Bob Barker to retire

[Raph's Girl]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061031/ap_en_tv/tv_bob_barker_retires_6

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."

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."

Raph's Girl note: I don't think I'll watch Price Is Right anymore when he leaves. It just won't be the same :(

[Peanut]

So...the show is cancelled now. Right? RIGHT!?! Bob Barker pretty much = The Price is Right.

[Jester]

Indeed, I always expected him to actually die taping the show. The Price is Right is over, you just can't do it with out Bob Barker.

[Dr. Doom]

I'm fairly sure they'll try to anyways. And they'll probably try to make it more contemporary in the process.

[ThirdMarioBro]

So...the show is canceled now. Right? RIGHT!?! Bob Barker pretty much = The Price is Right.

Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. He's what made the show such fun all these years. If somebody tries to fill his immeasurably large shoes, people will reject them as a poor imitation and it'll die (I know I would reject it, and you would too if you saw some of the people they considered using in the past). If they try to adapt the show to a modern format (been done, and failed miserably), it'll die. Price is Right is like a sore thumb in modern society. It's ancient in just about every way, and that's why people still love it, myself included. It's like the last of it's kind when it comes to Game Shows. Without Bob, I think they should cancel it and leave it like it is, because it's not something that can really be adapted. Either way, I gotta' find a way to see a taping before it's gone. It was too important to my childhood to not try.

Hmmm, GDC is in April....

I knew the day would come, but that doesn't make it a bit easier. Bob Barker and the Price is Right will be sorely missed by all of us who grew up on it, and in some cases skipped school a few times to watch it on "Cliffhanger & Plinko" days.

[Ra]

Well, that sucks :( Still, not everybody can say that they retired at the age of 83. That's quite an acomplishment! :lol:

[XERO]

The actual retail price is...

...retirement.:P

What a career this guy's had. I salute him. It's been fun, Bob. And kudos for kicking Adam Sandler's ass in Happy Gilmore.

[triplexxx]

My favorite game show and my favorite game show host. The fact that he was able to carry this show on 35 years up to age 83 and NEVER cease to keep it interesting, not to mention the fact that he is such a caring man, such a gentleman, and a lover of animals, Bob Barker will always be one of my best heroes. I sure will miss him when he retires.

[Cure]

I remember this one episode years ago when this guy won a car, scored a dollar on BOTH of his turns on the wheel, and then went on to win BOTH showcases. My sister and I were amazed at that.

[Duke]

I love the Price is Right, but what could you expect. We all knew Bob would retire someday. Still pretty sad though.

[Drtooth]

It's been fun, Bob. And kudos for kicking Adam Sandler's ass in Happy Gilmore.

The Price is wrong, Bobby!!! I love that moment.

With that said, I hatehatehatehatehatehate the Price is Right. Not a big Game show fan, aside from Jeopardy, and retro 70's celebrity based games (Hollywood Squares, Match Game). I still like it a bit better than Wheel of Fortune, though.

I just hope this show dissolves without Bob Barker. I dislike the show, but he is a fabulous game show host.

[KROW]

No one holds a long, slender mic like him. The best of luck in his future endeavors.

[ThirdMarioBro]

Well folks, this is it. Though new episodes will run until some time in early June, all of those were taped some time ago and aren't anything particularly unique. Today concludes the last week of episodes before Bob Barker's final farewell primetime show to be aired this Wednesday on CBS, thus concluding his run on the Price is Right, and in all likelihood, the show's existence within a year or so. I know what's coming. Modernization. I'm getting off with Bob.

It's going to be a hard week for me; saying goodbye to something I've known my entire life. I'm the sentimental type.

[Cure]

Well folks, this is it. Though new episodes will run until some time in early June, all of those were taped some time ago and aren't anything particularly unique. Today concludes the last week of episodes before Bob Barker's final farewell primetime show to be aired this Wednesday on CBS, thus concluding his run on the Price is Right, and in all likelihood, the show's existence within a year or so. I know what's coming. Modernization. I'm getting off with Bob.

It's going to be a hard week for me; saying goodbye to something I've known my entire life. I'm the sentimental type.

Yeah, it'll be hard to say goodbye to Bob. I've always wanted to go on that show, but now I won't get the chance. I'll watch the new style and see if I like it, but I doubt it.

