When news broke of Bob Barker’s death, the world mourned the loss of the famous former host of “The Price Is Right.” Barker, who died at 99 on Aug. 26, served as the daytime game show’s host from 1972 until his retirement in 2007. Many people took to social media to reminisce about their childhood days when they would watch Barker while they were home from school on a sick day.
In addition to the millions of people who shared their memories of Barker, celebrities who knew him personally paid tribute to the man who spent 35 years on television and connected with multiple generations.
Drew Carey, the TV star who took Barker’s place on “The Price Is Right” in 2007, posted his thoughts and thanks to the original host.
“There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker, and I thank him,” Carey said in his Aug. 26 post on X (formerly Twitter). “I will carry his memory in my heart forever.”
Very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world. There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him. I will carry his memory in my heart forever.#RIPBobBarker
We love you— ÊÇɹÉÆ ÊÇɹᡠ(@DrewFromTV) August 26, 2023
Adam Sandler, who worked with Barker on “Happy Gilmore” and shared a memorable fight scene with the iconic TV host in that movie, shared his grief on his Instagram account.
“The man. The myth. The best,” Sandler posted along with photos of the pair together. “Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!”
One of Sandler’s best friends and frequent film co-stars, Rob Schneider, posted a little-known memory about Barker’s appearance in “Happy Gilmore.”
“One of the nicest things I ever heard in show business was Bob Barker saying, ‘I moved to Hollywood to be an actor and the only person who ever let me do it was Adam Sandler!'” he shared.
One of the nicest things I ever heard in showbusiness was Bob Barker saying, “I moved to Hollywood to be an actor and the only person who ever let me do it was Adam Sandler!”
This scene with them was and will always be absolutely hilarious!
God bless you, Bob https://t.co/5kKt0EM81x— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) August 26, 2023
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Barker was not only known for his hosting prowess but also as an animal rights activist. Actor James Woods shared a social post about Barker’s passion for animals.
“If you only think of Bob Barker as a world-famous game show host, you are missing his greatest contribution,” Woods shared. “He was a leading advocate for animal rights. His love of our furry friends inspired compassionate movements all over the world, and we humans were better for it.”
If you only think of Bob Barker as a world famous game show host, you are missing his greatest contribution. He was a leading advocate for animal rights. His love of our furry friends inspired compassionate movements all over the world, and we humans were better for it. #RIP pic.twitter.com/12y0bEr5f3
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) August 26, 2023
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Actor Lou Diamond Philips spoke of his time as Barker’s neighbor in his tribute post.
“What a consummate gentleman and tireless advocate for animals,” he wrote. “What an epic run you had, sir.”
Was lucky enough to be Bob Barker’s neighbor for a while. Would often chat with him when he was walking his dogs. What a consummate gentleman and tireless advocate for animals. What an epic run you had, sir. #RIPLegend
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) August 26, 2023
Country music star John Rich called Barker “the best ever” and shared a video of Barker talking with a “The Price is Right” contestant who would eventually become a famous game show cohost a few years later.
“Remember the time @TheVannaWhite was asked to ‘Come on Down’ on The Price is Right'” Rich posted. “He was an American treasure.”
We watched Bob Barker all the time growing up, he the best there ever was! Remember the time â¦@TheVannaWhiteâ© was asked to “Come on down!” on The Price Is Right? He was an American treasure. RIP Bob Barker
pic.twitter.com/XQbFxDX1iY
— John Rich
(@johnrich) August 26, 2023
At the end of his time on “The Price is Right,” Barker expressed his gratitude for his fans’ love and loyalty during his long career.
“I thank you, thank you, thank you for inviting me into your home for more than 50 years,” he said on the day of his retirement.
Thank you, Mr. Barker, for your decades of entertainment.
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Check out Simplemost for additional stories.
