Bob Barker To Leave Price Is Right

But those two words almost certainly apply to this announcement: Bob Barker has finally decided to step down as host of “The Price is Right”.

The world’s longest serving host on the world’s longest running game show is nearly 83, and has been inviting contestants to “come on down” for over three decades.

But it had to end sometime, and that sometime will finally come next June.

“I will be 83 years old on December 12,” he explains, “and I’ve decided to retire while I’m still young.”

“Price” started its run on TV in the 50s with Bill Cullen at the helm. The new incarnation – if a 35-year-old show can be called that – began on Sept. 4, 1972, and has never dimmed in popularity.

Despite ongoing criticism that the program is stale and a throwback to a different era, it continues to rack up big ratings in daytime TV.

Barker admits he’s been thinking about getting out for a decade, but realized it was too much fun to stop.

“I’ve gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I’ve enjoyed it,” the 17-time Emmy winner recounts. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m going to miss it.”

He says the grind of turning out the hour long show has now become too “demanding physically and mentally.”

“I’m just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me,” he concedes. “I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late.”

Barker’s tenure at the show hasn’t been without controversy.

He’s been accused by some of his so-called ‘beauties’, the women who model the prizes, of having a sexist attitude and one successfully sued the host for wrongful termination. Holly Hallstrom claims Barker had her fired because he thought she weighed too much.

But through it all, the former disc jockey – who started on TV in the 50s, taking over from Ralph Edwards on “Truth or Consequences”- has survived and thrived.

Which leaves one question that’s a lot more specific than the show’s traditional ‘higher or lower’ query: can there be a Price is Right without Bob Barker?

Various syndicated versions have been attempted over the years, hosted by veterans like Dennis James and Tom Kennedy, and even soap star Doug Davidson. All of them failed.

Producers insist they knew this day was coming and have been quietly searching for a replacement for the past two or three years. But it’s not clear if they have anyone in mind.
 
As for Barker, he plans to devote his time to animal causes, literally a pet project.

And after his celebrated appearance in “Happy Gilmore”,  he jokingly admits he’d be willing to take on another big screen role – under certain conditions.

“I refuse to do nude scenes,” he cautions. “These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don’t want to be just another beautiful body.”