Bob Barker: The Iconic Entertainer and Animal Activist Still Thriving at 99
Posted January 21, 2023 by: Admin
Quiz shows have been captivating audiences for generations, and when we think of these shows, one name that instantly comes to mind is Bob Barker—an entertainment legend and a household name since his debut on “The Price is Right” in 1972.
For an astounding 35 years, Barker graced our screens as the host of the show, earning a remarkable 14 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, in addition to four Emmys for his role as an executive producer.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Barker often credited his late wife for his success. He once said, “She gave me the confidence to even try to do what I set out to do. She didn’t just urge me on, she worked right at my side.”
Tragically, his wife Gideon passed away from cancer in 1981, after 36 years of marriage. Barker shared with ABC News, “I never had any inclination to remarry. She was my wife.” Nevertheless, Barker eventually found love again with Nancy Burnet, his partner of 40 years.
Burnet speaks fondly of Barker, and right before his 99th birthday in December, she shared a surprising revelation about his health. Despite his advanced age, Barker takes only one medication—for his thyroid.
“He’s going to be 99, and he takes one prescription medication, and that’s for his thyroid,” Burnet disclosed. She humorously added, “He’s in very good health for his age, and his humor is still in good shape. He’s had a very charmed life.”
However, this doesn’t mean Barker hasn’t faced medical emergencies and health scares over the years. More than two decades ago, he underwent surgery to correct a partially blocked artery and reduce the risk of stroke. In 2002, he suffered a stroke and subsequently had prostate surgery. He has also dealt with back issues and mild skin cancer.
Burnet, a vegetarian, ensures that Barker gets all the necessary supplements. “It was not to replace meals but to enhance everything. To take that in addition to his meals because he was not doing well,” she explained. “He was looking tired and kind of frail, not just not looking healthy. And, you know, if you’re going to be a vegetarian and vegan, you better know what you’re doing.”
In addition to his role as one of the first and most famous quiz show hosts, Barker is a staunch advocate for animal rights. His iconic phrase, “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered,” has resonated with audiences for years.
Barker adopted a vegetarian lifestyle to align with his late wife’s values, as she had already embraced ethical choices like forgoing fur coats and becoming a vegetarian ahead of her time. “If young people are introduced to the terrible exploitation and mistreatment of animals in society, it will help influence them in anything they do,” Barker said in 2015. “When your education and encouragement fail, you have to have legislation.”
Bob Barker’s enduring love for animals and his dedication to creating a better world for them have further solidified our admiration for this remarkable man, who continues to use his celebrity status to make a positive impact on our planet.
