Robert William Barker, best known to the public as Bob Barker, has died at the age of 99. His death was confirmed after a statement was released by Barker’s publicist, Roger Neal which reads, in part, “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the world’s greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us.” Bob Barker was the host of popular game show “The Price is Right” for over three decades before he retired.
Before there was Drew Carey, there was Bob Barker and Barker’s beauties. Barker can best be remembered for charming nature, his tan skin, silky white hair, and catchphrase at the end of every episode where he reminded viewers, “Help control the pet population. Have your pet spayed or neutered.” After his 35-year stint with the game show concluded, Barker returned for a few surprise guest appearances alongside current host, Drew Carey.
Barker also appeared in the movie, “Happy Gilmore,” alongside Adam Sandler in 1996. Barker, who played himself in the movie, can best be remembered in that role for his onscreen fist fight with the titular character, Happy Gilmore (played by Sandler) over a golf game. Since news broke of Barker’s death, Adam Sandler posted to social media, in reference to Barker, “The man. The myth. The best.” He went on to describe Barker as a “sweet funny guy.”
Barker had been on a health decline since 2015 when he fell and hurt his back. He was 91 at the time. He would fall again a few years later. Although those around him had high hopes he was slowly improving, it is likely his age provided many complications to his road to recovery.
“Thanks for all you gave us!” Adam Sandler wrote in his post. The Virginian Review echoes the sentiment.
