The television world recently bid a solemn farewell to a true icon, Bob Barker, the legendary
host of "The Price is Right".
For many decades, Barker was the face of the show, warming up the living rooms across the
country with his charismatic presence.
On August 26, 2023, Barker passed away peacefully at his home in the Hollywood Hills at the
grand age of 99, after privately battling Alzheimer's disease for several years, a detail
closely guarded by his team and family.
With the world now reminiscing about Barker's incredible tenure, everyone is curious to
hear from Drew Carey, the individual who took up the mantle of hosting the beloved game
show following Barker's retirement.
In this video, we delve into Carey's recent revelations where he candidly shared his true
feelings about Bob Barker.
Stay tuned as we uncover the genuine sentiments and respect that Carey held for the legendary
figure.
Facts Verse Presents: Now Drew Carey Reveals How He Really Felt About Bob Barker
Bob’s Price Is Right Legacy
In the span of his career, Bob Barker became a household name, embodying grace and warmth
as the host of "The Price is Right".
Barker, who initiated his career in radio back in 1956, was first seen as the host of
the quirky game show "Truth or Consequences".
His jubilant response to securing this role was a heartfelt exclamation to his wife, Dorothy
Jo: "I got it!"
Barker's association with the show extended for an impressive 18 years, proving his mettle
as a charming and engaging host.
In 1972, Barker embarked on a new journey with a revamped version of "The Price is Right",
a show that had previously been hosted by Bill Cullen in the '50s and '60s.
Barker's tenure on this show turned into a phenomenon, making it television's longest-running
game show, a remarkable beacon in a time where such shows were dwindling in number.
Barker's dedication to the show and his audience was palpable, reflected in this light-hearted
remark shared during a mid-'90s television retrospective: "I have grown old in your service."
His stellar career saw him tape more than 5,000 shows, a feat highlighting his commitment
and passion for the role.
Why Bob Retired And How Drew Got The Job
In 2007, an end of an era was marked in the television industry when Bob Barker decided
to hang up his microphone, bringing to close an illustrious career that spanned over half
a century.
The decision wasn't easy, but as Barker himself noted, it was a move guided by a consideration
of his physical wellbeing, acknowledging the exertions that came with hosting such a high-energy
show.
Barker chose to step back, believing it was "better to leave a year too soon than a year
too late", a sentiment that reflected his wisdom and deep consideration for the show's
legacy.
As Barker bid farewell to his longtime fans, expressing a heartfelt "thank you, thank you,
thank you" to the audience for allowing him into their homes for over 50 years, the question
of his successor became a topic of eager discussion.
It wasn't long before comedian Drew Carey was unveiled as the chosen one to step into
Barker's monumental shoes.
Carey, known for his jovial nature and quick wit, seemed a fitting choice to carry forward
the legacy of the show that Barker had nurtured with so much dedication and love.
Drew Carey embraced the role with open arms, bringing a fresh and energetic vibe to the
show, which resonated well with a new generation of viewers.
His initiation wasn't just a change of guard, but a continuation of a legacy that embodied
joy, laughter, and a sense of community that "The Price is Right" had fostered over the
years.
In April 2009, fans were treated to a special moment when Barker returned to share the stage
with Carey to promote his memoir, "Priceless Memories", where he reminisced about the joy
and excitement that hosting the show brought into his life.
The One Rule Bob Insisted Drew Follow
In the world of television, passing the torch from a seasoned host to a successor is a momentous
occasion.
When it came time for Bob Barker, the long-standing host of "The Price is Right," to step down,
he had a pivotal piece of advice for his successor, Drew Carey.
The transition carried the weight of history, as Carey was stepping into a role that was
cherished by millions of viewers for over three decades.
During a lunch between the two, Barker made it clear that he had one non-negotiable rule
for Carey to follow as he assumed the mantle of hosting the longest-running game show in
television history.
In a recent interview with People, Carey revealed Barker's golden rule: "Don't try to copy me.
Just make it your own show."
This guidance came from a place of well-learned insight and wisdom, embodying the spirit of
individuality and the acknowledgement that every host brings a unique flair to a show.
Drew Carey embraced this advice without second-guessing it.
Having already carved a niche for himself in the television industry with "The Drew
Carey Show," he was no stranger to the spotlight.
Carey later remarked, "I knew I could never be Bob, and I wasn't going to try to be Bob."
He stepped into his role with a fresh perspective and an eagerness to foster a bond with the
audience, albeit in his own distinctive style.
Now, over 15 years into hosting the show, Carey has indeed made it his own, fostering
a rapport with contestants who come from all walks of life.
He arrives on set each day with a readiness to enjoy the show just as much as the contestants,
stating that he doesn't have to think twice about any prep before air.
