Bob Barker to retire in June [MERGED]
10-31-06, 03:37 PM
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Bob Barker to retire in June [MERGED]
Bob Barker retiring after 50 years on TV By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer
17 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down." The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press Tuesday.
"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."
He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television.
Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave.
"I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it."
Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program — in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars — is "demanding physically and mentally," he said.
"I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late."
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty "immeasurable."
"We knew this day would come, but that doesn't make it any easier," Moonves said in a statement. "Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time."
Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences." He first appeared on "Price" on Sept. 4, 1972 and has been the face of the show ever since.
A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said.
To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda.
He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."
Freemantle Media, which owns "Price," has been looking for Barker's replacement for "two or three years," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward.
"The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun."
As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century."
But when it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he'll do it the same way he does each day on "Price": "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
17 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES - Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down." The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press Tuesday.
"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."
He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television.
Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave.
"I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it."
Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program — in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars — is "demanding physically and mentally," he said.
"I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late."
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty "immeasurable."
"We knew this day would come, but that doesn't make it any easier," Moonves said in a statement. "Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time."
Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences." He first appeared on "Price" on Sept. 4, 1972 and has been the face of the show ever since.
A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said.
To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda.
He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."
Freemantle Media, which owns "Price," has been looking for Barker's replacement for "two or three years," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward.
"The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun."
As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century."
But when it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he'll do it the same way he does each day on "Price": "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
You'll be missed Bob. I can't imagine how many hours of TPIR I've seen over the years.
10-31-06, 04:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Red Dog
I can't imagine CBS forcing Bob out. I don't see what they'd have to gain by it.
10-31-06, 05:04 PM
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At least I won't have to cringe every time one of the barker beauties shows up on tv, knowing that Bob Barker has banged every one of them.
10-31-06, 05:26 PM
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I don't see CBS forcing him to retire. He is the reason many people watch the show. The show will lose ratings when he leaves.
The only person I can think of that would be accepted as a replacement for Barker is Regis. He has a following among the the age group that watches the show.
The only person I can think of that would be accepted as a replacement for Barker is Regis. He has a following among the the age group that watches the show.
10-31-06, 05:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Bluelitespecial
At least I won't have to cringe every time one of the barker beauties shows up on tv, knowing that Bob Barker has banged every one of them.
that's a really bad mental picture.
10-31-06, 05:29 PM
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Watching TPIR is like going through a time warp. Same sets, same games, same music, same camera work, same generic hotties. Only the prices have changed. It's living nostalga, and will not last three months when it changes.
10-31-06, 05:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Jason
Watching TPIR is like going through a time warp. Same sets, same games, same music, same camera work, same generic hotties. Only the prices have changed. It's living nostalga, and will not last three months when it changes.
I have noticed Bob becoming a little more agitated with the contestants in the last few years, I chalked it up to him becoming a grumpy old man, but the fact that they have the world's stupidest people appear on that show probably doesn't help.
Last edited by GoldenJCJ; 10-31-06 at 05:53 PM.
10-31-06, 06:18 PM
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Originally Posted by movieguru
I don't see CBS forcing him to retire. He is the reason many people watch the show. The show will lose ratings when he leaves.
That was my line of thought as well. Bob Barker is TPIR. The various evening syndicated incarnations of TPIR, with different hosts, have failed miserably.
10-31-06, 06:38 PM
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Originally Posted by GoldenJCJ
I have noticed Bob becoming a little more agitated with the contestants in the last few years, I chalked it up to him becoming a grumpy old man, but the fact that they have the world's stupidest people appear on that show probably doesn't help.
10-31-06, 10:21 PM
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Bob Barker to retire =(
i just found this on cnn.com. i wonder who they will get to replace him.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/1....ap/index.html
----------------------------
After 50 years, Bob Barker to say goodbye to TV
POSTED: 4:24 p.m. EST, October 31, 2006
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down."
The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."
He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television.
Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave.
"I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it."
Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on TV and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program -- in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars -- is "demanding physically and mentally," he said.
"I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late."
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty "immeasurable."
"We knew this day would come, but that doesn't make it any easier," Moonves said in a statement. "Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time."
Starting on 'Truth or Consequences'
Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences." He first appeared on "Price" on September 4, 1972, and has been the face of the show ever since. (The show was originally called "The New Price Is Right"; the original, which ran in the '50s and '60s, was hosted by Bill Cullen.)
A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said.
To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda.
He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."
Freemantle Media, which owns "Price," has been looking for Barker's replacement for "two or three years," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward.
"The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun."
As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century."
But when it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he'll do it the same way he does each day on "Price": "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/1....ap/index.html
----------------------------
After 50 years, Bob Barker to say goodbye to TV
POSTED: 4:24 p.m. EST, October 31, 2006
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final "Come on down."
The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."
