Oh man, this one hurts.
Bob Barker, the longtime host of the popular game show “The Price Is Right,” has passed away at the age of 99.
According to TMZ, Barker passed away this morning at his home in Los Angeles from natural causes.
Born in Washington in 1923, Barker married his wife Dorothy Jo in 1945 while he was on leave from the United States Navy Reserve during World War II, and they were married until her death in 1981. He also played basketball at Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, where he graduated with a degree in economics.
Barker got his start in game shows hosting “Truth or Consequences” way back in 1956, before taking over “The Price is Right” in 1972. He hosted the show until 2007, when he retired and was replaced by current host Drew Carey.
Over the years he became a cultural icon, and a well-known animal rights activist who ended every show by reminding viewers to “help control the pet population” by having your pets spayed or neutered.
He also had one of the greatest cameos in movie history when he appeared in Adam Sandler’s hit Happy Gilmore as a fictionalized version of himself and delivered an ass-whooping to Sandler’s main character.
CBS issued a statement on Barker’s passing:
I think everybody has memories of staying home from school watching Barker on “The Price is Right” as he gave away cars, appliances, and trips. I know I spent many days during my childhood trying to guess the price of jet skis or recliners with the iconic Bob Barker on my TV.
Rest in peace, Bob. An absolute legend.
