Final showcase next June for Price is Right's Bob Barker
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 | 5:34 PM ET
CBC Arts
Come on down, game show lovers. Bob Barker is to host his last Price is Right in June.
The daytime game show host announced his plans to retire on Tuesday.
Game show host Bob Barker stands alongside the big wheel during a live taping of The Price is Right. He plans to retire in June 2007.
(Ric Francis/Associated Press)
"I will be 83 years old on Dec. 12…. and I've decided to retire while I'm still young," he said.
In June, Barker will celebrate 50 years on television and 35 as host of the game show that asks people to guess the retail price of items in its showcases.
"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."
Barker began his TV career in 1956 as the host of another game show, Truth or Consequences.
He first appeared on The Price is Right on Sept. 4, 1972 and has been the face of the show ever since.
Barker said he plans to take it easy for a while but he would be ready to take on a film role with one proviso.
"I refuse to do nude scenes," he joked. "These Hollywood producers want to capitalize on my obvious sexuality, but I don't want to be just another beautiful body."
Although Barker seems to be synonymous with the show, Freemantle Media, which owns The Price is Right has been looking for a replacement for him, he said.
Barker has some advice for whoever takes the job: learn the show's 80 games thoroughly.
"The games have to be just like riding a bicycle," Barker said.
'Daytime legend'
"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."
CBS chief executive Leslie Moonves said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network.
"Bob Barker is a daytime legend, an entertainment icon and one of the most beloved television personalities of our time," he said in a statement.
The network plans a special honouring Barker.
But Barker has no special plans for his final TV goodbye.
He plans to say what he always says at the end of the show: "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