[Jester]

No one holds a long, slender mic like him. The best of luck in his future endeavors.
You mean death...just kidding. He's actually planning to be more active in his "have your pets spayed or neutered" campaign.

[ThirdMarioBro]

You mean death...just kidding. He's actually planning to be more active in his "have your pets spayed or neutered" campaign.

That's not funny.

[Tinuvielsdreams]

I keep hearing on the radio that a lot of people are trying to get his job...I heard even Rosie O'Donnel (Sp?) is trying to get in on it.
They were saying it is going to be hard to find someone that both college kids and old ladies like to watch... lol

[ThirdMarioBro]

Yeah, it will be hell. I honestly don't think it's possible, but whatever. I need to let it go.

But if Rosie gets the job, I puke. Honestly, she is the most obnoxious person on the planet, bar none.

[SassyGal]

Yeah, it will be hell. I honestly don't think it's possible, but whatever. I need to let it go.

But if Rosie gets the job, I puke. Honestly, she is the most obnoxious person on the planet, bar none.

I'll be puking right beside you :lol: seriously, if Rosie gets it i will be so unimpressed :evil:

Fave game was plinko followed by pathfinder, hole in one (OR TWO!!!!!), & cliffhanger...i will miss that climber and his yodelling:cry:

[Cure]

Well, just because they change the host, doesn't mean they have to change ALL the games, right?

[Jester]

I'm sure there will still be Plinko.
http://mandelweb.com/liveprice/plinko1.jpg

[OA]

I thought I read or heard somewhere that Ryan Seacrest was basically a lock to be the new host...which wouldn't surprise me one bit...

[ThirdMarioBro]

That depends on if they decide to tamper with the format. I figure that is what will kill the show. It's such a dinosaur, I don't think it could survive any other way. People love it's retro feel. Loosing Bob is going to hurt it a ton, but loosing the old-school format would kill it. I worry because the US version is the only version that hasn't been "updated", and usually canceled soon thereafter.

I also never understood why Price is Right is still branded as an "old people" show. I know for a fact that way over half of their audience is 18-30 year olds. In the early 90's, it was all old people tuning in, and (mostly) old people in the audience--retirement groups, old ladies with a crush on Bob, blah blah. Watch the show and count the hundreds of collage kids in the audience that grew up with the show, but what happened is that the audience transcended generations.

First of all, it's rare for any show to live long enough for that to happen. Second, I feel that is the only thing that can save it. You don't need to "update" something to appeal to an age-group that is already the majority viewer.

I still think it's doomed though. This is CBS, the network that brought us reality television. Price is Right is the only show I've watched on that network in 10 years. I trust they will find a way to ruin the show.

I thought I read or heard somewhere that Ryan Seacrest was basically a lock to be the new host...which wouldn't surprise me one bit...

I've heard a dozen names, but nobody really has any clue what they are talking about.


And Jester, how did you get that Plinko shot? Were you in the audience?

[ThirdMarioBro]

I cried through the whole damn show. It's almost like loosing my dad or something.

[Jester]

Yeah...Adam Sadler's tribute poem was awesome....Look for it to be on Youtube very soon.

And TMB I just found the pic on-line. Praise be the Internet.

[ThirdMarioBro]

Well, the day has come and gone. Bob Barker's last show aired this morning at the same time the show has aired for 35 years, life alert commercials and all.

It was a pretty standard show, except for the entire production staff lining the stage at the beginning of the show and the audience throwing confetti. The people on today's show were the hardest of the hard-core. Most had been sleeping on the Los Angeles sidewalk for upwards of 5 days. CBS had security taking care of them all week long. People were crying in contestant's row, corvettes were thrown around like popcorn, and they almost had a perfect show, but no mention was made of it because there were more important things to care about today. As a longtime... no, lifelong fan, it was a bit hard to watch. Watching the games be played, watching the big ole' wheel hit that dollar one last time, and knowing from now on it would never be the same.

As a final post in this thread, I leave The Technodrome's Price is Right's fans with this video. Its a bit hard to watch, but it is a fitting farewell to a man who has been a part of our daily routine for most, if not all of our lives.

http://www.etonline.com/tv/spotlight/48488/index.html

With that said, I change my signature and life moves on. Here's hoping that people will give the show a chance this fall and that it can find a way to continue on. Three generations of Americans and Canadians have enjoyed this show. From Nixon to Bush, from ABBA to Ashley Simpson, from Walter Cronkite to Yahoo! News, the show has proven itself timeless. Now it starts on its fourth generation of fans. I wish for my kids to someday be able to grow up with the show and its new host the same way I grew up with Bob.

