How Game Show Host Bob Barker Earned His Fortune, Plus His Net Worth, Legacy, & More

Bob Barker is a retired American TV game show host who became popular for hosting CBS’ The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007. In his 35 years as host, he made an impression on millions of viewers on a daily basis who certainly love him tremendously and believe he is the best man to handle the show.

The animal right activist enjoyed a smooth career run and retired from anchoring the game show after celebrating 50 years on television. Recently, The Daytime Emmy Award winner celebrated his 98th birthday, and fans are still curious about how the WWII veteran is doing.

Interestingly, Barker’s impact on The Price Is Right can not be overemphasized. The show, currently hosted by Drew Carey, still ranks as one of the most iconic game shows of all time and constantly competes with others in the genre like Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Still, The Price Is Right is considered special in its way as the show pits four contestants against each other in an attempt to win grand prizes like cars and furniture.

Bob Barker’s humble beginning

The animal lover was born in Washington on December 12, 1923. He was raised by a father who worked as an electrical highline foreman while his mother was a teacher. Barker’s love for sports grew while in school, and he became fully involved in playing basketball. He was so good, in fact, that he received a basketball scholarship to further his academics at Dury University, Missouri.

However, his focus shifted as he withdrew from school to serve in World War II. He became a fighter pilot for the U.S Navy. After the war, Barker returned to school and graduated with a degree in Economics, but also had pending interests, which led him to work at radio station KTTS FM. He invested so much time in self-growth, which positioned him to clinch the news editor and announcer gig for another station, WWPG 1340AM.

Barker’s experience landed him The Price is Right hosting role

Barker’s wealth of experience prepared him to map out his career path as he clamored for his own show, The Bob Barker Show, which successfully played for six years. This further built his confidence in hosting a TV show, which he got the chance to do with the aforementioned Truth or Consequences in 1956.

He held on to the position until he moved on to host a different show on NBC called Simon Says. Years after, through consistency, he landed the hosting position on The Price is Right, which he anchored until his retirement. Bob was persistent and determined throughout his journey to the limelight, cementing his place in the heart of people as well as his finances by accruing that $70 million net worth.