Bob Barker leaving Price is Right
The 82-year-old daytime icon plans to retire next June
After 50 years in showbiz and 35 as host of the daytime game show, Barker says he's young enough to retire
Legendary game-show host Bob Barker will say “Come on down” a few more times this year before hanging up his microphone for good after 35 years as host of The Price is Right.
The silver-haired icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press yesterday. “I will be 83 years old on December 12,” he said, and “I’ve decided to retire while I’m still young.”
Though he’s been considering retirement for “at least 10 years,” Barker said he enjoys the show so much that it’s been difficult to leave. Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with Price, made this an appropriate time to retire. Plus he pointed out that hosting the daily CBS program is demanding physically and mentally.
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty immeasurable. “We knew this day would come, but that doesn’t make it any easier,” Moonves said in a statement. “Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time.”
Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of Truth or Consequences. He first appeared on Price on Sept. 4, 1972 and has been the face of the show ever since.
Barker said he’d take on a movie role if the right one came along, but warned potential filmmakers, “I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don’t want to be just another beautiful body.”
Freemantle Media, which owns Price, has been looking for Barker's replacement for “two or three years,” he said.
When it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he’ll do it the same way he does each day on Price: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
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