"Barker's Beauties," a term coined for the ensemble of models on the American television
game show "The Price Is Right" during Bob Barker's tenure as host, have become synonymous
with the show's legacy of glitz, glamour, and behind-the-scenes controversies.
While the models, including notable names like Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson, and
Holly Hallstrom, were celebrated for their charm and on-screen poise, they were also
entwined in a series of scandals and legal battles that unveiled a less-than-idyllic
picture of their experiences on the show.
From allegations of sexual harassment and wrongful termination to disputes related to
workplace conduct and body image, the controversies surrounding "Barker's Beauties" have sparked
discussions about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry, workplace ethics,
and the stark contrast between on-screen personas and off-screen realities.
The legacy of "Barker's Beauties" thus becomes a multifaceted narrative, reflecting both
the iconic status of "The Price Is Right" and the darker, complex issues lurking behind
the scenes of one of America’s most beloved game shows.
Join Facts Verse, as we present: The Original Price is Right Models Kept This Secret While
Filming
Barker’s Beauties "Barker's Beauties" refers to the group of
models who appeared on the American television game show "The Price Is Right."
The term is derived from the show's former host, Bob Barker, who presented the show from
1972 to 2007.
The models were dubbed "Barker's Beauties" in reference to their association with Bob
Barker and their role in presenting and demonstrating prizes on the show.
The concept of using models to showcase prizes originated with the inception of "The Price
Is Right" in the 1950s.
When the show was revived in 1972 with Bob Barker as the host, the role of the models
became more prominent and they became a staple of the show.
"Barker's Beauties" typically presented the various prizes, from household items and cash
to cars and vacations, that contestants could win.
The models would interact with the prizes, demonstrating their use or revealing them
to the contestants and audience, becoming an integral part of the show's appeal and
format.
"Barker's Beauties" were known for their charm, poise, and friendly demeanor, and they played
a key role in the show's success and popularity.
Over the years, numerous models became part of "Barker's Beauties," with some staying
on the show for extended periods and becoming well-known figures in their own right.
Some of the most notable models from the Barker era include Janice Pennington, Dian Parkinson,
and Holly Hallstrom, each of whom appeared on the show for many years.
The term "Barker's Beauties" was specific to Bob Barker's tenure as host, and the models
were simply referred to as "Price Is Right" models after Drew Carey took over hosting
duties in 2007.
The role of the models has continued to evolve, with male models being introduced in recent
years, reflecting changing societal norms and expectations.
The models continue to be a fundamental aspect of "The Price Is Right," contributing to the
show's enduring popularity and appeal.
Dian Parkinson Dian Parkinson, born Dianna Lynn Batts on
November 30, 1944, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a former American model who gained
widespread recognition as one of "Barker's Beauties" on the game show "The Price Is Right."
Before her television career, Parkinson had achieved success in the pageant world, winning
titles such as Miss District of Columbia USA and representing Washington, D.C. in the Miss
USA pageant.
Her modeling career was notably highlighted by her 18-year stint on "The Price Is Right"
from 1975 to 1993, where she became one of the most recognizable and enduring models
on the show.
Parkinson's departure from "The Price Is Right" in 1993 and the subsequent legal battle cast
a shadow over her successful career.
In 1994, she filed a lawsuit against the show's host, Bob Barker, alleging sexual harassment.
Parkinson claimed that she had been coerced into a three-year sexual relationship with
Barker in exchange for job security.
Barker denied the allegations, asserting that the relationship was consensual and that Parkinson
was retaliating because she had been passed over for a promotional role that would have
featured her in showcases on the show.
The lawsuit and the surrounding media attention brought a scandalous element to the otherwise
family-friendly image of "The Price Is Right."
The case was eventually dropped by Parkinson in 1995, citing the emotional and financial
strain of the legal battle.
Barker maintained his innocence and continued to host the show until his retirement in 2007.
Dian Parkinson's career, while significantly marked by her time on "The Price Is Right"
and the subsequent controversy, also includes various modeling endeavors, including appearances
in "Playboy" magazine in the 1990s.
The controversy surrounding her departure from the show and the legal battle with Barker
remains one of the notable scandals in American television history, providing a glimpse into
the complexities and challenges faced by television personalities behind the scenes of popular
shows.
Holly Hallstrom Holly Hallstrom was one of the prominent models
on "The Price Is Right," known for her charismatic and lively presence.
Born on August 24, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, Hallstrom became one of "Barker's Beauties"
in 1977 and remained on the show for nearly two decades, becoming a familiar and beloved
face to the show’s viewers.
