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Born December 12, 1923 in Darrington, Washington
Born December 12, 1923 in Darrington, Washington
Died Still Living
Died Still Living
Early Life
Early Life
Bob Barker was born Robert William Barker in Darrington, Washington. His father died when he was very young, and he lived on a South Dakota Indian Reservation with his mother, Matilda, until he was in 8th grade.
Missouri Connection
Missouri Connection
When Barker was in eighth grade, his mother remarried, and the family moved to Springfield, Missouri. He worked as a bellhop at Lake Taneycomo in the summer. He graduated from Central High School and went on to Drury College in Springfield on a basketball scholarship. After graduating from college, he worked at a Springfield radio station.
Claim to Fame
Claim to Fame
Barker is most well-known for being the host of the famous TV game show, "The Price is Right," from 1972-2007. It was the first hour-long game show and also the longest running game show in history. Barker is an animal activist and ended every episode with his famous quote, "Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered." He is also known for hosting many other shows like "Truth or Consequences" and the "New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade" (1969-1985). In 1996, he won an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Later Life
Later Life
Barker was married to his wife Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 until her death in 1981 from cancer. He founded the DJ&T Foundation (named after his wife Dorothy Jo and her mother, Tilly) in 1995 based in Beverly Hills to help control the overpopulation of dogs and cats in California. He retired from hosting "The Price is Right" in June 2007, but he made one more appearance on the show as an April Fool's joke on April 1st, 2015. He has continued his work as an animal activist in his retirement where he lives in California.
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