Bob Barker recently celebrated his 96th birthday, and looking back on his life, describing it as eventful is an understatement. Not only has he been involved in many diverse areas, but he’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. In celebration of his birthday, we would like to take a look back at his incredible life. Barker is mostly known for his role as host for over three decades of the popular game show The Price Is Right. But, while roughly a third of his life has been devoted to the game show we all know and love, he’s also had many other incredible achievements that most folks probably don’t know about.
For example, Barker is a fierce animal rights advocate. But, let’s take a look further back to see how Barker became the man we know today. Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in the small Washington town of Darrington. However, he spent a lot of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. There, his mom taught at a local school, eventually remarrying after Bob’s father died tragically in a work-related accident. Barker moved again, this time to Springfield, Missouri. After graduating from high school, he attended Drury College and then joined the military. When he enlisted, he started off as a commissioned officer in the Navy in 1942. However, he remained at Drury College, at the Navy’s request, to fully round out his education. By the summer of June 1943, Barker was prepared to report for active duty.
Barker trained as a fighter pilot for quite some time / NinjaJournalist
Now that he was fully committed to his military training, Barker began training as a Naval aviator. For 18 hard months, though he had not yet become the star we know today, Barker could be found soaring over America in many different aircraft. After completing his practical military preparation and training, Barker was set to deploy in the summer of 1945. However, the young pilot would not see any action in the Pacific Theater, as Japan surrender before he had a chance to do any fighting.
With the war coming to an end, and his service no longer required in the Pacific, Barker was left to enjoy his life with his wife, Dorthy Jo Gideon, in Florida. At that time, he already had a taste for entertainment and audience engagement working as a newsreader on the radio. However, at the time, anyone with interest in any type of public speaking would make the pilgrimage to California. Wishing to establish himself in the field of broadcasting, Barker and his wife moved again, this time to the west coast to sunny California.
Bob Barker got his early start as a radio host and gained all the right attention / NinjaJournalist
Los Angeles provided Barker with his earliest experience of actually hosting a production when, after moving there in 1950, he quickly got a job with a radio station there. He enjoyed a lot of success at the station, which kept him on for six years. During that time, he drew the approval of not only his listeners but of some significant people in the broadcasting field as well. As we know, connections can mean everything in business, and while Barker did not know it at the time, he managed to get on the radar of the right person to help his career.
Barker’s success made him an instant hit – everyone wanted him as a host / AP Photo
Ralph Edwards was a big-time game show producer who saw a lot of potential in Barker. Edwards heard Barker and really liked how the host would interact with his guests, admiring the natural chemistry and personable approach he had with people. And he noticed Barker’s natural talent for improv. At the time, Edwards produced a popular show called “Truth Or Consequences” and was searching for a new host.
Barker hosted the Miss USA pageant for twenty years / Pageanthology 101
Edwards knew he made the right decision when Barker took over hosting duties for the show. Barker’s talent delivered a lot of new viewers to the show thanks to his quick wit and humor. Barker used his natural improve expertise well, thinking fast on his feet and delivering his remarks with perfect timing. This hosting experience earned Barker a lot the recognition within the TV industry as a competent host. He would go on to host the show for about twenty more years.
On Bob Barker’s 96th birthday, there is a lot to celebrate / AP Photo/Lennox McLendon
However, soon, his time on the show came to an end when another big opportunity came along. Goodson-Todman Production leads Mark Goodson, and Bill Todman was planning on reprising an older show from decades ago. In the early 70s, they made their move and recruited Barker to host the new The Price Is Right. The show was an instant hit. And in 1982, Barker became the leading advocate for pet control by offering this vital message after each broadcast. “Help control the pet population: Have your pets spayed or neutered,” he said each day from 1982 until the end of his time hosting there in 2007.
Recruiting Bob Barker ended up being the best choice / Jesse Grant/WireImage
When he retired from the show, Barker tap promising comedian Drew Carey to take the mantle, a request which an honored Carey was proud to accept. Throughout his career, Barker spent his life fighting for causes he believed in, such as animal rights. In fact, he even quit his hosting duties at Miss U.S.A. pageants because the organization would not ban contestants from wearing fur. Barker’s one-of-a-kind charisma and charm will never be duplicated, making him a Television icon.
Here’s an incredible clip of Bob performing his hosting duties on the Price Is Right.
Source: Do You Remember