Bob Barker Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Bob Barker’s Wealth and Earnings:

The legendary American TV game show host and animal activist, Bob Barker, had a net worth of $0 at the time of his passing. Bob, famously pledged to “die broke” by donating his entire wealth to animal charities. He passed away on August 26, 2023, at 99 years old, likely fulfilling his commitment.

At his peak, Bob amassed a fortune exceeding $70 million. Throughout his life, he contributed a minimum of $30 million towards animal welfare causes. Bob was a passionate advocate for animal rights during his entire lifetime. His philanthropic gestures included a $2.5 million donation in 2012 to PETA, leading them to name their West Coast headquarters after him. He also established the “DJ&T Foundation” with $25 million of his resources to facilitate spaying and neutering services. The “S.S. Bob Barker,” an anti-whaling ship, was funded with a $5 million donation to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Famously known for his enduring tenure on “The Price Is Right” game show from 1972 to 2007, Bob Barker’s legacy extends beyond his hosting duties. Acknowledged with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he received the 1995 Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award and was hailed as the Greatest Game Show Host of All-Time by Time magazine. Before his success on “The Price Is Right,” he gained recognition as the host of “Truth or Consequences” from 1956 to 1974.

Barker’s distinctively warm hosting approach and sincere connection with contestants significantly contributed to the success of “The Price Is Right,” turning it into a cultural phenomenon. The show’s engaging mini-games and enthusiastic audience further bolstered its popularity. Under his leadership, the show garnered numerous Daytime Emmy Awards, with Bob himself clinching an impressive 19 Daytime Emmys for his hosting roles across various programs.

Early Years:

Robert William Barker, born in Darrington, Washington, on December 12, 1923, primarily grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. He holds official Sioux tribe membership through the U.S. Indian Census Rolls, 1885-1940, being one-eighth Sioux. His mother was a school teacher, and his father worked as an electrical high-line foreman.

Receiving a basketball scholarship, Barker attended Drury College (now Drury University) in Missouri. At college, he joined the Epsilon Beta chapter of the Sigma Nu fraternity. Serving as a fighter pilot in the US Navy during World War II, his squadron assignment was canceled due to the war’s end. Barker completed his college education after the war, earning an economics degree.

Professional Journey:

During college, Barker held roles at the KTTS-FM radio station in Springfield. Moving to Florida, he worked as a news editor and announcer at WWPG 1340 AM in Palm Beach (now WPBR in Lantana). Relocating to California in 1950, he launched his radio show in Burbank, titled “The Bob Barker Show,” running for six years. Notable game show producer Ralph Edwards noticed him during an audience participation program in California, leading Barker’s transition from radio to television, hosting “Truth or Consequences” starting in 1956 until 1974.

Continuing to host “Truth or Consequences,” in 1971, Barker was chosen to present an NBC pilot, “Simon Says.” Subsequently, when CBS expressed interest in reviving “The Price Is Right,” Mark Goodson and Bill Todman’s proposed show in early 1972, Barker was selected as the host, commencing on September 4, 1972. Barker continued hosting the modernized version of “The Price Is Right” until his retirement announcement on October 31, 2006, stepping down officially in 2007. His farewell episode, aired on June 15, which was pre-recorded on June 6, 2007. Following his retirement, Barker made sporadic appearances, notably in April 2009 to promote his autobiography, in December 2013 to celebrate his 90^th birthday, and in April 2015 for an April Fools’ joke, temporarily resuming hosting duties from Drew Carey.

Salary from The Price Is Right:

During his last decade on the show, Barker received an annual salary of $10 million.

Additional Involvements:

Barker made a notable cameo in the 1996 film “Happy Gilmore” alongside Adam Sandler. The scene features a golf course fistfight between Barker and Sandler, ending with Barker striking Sandler unconscious. Barker revealed in interviews that not a day goes by without someone referencing that cinematic moment in public encounters.

Further, Barker and his wife Dorothy Jo were intermittent panelists on game shows like “Tattletales” and “Match Game.” He appeared in various talk shows including “Dinah!,” “Larry King Live,” “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” and “The Wayne Brady Show.” Barker participated in commercials for brands such as State Farm Insurance and also endorsed Republican Party Congressional candidate David Jolly in an advertisement. He lent his voice to the “SpongeBob SquarePants” animated series character Bob Barnacle.

Published on April 6, 2009, Barker’s autobiography “Priceless Memories” recounts fifty years of television career stories and early life anecdotes. Assisted in its creation by Digby Diehl, a former L.A. Times book review editor.

Personal Relationships:

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Jo Gideon, in 1945, until her passing from lung cancer in 1981. Although he never remarried, Barker has been romantically linked to several individuals, including a well-known “Barker’s Beauties” member, Dian Parkinson.In lasting three years was the relationship. His girlfriend, Nancy Burnet, his recent companion of nearly 40 years, resides with him in California in a Spanish Colonial-style home built in 1929, valued at approximately $2.3 million.

Named in his honor is the “Bob Barker Studio” at CBS Television City.

Real Estate

For over 50 years, the same home in the Hollywood Hills was Bob’s residence. Listed for sale in March 2024 by his estate for just under $3 million, the home, which is situated just 15 minutes away from the studio where “The Price is Right” was filmed, underwent moderate renovations before its listing in 2024, including new paint and fixtures. Surpassing the asking price, Bob’s estate sold the home for $3.8 million in April 2024.

Animal Activism

Bob, despite his official retirement, remains actively supportive of animal rights. A vocal advocate for animal rights, Bob famously concluded each show with the phrase, “Please remember to have your pets spayed or neutered.”

Involved in protests against circuses for exploiting animals by confining them in cages and coercing them into performing tricks, often while heavily sedated.

$5 million was donated by Barker to the animal activist group Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in 2010. The funds were allocated toward acquiring a vessel, now used for intercepting and obstructing Japanese whaling vessels. The vessel was christened the “MY Bob Barker.”:

Their other whaling interceptor was named after the late Simpsons producer Sam Simon, who generously contributed to various animal charities during his lifetime, funding a vegan homeless food drive organization that feeds hundreds weekly.

A helicopter for the Sea Shepherd Society was later purchased by Bob Barker. Additionally, $2.5 million was donated to PETA by Barker to aid in constructing their Los Angeles headquarters, now known as the “Bob Barker Building.” In 2014, three elephants were relocated from a Toronto zoo to a wildlife preserve in California via his $700,000 donation.