[Cure]

Well, the day has come and gone. Bob Barker's last show aired this morning at the same time the show has aired for 35 years, life alert commercials and all.

It was a pretty standard show, except for the entire production staff lining the stage at the beginning of the show and the audience throwing confetti. The people on today's show were the hardest of the hard-core. Most had been sleeping on the Los Angeles sidewalk for upwards of 5 days. CBS had security taking care of them all week long. People were crying in contestant's row, corvettes were thrown around like token prizes, and they almost had a perfect show, but no mention was made of it because there were more important things to care about today. As a longtime... no, lifelong fan, it was a bit hard to watch. Watching the games be played, watching the big ole' wheel spin, and knowing from now on it would never be the same.

As a final post in this thread, I leave The Technodrome's Price is Right's fans with this video. Its a bit hard to watch, but it is a fitting farewell to a man who has been a part of our lives for most, if not all of our lives.

http://www.etonline.com/tv/spotlight/48488/index.html

With that said, I change my signature and life moves on. Here's hoping that people will give the show a chance this fall and that it can find a way to continue on. Three generations of Americans and Canadians have enjoyed this show. From Nixon to Bush, from ABBA to Ashley Simpson, from newspaper to internet, the show has proven itself timeless. Now it starts on its fourth generation of fans. I wish for my kids to someday be able to grow up with the show and its new host the same way I grew up with Bob.

Well said, homie.

[Mr. Snackpants]

Is it weird that I teared up watching the final episode?

My whole life, Bob Barker has been hosting the Price is Right. I started watching it when I was 6 at my babysitters during the summer. I remember looking forward to it every morning. I had to endure a morning with Regis and Kathly Lee but it was all worth it when Bob came on the tv at 11. That opening song was music to my ears because it was the meant the end of boring morning talk shows. It's such an enjoyable show to watch. It's so full of excitment and enthusiasm. The best part about the show is that it always stayed the same. I love the retro look of the show. When I would be sick and have to stay home from school I could always count on Bob and the Price is Right to make me feel better, even if it was for just an hour. I've gone through many changes in my life but one thing has never changed....Price is Right at 11 w/ Bob Barker. He's like Americas Grandpa and I will never forget all the good times he brought me. I only wish I could've made it out to one of the shows. My plan was to take a road trip out there this spring break with some friends, but sadly no one could go. "Next year we'll definetly do it.", they told me. Well that's a little too late. I really hope they don't continue the show. It will not be right w/out Bob...he is irreplaceable. I would especially hate to see them "modernize it". Then I definetly wouldn't watch. I probably won't watch anymore anyways because it'll be depressing not to see Bob walk out from behind those doors. Oh well...I guess it was finally time. I know I'll get over it eventually.

Thank you Bob.

[ThirdMarioBro]

Okay, I'm just going to spill it all out.

I pretty much agree with that whole statement except the part about them ending the show. I want my kids to be able to enjoy it someday. I always knew and accepted that Bob wouldn't be able to host it forever, and he's gone ten years longer than I thought he ever would. Hell, I thought he would quit when Rod Roddy died, but nope. He just kept on going and going and going until now.

The Price is Right always stays relevant for one reason: the show is based on prices. Prices change with the time, and another digit is added to lucky seven. Hell, they could be playing for a hydrological car, or an air powered car, but the game is still the same. Goofy cartoon mountain climbers with the audience clapping to On the Franches Mountains? Timeless. Magic number? Timeless. Hell, the Shell game is timeless. The old retro format? I don't see why they would change it. They tried twice and failed miserably both times. With only a production crew of 11 people, it outlived the attic styled 70's, it outlived the electronic 80's, and it outlived the artificial 90's. Now its just the "Price is Right Style". People accept it as just that, and not some old 70's throwback because it lived long enough for those stereotypes to die. Now they own that style. It's theirs and nobody else's.

