Sarge Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,226520,00.html LOS ANGELES — Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down." The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press Tuesday. "I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young." • Tune in for more coverage in the Television Center. He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television. Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave. "I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it." Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program — in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars — is "demanding physically and mentally," he said. "I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late." Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, 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. A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said. To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda. He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "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," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward. "The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun." As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century." But 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." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Evil Genius Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I'm Bob Barker *****! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Commander_N_Chief Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Congrats Bob, thanks for introducing me to the wonder that is Plinko. He also provided me with one of my top 3 Sandler quotes: "The price is wrong *****!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerPacker Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Congrats Bob, thanks for introducing me to the wonder that is Plinko.He also provided me with one of my top 3 Sandler quotes: "The price is wrong *****!" DAMN IT!!! you beat me by a minute Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raub Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I love the Price is Right. I actually schedule my day around it. It just won't seem right to not have it on TV. It's been around for my entire life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarge Posted October 31, 2006 Author Share Posted October 31, 2006 I think the Price is Right (and Bob) will always remind me of my grandma. No matter what was going on, the **** stopped at 1100 for the Price is Right Didn't think much of it back then, but it just associates with good memories now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heyholetsgogrant Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 The one thing that always impressed me about him is, hes still very sharp and enjoyable to watch even at his age...THANKS BOB!.....I wonder who will replace him? -Grant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieselPwr44 Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Bob's moving on. Probably because the whole model/presenter thing he had going on there has been played out........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonard Washington Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 the original people's court and the price is right were the hallmarks of my sick days home from school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sir Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 He'll be dead within a week of retiring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HokieJ Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Funny you said that Sir I thought the same thing. Tends to be that way to people that are real active they go quick. I grew up on this show as a teen in the 80s in the summer you hoped and prayed the Showcase featured Diane Parkinson in the red bikini Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.Guy. Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I love the Price is right. That show is a must watch when you are sick. Now for the obligatory funny video: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/priceisright.html Never take drugs on go on the price is right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raperry2 Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 crazy how hes able to help the "old people" spin the wheel even though theyre younger than him half the time :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoCommiesGo Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I love that show. I used to get stoned in college with my buddies and watch that show everyone yelling out prices.... Good times. You'll be missed Bob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoCommiesGo Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Funny you said that Sir I thought the same thing. Tends to be that way to people that are real active they go quick.I grew up on this show as a teen in the 80s in the summer you hoped and prayed the Showcase featured Diane Parkinson in the red bikini Here you go one more time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. S Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 there were some hotties on that show. I grew up watching that show as well on sick days. Course now I don't cause I realize some of the prizes are just dumb. In every showcase, no matter what, you will always have a Living Room or Dining Room set. Seriously, the young college student has a chance to bid on a Living Room set? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DjTj Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I think the Price is Right (and Bob) will always remind me of my grandma. No matter what was going on, the **** stopped at 1100 for the Price is Right :cool: My grandma loved the show too. The weird thing was that she didn't speak a word of English, but I guess Price is Right was mostly a numbers game and everything was very visual - it was basically the only thing she would watch on TV.I actually went to the show once, and a friend of mine made it all the way to the showcase showdown. All the advice we yelled to him from the audience was wrong though and he came away with only a set of tents that he bid on to get up on stage. Like Mr. S said, college kids have no idea how much furniture costs. It was still a lot of fun, and I'm glad I got to see it live with Bob Barker and Rod Roddy. Daytime TV will never be the same again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoony Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 The guy was the consumate professional... couldn't be rattled no matter what happened on stage. I've never seen a host handle so many crazy people, so many crazy situations, and so many outrageous circumstances without even flinching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sir Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I love the Price is right. That show is a must watch when you are sick.Now for the obligatory funny video: http://www.ebaumsworld.com/priceisright.html Never take drugs on go on the price is right. But how will we know how he did in the showdown? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaceman Spiff Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Remember, Sarge, it's a game show of peace. He'll be missed. End of an era for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinsterp Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 I'm sure a lot of Grandma's would hit it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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