Bob Barker Biography | American Game Show Host

Robert William (Bob) Barker

Born: December 12, 1923
Place of Birth: Darrington, Washington

Major Notes:

Bob Barker was the impressive host of the longest game show in TV history, "The Price Is Right."
He spent his time as a youngster on the Rosebud Indian Reservation where his mother taught school.
Barker's father, an electrical company foreman, died in 1929 on a job he had working with a utility pole.
Bob Barker was very fond of animals and his closest friends sometime were cats and dogs.
After his father's death, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he continued his schooling.
Following high school, Barker attended Drury College where he had been given a basketball scholarship.
His college education was interrupted when World War II led Bob Barker to train as a fighter pilot in the Naval Reserve.
In 1945, Barker married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, who inspired him to become an advocate for animals.
After the war, Barker continued his education at Drury and obtained a degree in economics in 1947.
While attending college, Barker worked part-time for a local radio station in Springfield.
He continued his media experience working at radio stations first in Florida and then in California.
He was "discovered" when a well known game show producer, Ralph Edwards, who liked Barker's voice and style.
In 1956, Bob Barker became the host for a popular TV game,Truth or Consequences.
He proved to have excellent rapport with the viewers and the contestants and he hosted the show for 18 years.
Barker was chosen in 1972 to become host for a new TV game called "The Price Is Right."
In 1981, his wife whom he called "DJ", died from cancer and Bob Barker would never re-marry.
His new game host proved very popular with the TV and studio audience much due to Barker's personality and quick wit.
The Price Is Right became the longest running show in television history and Barker always ended each show with a reference to protecting animals.
Barker's fan base spread over several generations; a measure of the devotion given him by his viewers.
He has received numerous awards for his working in charity benefits on behalf of animals.
Bob Barker was presented with an honorary degree in 2007 from Drury for his lifetime achievements.

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Bob Barker was the impressive host of the longest game show in TV history, "The Price Is Right."

He spent his time as a youngster on the Rosebud Indian Reservation where his mother taught school.

Barker's father, an electrical company foreman, died in 1929 on a job he had working with a utility pole.

Bob Barker was very fond of animals and his closest friends sometime were cats and dogs.

After his father's death, the family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he continued his schooling.

Following high school, Barker attended Drury College where he had been given a basketball scholarship.

His college education was interrupted when World War II led Bob Barker to train as a fighter pilot in the Naval Reserve.

In 1945, Barker married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, who inspired him to become an advocate for animals.

After the war, Barker continued his education at Drury and obtained a degree in economics in 1947.

While attending college, Barker worked part-time for a local radio station in Springfield.

He continued his media experience working at radio stations first in Florida and then in California.

He was "discovered" when a well known game show producer, Ralph Edwards, who liked Barker's voice and style.

In 1956, Bob Barker became the host for a popular TV game,Truth or Consequences.

He proved to have excellent rapport with the viewers and the contestants and he hosted the show for 18 years.

Barker was chosen in 1972 to become host for a new TV game called "The Price Is Right."

In 1981, his wife whom he called "DJ", died from cancer and Bob Barker would never re-marry.

His new game host proved very popular with the TV and studio audience much due to Barker's personality and quick wit.

The Price Is Right became the longest running show in television history and Barker always ended each show with a reference to protecting animals.

Barker's fan base spread over several generations; a measure of the devotion given him by his viewers.

He has received numerous awards for his working in charity benefits on behalf of animals.

Bob Barker was presented with an honorary degree in 2007 from Drury for his lifetime achievements.