Iconic TV Personality Bob Barker Passes Away At 99

The Hollywood Reporter brings word that iconic TV personality, game show host and occasional Adam Sandler opponent Bob Barker has passed away at the age of 99.

Representative Roger Neal said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us.”

CBS added: “We lost a beloved member of the CBS family today with the passing of Bob Barker. During his 35 years as host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, Bob made countless people’s dreams come true and everyone feel like a winner when they were called to ‘come on down.’ In addition to his legendary 50-year career in broadcasting, Bob will be remembered as a dedicated animal rights activist. Daytime television has lost one of its most iconic stars.”

Barker had a television career that stretched over fifty years after spending ten years in radio. He became a game show host, first with Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975. Then he became the host of The Price is Right, a staple of any kid staying home sick from school, from 1972 to 2007. That run broke the record set by Johnny Carson for continuous performances on the same network TV show.

His work earned him many accolades, including fifteen Emmy awards (with 12 for hosting), the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 and an induction into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2004. He was named the ‘TV’s Most Durable Performer’ and ‘Most Generous Host in TV History’ by the Guinness World Records.

Barker was also an animal rights activist and always told his viewing audience to “have your pets spayed and neutered.”

PETA responded in a statement: “One of the first stars to go vegetarian more than 30 years ago, urged families to stay away from SeaWorld, demanded the closure of cruel bear pits masquerading as tourist attractions, implored Hollywood to take action to protect animals used in film and TV and, as a Navy veteran, called for the end of military medical drills on live animals. His generous donation allowed PETA to open its West Coast headquarters, the Bob Barker Building, in 2012, and it stands as a testament to his legacy and profound commitment to making the world a kinder place. To us — and to so many animals around the world — Bob will always be a national animal rights treasure.”

He made other appearances, of course, most infamously the 1996 movie Happy Gilmore, where he beat up Adam Sandler’s titular character. He also appeared WWE RAW, Spongebob Squarepants and more.

Sandler took to Instagram to comment on the loss. He wrote: “The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!”

411 would like to give our condolences to the friends, family and fans of one of television’s most enduring personalities.