He'll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of "The Price Is Right" and 50 years overall in television.
Though he has been considering retirement for "at least 10 years," Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn't been able to leave.
"I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it."
Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on TV and 35 with "Price," made this an "appropriate" time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program -- in which contestants chosen from the crowd "come on down" to compete for "showcases" that include trips, appliances and new cars -- is "demanding physically and mentally," he said.
"I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late."
Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty "immeasurable."
"We knew this day would come, but that doesn't make it any easier," Moonves said in a statement. "Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time."
Starting on 'Truth or Consequences'
Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences." He first appeared on "Price" on September 4, 1972, and has been the face of the show ever since. (The show was originally called "The New Price Is Right"; the original, which ran in the '50s and '60s, was hosted by Bill Cullen.)
A CBS prime-time special celebrating the show's longevity and Barker's five decades on TV was already under way, a network spokesman said.
To kick off his retirement, Barker said he will "sit down for maybe a couple of weeks and find out what it feels like to be bored." Then he plans to spend time working with animal-rights causes, including his own DJ&T Foundation, founded in memory of his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda.
He said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."
Freemantle Media, which owns "Price," has been looking for Barker's replacement for "two or three years," Barker said. And he has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games backwards and forward.
"The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said. "Then he will be relaxed enough to have fun with the audience, to get the laughs with his contestants and make the show more than just straight games, to make it a lot of fun."
As for his fans, Barker said he "doesn't have the words" to express his gratitude.
"From the bottom of my heart, I thank the television viewers, because they have made it possible for me to earn a living for 50 years doing something that I thoroughly enjoy. They have invited me into their homes daily for a half a century."
But when it comes to saying his final TV goodbye, Barker said he'll do it the same way he does each day on "Price": "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
10-31-06, 10:25 PM
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I disagree with the =(
It's time for Bob to go out gracefully, and I'm happy for him that he's in good enough health to enjoy retirement. He has given us damned near 50 years of great television at this point.
I'm not sure you can replace Bob with anybody. They'll try. I think they'll fail. They could pull Woolery in and go that route, but I think that's unlikely. What I hope they *don't* do is give us say Ryan Seacrest. They need not go too young.
Call me crazy, but I could actually see Jay Leno retire from The Tonight Show to this job if the timing were better on contracts and the like. It would give him ample time to tour between tapings, I'm sure.
It's time for Bob to go out gracefully, and I'm happy for him that he's in good enough health to enjoy retirement. He has given us damned near 50 years of great television at this point.
I'm not sure you can replace Bob with anybody. They'll try. I think they'll fail. They could pull Woolery in and go that route, but I think that's unlikely. What I hope they *don't* do is give us say Ryan Seacrest. They need not go too young.
Call me crazy, but I could actually see Jay Leno retire from The Tonight Show to this job if the timing were better on contracts and the like. It would give him ample time to tour between tapings, I'm sure.
10-31-06, 10:37 PM
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Originally Posted by SoSpacey
Jimmy - are you serious? Jay Leno hosting The Price is Right?
10-31-06, 10:44 PM
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10-31-06, 10:52 PM
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There is simply no way CBS could "force" Barker to retire. He has been in the driver's seat on TPIR for a long, long time. Any other host would have been canned when the first harassment allegations were made.
Peccadilloes aside, I will truly miss Bob. We've been watching the show for a long time, even when we had to tape it to time shift it. He made the show great, mostly because of what he mentioned in the article quoted. He knew the games so well that it gave him the chance to have fun with the contestants. That's why we have always watched.
I have little doubt that the network will try to revamp the show to suit a younger, "more hip" demographic, but I also have no doubt that it won't last more than one season when that happens.
Peccadilloes aside, I will truly miss Bob. We've been watching the show for a long time, even when we had to tape it to time shift it. He made the show great, mostly because of what he mentioned in the article quoted. He knew the games so well that it gave him the chance to have fun with the contestants. That's why we have always watched.
I have little doubt that the network will try to revamp the show to suit a younger, "more hip" demographic, but I also have no doubt that it won't last more than one season when that happens.
10-31-06, 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by kevin75
"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."
I think they'll probably replace him with Wayne Brady.
10-31-06, 11:44 PM
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Originally Posted by movieguru
The only person I can think of that would be accepted as a replacement for Barker is Regis. He has a following among the the age group that watches the show.
It's sort of too bad that Shatner is doing other things. That would at least be interesting.
11-01-06, 01:11 AM
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Bob Barker said he'd take on a movie role if the right one came along, but filmmakers, take note: "I refuse to do nude scenes. These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."
Although, if Bob wants to do another movie, maybe they can greenlight Happy Gilmore 2. I would pay to see him kick Adam Sandler's ass again, but if he takes off any clothes at all, I will seriously
11-01-06, 04:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Jimmy James
It's sort of too bad that Shatner is doing other things. That would at least be interesting.