The show has transcended generations. Watch the first episode. Its all old people in suits in the audience. Watch it now. Its all college guys and girls in tank tops and flip flops without a dime to their name. Its all young people 18-35. The audience is the kids that grew up with "Uncle Bob". Those are the people who grew up with the show, and they don't care that it came from the 70's, and that it looks like the 70s. Its like an hour-long playground. Now our kids should be able to enjoy that simple ignorance. I loved the show before I could count and barely talk because it just looked fun...pure simple innocent harmless fun. I learned basic math at age 3 just so I could play along. What do I get from it now? Real people. Those people aren't canned smiling faces selected to be on Wheel of Fortune. They aren't rich doctors playing on Jeopardy for the prestige and bragging rights. They are just normal every day poor-as-dirt schmucks like you and me who are thankful to be there even if they don't win a dime. They win that Ferrari and they are thankful as humanly possible. Its the people that have always been the real stars of the show, because they are real. They aren't actors, and they aren't phonies. They're just people.

I know and accept that they cannot find another Bob Barker. He's so synonymous with the show that people would rather have the show end. That just shows how much we really do love him because he is America's grandpa. My grandpa on my mom's side was an evil bastard from hell (no exaggeration there I'm afraid), and the one on my father's side was dead before I was born. I always in a way thought of Bob as my stand-in grandpa because he was always there every morning to cheer me up and spoil me rotton.

He came from a better generation of TV. He's pure class, and there isn't any one who can be him. I'll definitely never enjoy the show in the same way that I did with Bob, but I want it to go on. I want them to find a new host whom we can like for who he is. I want the next generation to enjoy that little hour of lights, flashy things, confetti, and happy people that I always enjoyed, ignorant to the passage of time and passing trends. Its timeless as long as people enjoy it.

[Roseangelo]

The Price is Right was required viewing for me any day I had off of school while growing up, but it's probably been more than 10 years since I've seen it. So I had to watch the last show tonight as it was repeated in prime time. Just fantastic. Bob is one of the best personalities to grace television in all of its history.

[Drtooth]

For anyone who was worried... Rosie O Donnel (sp) is NOT going to be the next host. She just declined the offer because she doesn't want to move to California to tape the show. It wouldn't have worked out anyway... she doesn't have that Slickness that Game show hosts usually have.

[Revan]

For anyone who was worried... Rosie O Donnel (sp) is NOT going to be the next host. She just declined the offer because she doesn't want to move to California to tape the show. It wouldn't have worked out anyway... she doesn't have that Slickness that Game show hosts usually have.
Oh thank goodness! I only watch PIR about once a week but still, I cannot stand Rosie O'Donnell

[Duke]

For anyone who was worried... Rosie O Donnel (sp) is NOT going to be the next host. She just declined the offer because she doesn't want to move to California to tape the show. It wouldn't have worked out anyway... she doesn't have that Slickness that Game show hosts usually have.The fact that they would offer her the job is depressing. I thought the show had a shot at surviving in a post-Barker era but the fact that they thought Rosie would make a good host is pretty much a dead give away that it simply can't.

[Drtooth]

Well, I didn't think the show would survie without Bob, period. I mean, no one even heard of the show back when Peter Cullen hosted the original version in the 60's.

I mean, I really can see John O' Hurley or George Hamilton host it. They have that "Game Show" personality that just clicks. Roise, like her or not, is an awards show host personality. Doesn't mesh well no matter what you think of her.

A Game show host needs that slightly cheesey, yet respectable air to them. But then again, Alex Trabeck doesn't have that, but considering his game show it works well.

[ThirdMarioBro]

Well, I didn't think the show would survie without Bob, period. I mean, no one even heard of the show back when Peter Cullen hosted the original version in the 60's.

I mean, I really can see John O' Hurley or George Hamilton host it. They have that "Game Show" personality that just clicks. Roise, like her or not, is an awards show host personality. Doesn't mesh well no matter what you think of her.

A Game show host needs that slightly cheesey, yet respectable air to them. But then again, Alex Trabeck doesn't have that, but considering his game show it works well.

Jeopardy is for old people. Price is Right is for everyone.

And yeah, I read that Rosie wanted the show to move to New York to suit her. The mere fact that she would want something that historic to move so she wouldn't have to drag her smelly, saggy as to LA appalls me.

And I can see now that the simple fact that they offered her the job shows it hasn't got a chance in hell now. John O' Hurley's my choice. He's the only one I can think of that treats contestants with respect, while still poking fun at them; something Bob was the true master of. Rosie is just a b*tch,who thrives at putting people beneath her.

George Hamilton would be my other first pick, but he's too old, and the show needs stability. John O' Hurley or bust.