Bob Barker: The Legendary Host Who Made A Difference

Alaina April 20, 2025

The Price Is Right will always have a special place in our hearts, and so will its iconic host, Bob Barker. Picture this: it's 1984, and a contestant's key gets stuck in a prize box lock. What does Bob do? He gives it a swift kick, breaking it in two. "I learned that kick from Chuck Norris," he said with a grin that could light up a room. That's the Bob Barker we all know and love—cool under pressure and always ready with a clever quip.

More Than Just a TV Icon

Bob Barker left this world on August 26, just a few months shy of his 100th birthday. Over his 35 years hosting The Price Is Right, he brought joy to millions, calling out that famous phrase, "Come on down!" an estimated 40,000 times. But the 18-time Daytime Emmy winner wasn't just about game shows. His proudest achievement came from something far more meaningful. "When he started encouraging people to spay or neuter their pets at the end of each episode, he had no idea the impact it would have," says Nancy Burnet, his companion of 40 years. Since the 1990s, the number of shelter pets euthanized in America has dropped dramatically. "That made him very happy," Nancy shares with a smile.

Growing Up in the Old West

Bob’s journey began in Mission, South Dakota, where his mother taught at a Native American reservation. With one-eighth Sioux heritage from his father's side, Bob often said, "It was like I was growing up in the Old West." After serving in the Navy during WWII, Bob earned a college basketball scholarship, which set him on a path to greatness. His life was filled with incredible opportunities, but his roots always stayed with him.

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By the mid-1940s, Bob was making waves in radio and married to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, whom he met at the tender age of 15. "She was the love of my life," Bob would often say. As the host of The Bob Barker Show, he captivated audiences with his quick wit and charm. His talent didn't go unnoticed—soon, he was offered a job hosting Truth or Consequences on television in 1956. For the next 18 years, his energetic and fun-loving presence made the show a daytime favorite.

A Career Built on Passion

By the time Bob started hosting The Price Is Right in 1972, he was already a household name. In addition to his two game shows, he emceed the Rose Parade, the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants, and even the Pillsbury Bake-Off. "In front of the camera, he was just a natural," says Nancy. "He enjoyed it so much. It was a great blessing for him to be able to spend his life doing something he truly loved." Bob's passion for his work was evident in everything he did, and it made him one of television's most beloved personalities.

A Heart for Animals

Bob’s compassion extended beyond the studio. His wife, Dorothy, introduced him to the world of animal advocacy. "She was ahead of her time. She stopped wearing fur coats long before it became popular, and she became a vegetarian before most people even thought about it," Bob recalled. Inspired by her example, Bob adopted similar values. In 1982, he began using his platform to advocate for spaying and neutering pets, a message that resonated deeply with viewers.

Life took a turn in 1981 when Dorothy was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed away six months later, leaving Bob heartbroken. "I went into this deep depression and was a totally different person for two to three years," admitted his half-brother, Kent Valandra. But Bob found solace in keeping busy, and his world brightened again in 1983 when he met Nancy Burnet at an animal adoption event. "I went over to her, introduced myself, and explained that I was trying to find a good home for the dog I had on the leash," Bob wrote in his 2009 memoir, Priceless Memories. The pair, both committed to animal rights, formed a bond that lasted 40 years. Though they never married, their partnership was built on mutual respect and dedication.

A Legacy of Love and Giving

As Bob's health began to decline after a fall in 2015, Nancy remained by his side, ensuring he received the best care. "I took care of every single thing, down to how to comb his hair," Nancy says. Even in his later years, Bob never lost his sense of style or his commitment to philanthropy. "He has willed the bulk of his fortune to humane organizations and military charities," Nancy reveals. His final days were peaceful and filled with love, a testament to a life well-lived.

Now, the life and career of this television legend will be celebrated in a special exhibit at the Hollywood Museum. "On our show, we don’t solve the problems of the world," Bob once said. "But hopefully, we can help people forget their problems for an hour." And that's exactly what he did, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, joy, and inspiration.