Emmy Award-winning game show host Bob Barker has died. He was 99.
Barker’s publicist Roger Neal said in a statement on Saturday: “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us.”
Barker hosted “The Price Is Right,” the longest-running gameshow in TV history, for 35 years before he finally retired in June 2007. Drew Carey replaced him.
Barker made the Guinness Book of World Records for his consecutive appearances hosting game shows, though was eventually surpassed by the late “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek.
In all, Barker worked on weekday TV continuously for 51 years, including years on the game show “Truth or Consequences”. He won 19 Emmy Awards in total.
Occasionally he played himself on screen, such as his memorable performance in Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore” in 1996.
Sandler responded to the loss on Instagram with a post saying: “The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!”
Barker, a strong advocate for animal rights, was also the emcee for two decades on the beauty pageants Miss U.S.A. and Miss Universe.
Barker was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2004.
Source: Variety
