If you grew up watching television anytime between 1972 and 2007, your sick days probably involved a bowl of chicken noodle soup and a silver-haired man telling you to "Come on down!" Bob Barker wasn't just a host; he was the grandfather of American daytime TV. But when the news broke that he’d passed away, it felt like the end of a very specific, comfortable era.
So, when did Bob Barker die, exactly?
Bob Barker died on August 26, 2023. He was 99 years old. He passed away peacefully at his home in the Hollywood Hills, just months shy of his 100th birthday. It’s kinda wild to think he almost hit that century mark, isn’t it? For a guy who spent decades counting down the seconds on a game show clock, he certainly knew how to make his own time on Earth count.
What caused Bob Barker’s death?
While initial reports simply cited "natural causes," the actual details on his death certificate painted a more specific picture. Honestly, he’d been dealing with more than he let on to the public. The primary cause was listed as Alzheimer’s disease.
Barker hadn't really talked about the diagnosis publicly. He was always a private guy when it came to his health. His longtime friend and companion, Nancy Burnet, mentioned that even up until a couple of months before he died, he was still participating in conversations and light exercises.
Beyond the Alzheimer’s, there were other factors that come with being 99. His death certificate also noted:
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- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol)
It’s a lot for one body to handle, but he stayed in his own home until the very end, which is how most of us hope to go.
Why there was no funeral for Bob Barker
You might remember searching for news about a star-studded memorial service or a televised funeral. You didn't find one. That’s because Bob Barker specifically requested that no funeral or memorial service be held.
He wasn't into the grand fanfare for himself. He wanted to be remembered through his work and his activism rather than a somber ceremony. Instead, he was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills.
If you’re looking for a bit of a tear-jerker, he was laid to rest right next to his wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon. She was his high school sweetheart, and she passed away from lung cancer back in 1981. He never remarried. He once said she was the love of his life, and after 42 years apart, they’re finally back together. 13 months after he passed, a simple bronze marker was finally placed on the site, reading "Robert W. Barker 1923 – 2023."
The "Price Is Right" legacy and those iconic sign-offs
Barker didn't just host The Price Is Right; he became the show. He hosted over 6,500 episodes. That is a staggering amount of "Plinko" and "Cliff Hangers."
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But the thing people ask about most isn't the games—it's the pets. "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
He started saying that in 1979. It wasn't a suggestion; it was a mission. He even threatened to quit the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants because they were giving away fur coats as prizes. He eventually did quit in 1988 because they wouldn't budge. Talk about having a backbone.
His impact by the numbers:
- 19 Emmy Awards: Most of them for hosting, but some for his work as an executive producer.
- $70 Million: The estimated value of his estate, the "lion's share" of which he reportedly left to animal rights organizations.
- 187 Law Schools: The number of schools that now offer animal law courses, many of which were funded by Barker’s multimillion-dollar endowments.
A complicated history: The controversies
We’d be doing a disservice to history if we pretended everything was always "spinning the wheel" and smiles. Barker’s tenure wasn’t without its shadows. In 1994, model Dian Parkinson sued him for sexual harassment. Barker admitted to a relationship but claimed it was consensual. The suit was eventually dropped, but it remains a significant part of his public record.
There were other lawsuits too, from models like Holly Hallstrom and Deborah Curling, involving allegations of wrongful termination and racial discrimination. It reminds us that even the most beloved public figures are, well, human and flawed.
How to honor his memory today
If you want to do more than just remember when Bob Barker died, there are practical ways to carry on what he actually cared about.
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First, take his advice. If you have pets, make sure they are fixed. It sounds simple, but it was the cornerstone of his life’s work.
Second, consider supporting the organizations he backed. He put his money where his mouth was, donating millions to PETA, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (who even named a ship after him), and the DJ&T Foundation.
Third, go watch a clip of the Happy Gilmore fight. Seeing a 72-year-old Bob Barker knock out Adam Sandler is still one of the greatest moments in cinematic history. "The price is wrong, b****!"
Bob Barker lived a massive life. He saw the world change from the "Old West" vibes of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation to the digital age. He gave away millions of dollars in cars and vacations, but his real gift was being a constant, friendly face in American living rooms for half a century.
Take Action:
- Check your local shelters: If you can't adopt, see if they need volunteers or supplies.
- Verify your pet's records: Ensure your animals are up to date on vaccinations and, as Bob would say, "spayed or neutered."
- Donate to Animal Law programs: If you’re into the legal side of things, look into the animal law departments at schools like Harvard or UCLA, which continue to thrive thanks to his initial funding.