Bob Barker to Leave Price Is Right!

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Bob Barker Retiring After 50 Years on TV

By SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- 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."

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."




Cliff Notes: This is Bobs last season, no more "COME ON DOWN!"
 
I can't watch this show. This was my fathers favorite show. I called him religiously Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 11:00 because I knew he'd be home. We'd chat for about 5 minutes.....long enough for me to check in on him and make sure everything was alright. Now when I hear the theme music I can't run fast enough to turn the station off because its a reminder I can't call him anymore.
 
From his life's history, the pets shouldn't have been the only ones spayed and neutered.JMOP.
 
The show will never be the same with out him. It has not been the same after Rod Died.
 
Given his age I think it is time for Bob Barker to retire. I have never watched the "Price Is Right" but the fact that it has been on television for so many years the public really must enjoy it.
 
I think after Bob leaves there will be no more "The Price Is Right".
He made the show what it is. Man I'll miss him.
 
I agree, the price is right will not be the same without Bob. I havent heard who will replace him.

Hopz, the price is right is on NBC.
 
either way, it has been on the air for 50! years, I can't believe they haven't heard of it.

It was a morning ritual for my g-ma. Some of my fondest memories when I moved stateside were watching the show with her, back when Bob was a dark haired playboy. It was one her favorite shows in the US, and LONG before the days of reality based tv, it was about as close as it got.
 
Oh no! We don't get tv now but it's always been one of my favorite shows. I love shouting the answers at the tv. Most of the prizes are pretty lame but it's fun to play the games in your own home. I wonder how many smooches on the cheek he's gotten over the years...
 
SizzlininIN said:
I can't watch this show. This was my fathers favorite show. I called him religiously Monday through Friday between 10:00 and 11:00 because I knew he'd be home. We'd chat for about 5 minutes.....long enough for me to check in on him and make sure everything was alright. Now when I hear the theme music I can't run fast enough to turn the station off because its a reminder I can't call him anymore.

You need to think about the happy times you had talking to your father!!!!! Look on the bright side. Of course you miss him - but what a great memory!
 
I remember when I was little, my sister and I would watch the show when we were stuck at home during summer vacations. I would always play along, wondering what I would bid or do if I was on the show. I always dreamed of being able to play plinko. That was my favorite. It sad to see Bob Barker go. I wonder if the show will succeed without him.
 
It's funny, I feel like so many people liked plinko, and yet they only played it on the show every once in awhile. When ever plinko would come up on the show, everyone would get really excited. Probably what made it so popular was that it was rarely played.
I use to imagine where on the board that I would put the chip. It's the one game I would like to play the most.
 
Opiñanita said:
I remember when I was little, my sister and I would watch the show when we were stuck at home during summer vacations. I would always play along, wondering what I would bid or do if I was on the show. I always dreamed of being able to play plinko. That was my favorite. It sad to see Bob Barker go. I wonder if the show will succeed without him.

Ah...those were the days. Summer vacations spent watching Price is Right and soap operas. :LOL:
 
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