Arguably the master host of heavy audience participation television, Mr.
Barker honed his skills in radio before Ralph Edwards called on him to host
a daytime reboot of "Truth or Consequences," a radio powerhouse in its
time. His version ran for 17 years on NBC and later in first-run
syndication (and the only TV version of "T or C" to be successful). Near
the end of the run, CBS pitched him for a reboot of "The Price is Right."
Saying he didn't want to be marked as an audience participation host, he
asked for one of the other game shows CBS was adding ("The Joker's Wild"
and "Gambit"), wanting what he thought would be an easier job. CBS exec Bud
Grant was insistent and he took the job--he held onto it for 35 years.
During that time, the long-time animal lover became an animal rights
activist and a vegetarian, stopping giving away fur coats and including
meat products in grocery games on "Price," and stepped down as MC of the
Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants when they refused to stop giving fur
coats as prizes. He died peacefully at his home, including to his rep:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bob-barker-dies-age-99-the-price-is-right-host/
"Help control the pet population--have your pet spayed or neutered. So long
everybody!"
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