami has a dream of following in her Grandpa’s footsteps and being on the show. Has Bob Barker set a date for the final show? We are planning to fly to LA in June after she finishes the school year.
Bob barker and the price is right go together. take that away and thats like separting red beans from the rice;Ken away from barbie;Pat sajak from vanna white!!!!!
I just wanted to say I will miss the show when Bob leaves
Dear Mr. Barker;
I was at the Price is Right years ago. My gradcaughter was a ontestant on your show.
I watch your show daily if I can. I am 90 years old and have a suggestion. After the prize being bid on is shown, Please mention again to winner what the prize was. So often us old people miss what it is the contestant is bidding. I enjoy your show, hang in there. Bea Elm
BOb Barker is a Great Entertainer on the “Price Is Right”. You Have Great Love Doing Your Show and Great love for the People. I THINK YOU FOR Making Me Happy For 35 Years Watching Your Show.
I Am A Singer, Actor, Master Tap Dancer Voice Impressionist And Your Show Make Me Happy.
Thank you for the enjoyment you have given us, and the very best to you during your retirement.
BoB– How great it was to see you in person on the Price is Right.. I did not get up on stage but had a front row seat. Nov. 2003 will always be a wonderful
year i will never forget.I will miss seeing you on my favorite game show for 50 years.
Hi Bob, Sorry I never got to see you in person. It was always a dream of mine to be on tbe Price Is Right and I never fulfilled that dream (my loss), I used to pretend to be sick to stay home from school to watch you and Mom would say if you are too sick for school you are too sick for TV and I would tell her I just had to watch The Price is Right and she would cave and let me because she watched it so she had to let me. I watched your show… Read more »
Dear Mr. Barker. My daughter Jeanni, who is now going to be 44 this March. Has watched the The Price is Right since she was 15.I also watch it. But, Jeanni was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 15. Hopitalized off and on most of her life.She would always have the T.V. on to watch you. It was good medicine for her all these years. She has lost the use of her kidneys and has be on dialysis for over 20 years now. She has always wanted to go and be on your show and meet you. I as… Read more »
Hi Bob,
Sorry to say I have not had the great experience of being on your game show, even though it was a dream of mine. But most of all I,m sorry to hear your retireing. I,m 44 years old and you were good medicine when I was home sick from school, or just home. I will miss you but good luck to you and your family in the future. Stay healthy and happy, you deserve it..
P.S. I NEED TO KNOW YOUR LAST SHOW SO I CAN TAKE A PERSONAL DAY FROM WORK..
THANK YOU FOR EVERTHING, Lorrain Talotta
Hi Bob. Sorry to say I have not had the great experiance of being on your show, even though it was a dream of mine, but most of all I am sorry to hear your leaving. I am 44 years old and back in the day, home sick from school or work, you always made me feel better. You and your show is the perfect medicine. I need one thing from you…. Please let me know the final show so I can take a Personal Day from work and stay home and watch it. It would really mean alot to… Read more »
Hi Bob, I had the thrill of being a contestant on The Price is Right as well as two different times on Truth or Consequences. I always admired you, being not only a fellow Missourian, but an all around nice guy. I did a love scene with Lyle Wagoner on your Truth or Consequences show back in the early 70’s but because of my work schedule (I was a flight attendant)was never able to view it. Any idea where I might be able to obtain a copy of it? We got to be friends with Robby and Diane Robertson. Any… Read more »
Hello Mr. Bob Barker, it has been a pleasure to watch you on, ‘THE PRICE IS RIGHT’for a number of years. You have done a super job, all these years and we will be sorry to see you go, but as you have said,its time. You are going to be missed by a great great many people.
Do enjoy your days of peace and fullfillments and you are AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL.
MY SON (ROBERT) AND MYSELF(44YEARSOLD) WISH YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A TERRIFIC 2007.
ERICA AND ROBERT