The Man Called Bob Barker
Bob who goes by the birth name of Robert William Barker was born on December 12, 1923and he is an American retired television game show host. He is known for hosting CBS’s The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007, making it the longest-running daytime game show in North American television history. He is also known for hosting Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975.
Born in Darrington, Washington, in modest circumstances, Barker enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He worked part-time in radio while attending college. In 1950, he moved to California to pursue a broadcasting career. He was given his radio show, The Bob Barker Show, which ran for six years. He began his game show career in 1956, hosting Truth or Consequences. He subsequently hosted various game shows, and the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants from 1967 to 1987, giving him the distinction of being the longest-serving host of those pageants. He began hosting The Price Is Right in 1972. When his wife Dorothy Jo died of lung cancer at age 57 in 1981, he became an advocate for animal rights and animal rights activism, supporting groups such as the United Activists for Animal Rights and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. In 2007, he retired from hosting The Price Is Right after celebrating his 50-year career on television.
Bob Barker’s Health Complications
On September 16, 1999, Barker was in Washington, D.C. to testify before Congress regarding proposed legislation that would ban captive elephants from traveling shows, such as circuses. While preparing for the presentation, Barker experienced what he called clumsiness in his right hand. He was admitted to George Washington University Hospital and diagnosed with a partially blocked left carotid artery. Barker underwent carotid endarterectomy to remove the blockage. The procedure went well enough that he was able to return to work within the month.
Three years later, Barker had two additional health crises after taping the 30th-season finale of The Price is Right. While lying in the sun on May 30, 2002, he experienced a stroke and was hospitalized; six weeks later, on July 11, Barker underwent prostate surgery. Both hospitalizations occurred at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C. Both surgeries were successful.
Barker had several mild bouts with skin cancer, a result of his frequent tanning. He consulted a dermatologist regularly to make sure any cancers were caught and removed before they spread; they did not pose a threat to his life. During a televised interview, Barker told viewers, “I urge anyone who has spent some time in the sun, whether you’re doing it now or not, to go to a dermatologist once a year.”
On October 20, 2015, two police officers passing Barker’s Los Angeles-area home saw him trip and fall on a sidewalk. They called an ambulance that took him to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he received stitches for an injured forehead and was released; he also hurt his left knee.
Barker slipped and hit his head at home on June 19, 2017. His maid drove him to the emergency room, where he was checked and released. His representative said it was not as serious as his earlier fall.
In October and November 2018, Barker was rushed to the hospital for severe back pain.
Is Bob Barker Still Alive?
Yes, He is Still Alive!
Bob Barker is still alive and reasonably healthy after the pandemic. Although he is no longer active on television, he has dedicated his time to the greater good. He now lives a quiet life, Barker is not often seen out. He was sometimes spotted next to his home, including a 2018 preview to take out the trash.
He is happy living with his long-time partner, Nancy Burnet, who revealed that the entertainer is doing well. “He’s happy. He’s engaged. He’s just doing remarkably well for almost 99 years of age,” she said. However, Barker is sometimes forgetful, but that comes with age. She added:
“His weight is good, he’s strong, and he has this meal replacement in addition to his regular meals because [it’s] just the way he gets everything.”
Like everyone else, Barker isolated himself amidst the pandemic, a decision that turned out to be for the best. He followed stricter rules and, in the end, had better health. Hopefully, fans and television fanatics will see more of Barker in the future.
