Hey! Welcome to SGX-Nifty‘s other blog post on Bob Barker Net Worth: Bob Barker, the iconic TV game show host, had an estimated net worth of $70 million when he died in 2023. Barker, who hosted The Price Is Right for almost 35 years, became a household figure thanks to his charm, wit, and animal rights advocacy. His lengthy and famous television career, combined with his charity initiatives, cemented his reputation as an iconic figure in entertainment history.
Who Was Bob Barker?
Bob Barker was one of the most well-known and prominent television personalities in America. Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, and later relocated to California to pursue a career in radio before shifting to television. His work on The Price Is Right earned him multiple awards and made him a popular figure in homes across the country.
Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert William Barker |
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Darrington, Washington, USA |
| Date of Passing | August 26, 2023 |
| Occupation | TV Host, Producer, Animal Rights Advocate |
| Net Worth (2024) | $70 million |
| Height | 6 feet 1 inch |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Bob Barker’s Net Worth and Salary
Bob Barker, a prominent American TV game show host and animal lover, had a net worth of $0 when he died. Bob famously promised to “die broke” after giving all of his money to animal charities. He died on August 26, 2023, at the age of 99, having apparently kept his pledge.
Bob’s fortune peaked at $70 million. Throughout his life, he made at least $30 million in known donations to animal organizations and causes. Bob was a lifelong animal rights activist. He finished each episode of “The Price Is Right” by encouraging viewers to spay or neuter their pets. His most famous contributions include $2.5 million in 2012 to PETA, which dedicated its West Coast headquarters in his honor. He gave $25 million of his own money to establish the “DJ&T Foundation,” which funds clinics that provide spaying and neutering services (“DJ” was a reference to his late wife Dorothy Jo, and “T” was an homage to his mother Matilda, also known as “Tilly”). He gave $5 million to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society to fund an anti-whaling ship named the “S.S. Bob Barker.”
Bob Barker was best known as the longest-running host of the game program “The Price Is Right.” Bob hosted the show from 1972 to 2007. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was honored with the 1995 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, and Time magazine voted him the Greatest Game Show Host of All Time. Prior to “The Price Is Right,” Barker rose to prominence as the host of “Truth or Consequences,” which aired from 1956 to 1974.
Barker’s distinct and pleasant hosting style, combined with his real interaction with contestants, helped “The Price Is Right” achieve enormous success. The show became a cultural phenomenon, known for its fascinating mini-games and enthusiastic audience. The show got multiple Daytime Emmy Awards while Barker hosted, and he won a total of 19 Daytime Emmys for his hosting services on various shows.
Early Life
Robert William Barker was born in Darrington, Washington on December 12, 1923. He spent the majority of his childhood on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota, and is recognized as an official Sioux tribal member on the U.S. Indian Census Rolls from 1885 to 1940. He’s one-eighth Sioux. His mother was a schoolteacher, and his father was an electrical high-line foreman.
Barker won a basketball scholarship to attend Drury College (now Drury University) in Missouri. While there, he joined Sigma Nu fraternity’s Epsilon Beta chapter. During World War II, he dropped out of college and joined the US Navy as a fighter pilot, but the war ended before he could be assigned to a seagoing squadron. After the war, he returned to college and earned a degree in economics.
Career
Barker worked at Springfield’s KTTS-FM radio station throughout his undergraduate years. He subsequently relocated to Florida, where he worked as a news editor and broadcaster for WWPG 1340 AM in Palm Beach (now WPBR in Lantana). In 1950, he relocated to California and was granted his own radio show in Burbank, “The Bob Barker Show,” which aired for six years. Ralph Edwards, the creator of game shows, first discovered him while he was hosting an audience participation event in California. Barker later switched from radio to television and began anchoring “Truth or Consequences” in 1956. He remained with the show until 1974.
In 1971, while still hosting “Truth or Consequences,” he was chosen to anchor an NBC pilot titled “Simon Says.” Then, in early 1972, CBS got interested in a revival of “The Price Is Right” offered by Mark Goodson and Bill Todman. The network agreed to bring it up on the condition that Barker be chosen as host. Thus, on September 4, 1972, Barker began presenting a more modernized version of “The Price Is Right” for CBS. He remained in this role until October 31, 2006, when he announced his retirement from the show. He officially stepped down as host in 2007. His last show, which aired on June 15, was recorded earlier that month, on June 6, 2007. Barker returned to the show three times after retiring: once in April 2009 to promote his new autobiography, once in December 2013 to celebrate his 90th birthday, and once in April 2015 for an April Fools’ Day joke in which he briefly took over hosting duties from Drew Carey, the current host at the time.
Notable Work and Awards
| Year | Award/Recognition |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award |
| 2004 | Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host |
| 2007 | Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame |
| 2009 | Inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame |
Facts About Bob Barker
- Barker received a total of 19 Daytime Emmy Awards.
- He was an ardent supporter of animal rights, donating millions to animal welfare charities.
- Barker was a fighter pilot during World War II.
Family and Relationships
Bob Barker was married to Dorothy Jo Gideon from 1945 until she died in 1981. The couple had no children, and Barker did not remarry following her death. His profound affection for his wife was well-known, and he credited her with driving his dedication to animal welfare.
Hobbies and Likes
Barker was an avid golfer who frequently participated in celebrity events. He also spent much of his retirement advocating for animal welfare, speaking at events, and making generous philanthropic contributions.
Wrap Up
Bob Barker’s amazing career and commitment to philanthropy established him as a legendary figure in the entertainment industry. His $70 million net worth reflects not only his success as a television host but also his long-term impact on society through his advocacy for animal rights. Even after he died, his legacy continues to inspire.
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FAQ
Q: What was Bob Barker’s net worth?
A: Bob Barker’s net worth was projected to be $70 million when he died in 2023.
Q: How long has Bob Barker hosted The Price Is Right?
A: Bob Barker presented The Price Is Right for 35 years, from 1972 to 2007.
Q: Did Bob Barker have any children?
A: No, Bob Barker had no children.
Q: What was Bob Barker known for outside of television?
A: Barker was an ardent supporter of animal rights, donating millions to numerous animal welfare organizations.