October 31, 200619 yr Looks like Bob finally realized it was time to retire. I can't see the show being as popular without him. We still get a few months of Bob, but I'll miss seeing him on weekdays when I happen to be home at 11 am. Happy Trails Bob, and I'll be sure to always have my pets spayed or neutered. Bob Barker retiring after 50 years on TV By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer 6 minutes ago LOS ANGELES - Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down." The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press Tuesday. "I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young." He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television. Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave. "I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it." Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program — in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars — is "demanding physically and mentally," he said. "I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late." Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty "immeasurable." "We knew this day would come, but that doesn't make it any easier," Moonves said in a statement. "Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time." Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences." He first appeared on "Price" on Sept. 4, 1972 and has been the face of the show ever since. A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said. To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda. He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body." Freemantle Media, which owns "Price," has been looking for Barker's replacement for "two or three years," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward. "The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun." As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century." But when it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he'll do it the same way he does each day on "Price": "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
October 31, 200619 yr Man, that show definitely will not be the same without him. Honestly I'm not sure if it will make it for all that long without him. Insane how long he has been on tv.
October 31, 200619 yr Author Honestly I'm not sure if it will make it for all that long without him. That's what I was thinking. The article talks about finding a replacement, but I don't see how anybody can replace Bob Barker since his persona was so attached to the show. It'll definatly go down in ratings if it makes it at all.
October 31, 200619 yr To me this is great news. When he was younger Barker was very charming and witty and he brought the best out of the contestants and that along with Dian Parkinson, Johnny Olsen and the various games made the show a great watch but Dian and Johnny are long gone and Barker turned into a wooden, bitter old man. If and when he allows the episodes from the 70's to the 90's to air on GSN then my opinion about him may change.
October 31, 200619 yr The face of the Price Is Right. I doubt that show goes much longer without him. A true icon that will be missed.
October 31, 200619 yr If and when he allows the episodes from the 70's to the 90's to air on GSN then my opinion about him may change. The main given reason the old episodes haven't run for years has been that it was a CBS decision, fearing over-exposure of the show. I tend to doubt that's the #1 reason... but you're right in that the old shows were definitely better (with Marc Breslow and later Paul Alter's masterful directing work). If they do air again at some point, I'm sure Bob will make sure that any of the older episodes with fur/leather products will not air on GSN, similar to the agreement that existed when they aired on the channel then known as Game Show Network. Still, given the off-air persona some (ex-)staff members and co-workers have described, "The Price is Right" has become Bob's show and as much as I'd like to see it survive, I'm not sure it will. FremantleMedia, PLEASE don't hire Todd Newton.....
October 31, 200619 yr You just know he was nailing "Barker's Beauties" even into his 60s... go Bob! :thumbup *neuters pet*
October 31, 200619 yr He was the last of his kind--the last true game show host. Man I used to watch that show all the time. I will be watching his last one for sure.
October 31, 200619 yr It's a sad day in TV land. but... He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body." :lol Always the entertainer.
October 31, 200619 yr It's a sad day in TV land. but... He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body." :lol Always the entertainer. adam sandler will surely miss him during those celeb golf tournies!!! :shifty
November 1, 200619 yr What will happen to the pet population once he's gone? It won't be controlled because we won't have him to tell us to get our pets spayed and neutered every day! :o
November 1, 200619 yr There is an apartment rule in my apartment that from 11-12 is always Price is Right time we don't miss a show, next year it just won't be the same.
November 1, 200619 yr He was hilarious in Happy Gilmore. http://youtube.com/watch?v=X6nA8ZSW8tU More good stuff: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bbNBVioAG_c
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