The main allure of the show, according to Carey, is the genuine reactions of the contestants
experiencing possibly the best day of their lives, a sentiment that surely echoes in the
hearts of the audience at home.
The Feud That Really Wasn’t
Over the years, rumors have swirled about the supposedly tense relationship between
Drew Carey and the late Bob Barker, previous and successor hosts of "The Price is Right".
When Carey took the reins in 2007, Barker expressed positivity and support for him in
a conversation with the Associated Press, highlighting Carey's friendly disposition
and his knack for ad-libbing.
He urged Carey to helm the show in his own manner, without trying to mimic Barker or
any other presenter.
However, a deviation occurred in 2010 when Barker seemed to criticize Carey's approach
to hosting the show in a chat with TMZ, insinuating that Carey's style might lack the zest Barker
had aimed to bring to the series.
This remark stirred some speculations about a potential disagreement between the two.
Nevertheless, Barker clarified his statement in a follow-up interview with Entertainment
Weekly, emphasizing his respect for Carey and firmly negating any notion of him speaking
negatively about Carey or the beloved show.
In 2012, another wave of rumors about their relationship surfaced when Barker revealed
his disappointment about not being invited to the show’s 40th-anniversary event, giving
rise to suggestions of a rift between him and Carey.
Responding to these speculations, Carey expressed his regret over the incident, pointing out
that it was an unintentional oversight and assuring that there was no animosity involved.
He affirmed that the celebration focused on paying tribute to the contestants and Barker's
absence was not a premeditated exclusion.
Their relationship saw warmer times too.
Barker returned to the show in 2013 to celebrate his 90th birthday, a momentous occasion where
Carey joyfully celebrated the veteran host.
Additionally, in an interview with Gold Derby in 2017, Carey spoke of the encouragement
and support he received from Barker when he first embarked on his journey as the host
of the show.
Though Barker is no longer with us, their past interactions paint a clear picture of
a relationship marked by moments of professional respect and camaraderie.
Throughout their tenure as hosts, they experienced periods of warmth and encouragement, with
Barker advising Carey to forge his own path on the show, building a unique and individual
rapport with the dedicated and lively audience of "The Price Is Right".
What Drew Learned From Bob
Drew Carey recently shared his profound admiration and lessons learned from the legendary Bob
Barker in an interview with ET.
During the conversation, he paid a heartfelt tribute to Barker, who as we already know
sadly passed away at the age of 99 after battling Alzheimer's disease.
Carey raved about Barker's exceptional ability to relate to people and make them feel relaxed
and genuine on the show.
He praised Barker's unflappable demeanor and the way he seemed to handle the pressures
of hosting with a grace that made everything seem effortless.
Despite sometimes finding it challenging to live up to Barker's laid-back legacy, Carey
revealed that he has managed to incorporate some of Barker's hosting philosophies into
his own approach.
He has learned to own the stage in a way that makes everyone feel like they are in his living
room, fostering a comfortable and inviting atmosphere just like Barker did during his
tenure from 1972 to 2007.
Regarding the show's recent move to a new studio in Glendale, California, Carey assured
fans that the essence of the show they adore remains the same.
He emphasized that the real charm of the show is witnessing the contestants, regular people,
experiencing the most joyous moments of their lives, something that resonates deeply with
viewers and keeps them coming back for more.
But it wasn't just his relationship with Barker that Drew elaborated on in that ET interview.
Discussing a recently aired special Survivor-themed episode, which he filmed alongside Jeff Probst,
Carey shared his empathy for the eliminated competitors, admitting that watching their
torches being snuffed out was quite tough.
However, he also enjoyed the collaboration with Probst, appreciating the joy and fun
Probst brings to his job, something that he identifies with greatly.
As the conversation took a lighter turn, Carey humorously pondered his potential fate in
a game of Survivor hosted by Probst.
Confident in his strategic abilities developed over years of competitive board games, Carey
felt that he would fare quite well, ready to employ a bit of deceit if necessary to
claim victory.
Through this rich dialogue with ET, Carey not only honored the lasting legacy of Bob
Barker but also provided insights into his personal journey and growth as the beloved
host of "The Price is Right", showcasing the deep respect and camaraderie that exists within
the CBS television family.
In this video, we took a stroll down memory lane to explore the dynamic and moments shared
between Bob Barker and Drew Carey during their respective tenures as hosts of "The Price
is Right".
As we close this chapter, we'd love to hear your thoughts.
Do you have fond memories of watching Bob Barker, or have you enjoyed Drew Carey's approach
to the show?
Thank you for joining us in revisiting the legacies of these two remarkable hosts.
We appreciate your time and look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.