Bob Barker, the former host of the popular game show “The Price is Right,” is a man of many talents and experiences. Before he became a beloved television personality, he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Navy during World War II.
Born in 1923 in Washington state, Barker attended college at Drury University in Missouri and later transferred to the University of Missouri, where he graduated with a degree in economics. After graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and trained as a fighter pilot, serving on the USS Nevada during the war.
After the war, Barker returned to Missouri and began working in radio, eventually making his way to Los Angeles and landing his first television job as the host of “Truth or Consequences” in 1956. He went on to host several other game shows before becoming the host of “The Price is Right” in 1972, a role he held for 35 years until his retirement in 2007.
Throughout his career, Barker has also been an outspoken animal rights activist and philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to various charities and organizations. Despite his many accomplishments, his time as a fighter pilot during World War II remains an important and formative experience in his life.
Bob Barker is a retired American television game show host, best known for hosting the popular game show “The Price is Right” from 1972 to 2007. He was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, and grew up in South Dakota. Barker served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a fighter pilot and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.
After the war, Barker attended Drury College in Missouri, where he studied economics. He began his career in broadcasting in the 1950s, working as a radio DJ and television host in California. Barker’s big break came in 1956 when he was hired to host the game show “Truth or Consequences.” The show became a hit and made Barker a household name.
In 1972, Barker became the host of “The Price is Right,” a daytime game show where contestants compete to win cash and prizes by guessing the prices of various consumer goods. Barker became known for his energetic personality and signature sign-off line, “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Barker hosted “The Price is Right” for 35 years, making him one of the longest-serving game show hosts in television history. He also appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including a memorable cameo in the Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore.”
Outside of his entertainment career, Barker was an animal rights activist and a vegetarian. He donated millions of dollars to animal welfare organizations and frequently used his platform on “The Price is Right” to promote spaying and neutering pets.
Barker retired from hosting “The Price is Right” in 2007 at the age of 83, and Drew Carey took over as host. Despite his retirement, Barker remained an influential figure in the world of game shows and entertainment, and his contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated to this day.