Her tenure on the show was characterized by her cheerful demeanor and playful interactions
with the host and contestants.
However, Holly Hallstrom's departure from "The Price Is Right" in the mid-1990s was
marred by controversy and legal disputes, revealing a less-than-glamorous behind-the-scenes
atmosphere.
Hallstrom was dismissed from the show in 1995, and the circumstances surrounding her departure
became the subject of a contentious legal battle.
She claimed that her dismissal was due to her refusal to support Bob Barker in his legal
dispute with another former model, Dian Parkinson, and her weight gain, which was a result of
a medical condition.
Hallstrom alleged that she was pressured to lose weight and was ultimately fired because
she did not conform to the show’s aesthetic expectations.
Bob Barker and the show's producers contended that Hallstrom’s dismissal was due to her
inability to get along with the production staff and disruptive behavior.
The legal battle that ensued was both lengthy and public, casting a shadow over the show’s
wholesome image.
Hallstrom was adamant about standing up against what she perceived as unfair treatment and
discrimination based on her appearance and her refusal to side with Barker against Parkinson.
In 2005, Hallstrom won her wrongful termination and defamation case, marking a significant
victory in a decade-long battle.
The controversy surrounding her departure and the subsequent legal fight highlighted
issues related to workplace treatment, body image, and the challenges faced by women in
the entertainment industry.
Holly Hallstrom's career, while significantly impacted by her time on "The Price Is Right"
and the associated controversy, reflects a narrative of resilience and standing firm
in the face of adversity, providing a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges
that can exist behind the scenes of even the most beloved television shows.
Janice Pennington Janice Pennington, born on July 8, 1942, in
Seattle, Washington, is widely recognized for her long-standing role as one of the original
"Barker's Beauties" on "The Price Is Right."
Before her tenure on the show, Pennington worked as a model and actress, even becoming
one of the most notable "Playboy" Playmates in the 1970s.
Her career took a definitive turn when she became a model on "The Price Is Right" in
1972, a position she held for 29 years, making her one of the longest-serving models on the
show.
Pennington's career on "The Price Is Right" was not without its challenges and controversies.
One of the significant incidents in her career occurred in 1988 during a taping of the show
when she was accidentally struck by a camera.
The accident resulted in serious injuries, including a broken collarbone and damage to
her cheekbone and eye socket, which required surgical intervention.
Despite the severity of the incident and the impact it had on her, Pennington continued
to work on the show for several more years.
Janice Pennington's departure from "The Price Is Right" in 2000 was abrupt and was shrouded
in controversy.
She, along with another long-time model, was unexpectedly let go from the show, sparking
speculation and rumors regarding the circumstances of their departures.
Pennington, who had become a familiar and beloved face to viewers over nearly three
decades, was replaced without a formal farewell, leaving fans and colleagues surprised and
disappointed.
Post "The Price Is Right," Janice Pennington has kept a relatively low profile in the entertainment
industry.
She co-wrote a book titled "Husband, Lover, Spy: A True Story," which details her experiences
being married to a spy during the Cold War.
Her career, while significantly defined by her time on "The Price Is Right," also reflects
a narrative of resilience and adaptability, navigating the highs and lows of the entertainment
industry and the challenges presented by unexpected and uncontrollable circumstances.
Pennington's journey through the glamorous yet often tumultuous world of television showcases
the complexities and paradoxes inherent in a life spent in the limelight.
Legacy of the Beauties On one hand, they are remembered for their
charm, elegance, and the lighthearted entertainment they brought to the show, becoming integral
components of its appeal and success.
The models became household names, and their interactions with the prizes, contestants,
and Barker himself were often delightful and entertaining to watch.
However, the legacy of "Barker's Beauties" is also intertwined with the f controversies
and legal disputes that unfolded behind the scenes and in the public eye, revealing a
less glamorous aspect of the entertainment industry.
The legal battles and public discussions that ensued have brought to light significant issues
regarding the treatment of women in the entertainment industry, providing a stark contrast to the
glitzy, carefree image presented on the show.
In a broader context, the legacy of "Barker's Beauties" serves as a reminder and a point
of reflection about the complexities and paradoxes of the entertainment world.
While they undoubtedly contributed to the charm and success of "The Price Is Right,"
the experiences of the models also open a window into the challenges faced by women
in television, particularly during the era in which they worked.
Their legacy, therefore, becomes a nuanced narrative that encompasses both the iconic
and the controversial, inviting discussions about progress, ethics, and the evolution
of workplace dynamics in the entertainment industry.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Were you a fan of Barker’s Beauties back in the day?
Let us know in the comments section below!