Bob Barker to retire
 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061031/...rker_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 :(

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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:

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