Bob Barker's legacy lies in his successful hosting of the hit game show The Price Is Right. Barker, who led the show from 1972 to 2007, branded himself as one of the most recognizable game show hosts in American history. Since his retirement and after performing on TV for 50-years, Barker's goal has been to find out what it feels like to be 'bored.'
Come On Down
After a 35-year reign on CBS, Barker decided to pass the baton to current host Drew Carey. In an interview three-years after his retirement, Barker told Entertainment Weekly, "I would not criticize Drew Carey. I would not criticize this show. I would not criticize CBS. I would not criticize FremantleMedia (which produces the show for the network) because I have a sizable royalty that I am paid every year the show is on, and it's going on for years. I would be an absolute fool. I hope this show stays on for years. As for Drew, he's been charming and complimentary, and he had me on the show to plug my book Priceless Memories. He devoted half of the show to me! He's a charming man, and kind and gracious. To think that I would say anything derogatory about him is idiocy." Carey also invited Barker back to the stage a few years ago in celebration of his 90th birthday. And now that he's 96-years-old, Barker admits he misses the money but mainly the people he got to work with and call on down.
Life After TV
Barker has spent most of his life working, so retirement has been a big adjustment for the legend, but he told Parade that "I have not regretted it at all." He continues to explain, "Since I've retired, I sometimes not only don't know what day it is, or what month it is, I have trouble remembering what year it is. I can remember when I was six-years-old exactly what was happening, and I can't remember what happened yesterday."
Since his last show, Barker has been an avid animal-rights activist, was inducted into the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame, and published a memoir, Priceless Memories.
Almost 100
As the 19 Daytime Emmy Award winner nears 100-years-old, he's unfortunately had a few run-ins with death. Multiple times, Barker has been admitted to the hospital for various health scares, including falling, hitting his head, and back problems. Now, Barker is staying home in Los Angeles amid the lockdown, where an inside source told TMZ that he's watching a lot of old movies, especially military ones. He and his family have been taking major precautions to keep Baker safe. But for some reason, people have enjoyed circulating false information by spreading death-hoaxes over the years about Barker.
Although Baker hasn't been in the public eye much in recent years, he's still alive and quickly approaching 100-years-old. From his hosting days to his cameo on Happy Gilmore, Barker has lived a full life. He continues to help out causes by using the money he made as a game show host, which amounts to a net worth of around $70 million.