The Hilarious Tale of Bob Barker: Iconic Game Show Host and Animal Rights Activist

Bob Barker, born Robert William Barker in 1923, is an American television personality, former game show host, and animal rights activist. He is known for his charming personality, his signature sign-off line “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered,” and his flawless hairpiece.

Throughout his career, Barker hosted several game shows, including “Truth or Consequences,” “The Family Game,” and “The Price is Right.” He was also a regular on “The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon,” where he raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and made viewers laugh with his off-the-cuff jokes.

But what many people don’t know about Barker is his passion for animal rights. In fact, he was known for making animal-related prizes on “The Price is Right” conditional on the winner’s promise to provide a good home to the animals.

In 1987, Barker founded the DJ&T Foundation, named after his wife Dorothy Jo and his mother Tilly. The foundation aimed to fund low-cost spay and neuter clinics, and it has since helped thousands of pets get the care they need.

Barker wasn’t afraid to speak out against animal abuse either. In 1994, he famously walked off the set of “The Price is Right” when a fur coat was presented as a prize. He later stated that he regretted the decision to walk off, simply because he wanted to get his hands on the coat himself.

Despite his passion for animal rights, Barker was not without his flaws. He once got into a public feud with former colleague and game show host Bill Cullen, calling him “one of the most egotistical, insensitive men” he had ever met. Cullen fired back, stating that Barker was “the king of insincerity.”

In his later years, Barker continued to make public appearances, including a joyous return to “The Price is Right” for its 90th birthday celebrations. He even made a cameo appearance in the Adam Sandler film “Happy Gilmore,” playing himself in a hilarious scene in which he beats up Sandler’s character.

In conclusion, Bob Barker is a television icon who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He showed us how to be charming, funny, and passionate, all while championing the rights of our furry friends. We salute you, Bob Barker!