Robert William Barker is a former game show host and actor, perhaps best known for his 35 year stint on the popular game show, The Price is Right. With several other hosting jobs under his belt, including NBC’s Truth or Consequences and several Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants,  Barker retired from television in 2007.

Barker was born on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington. His father, Byron John Barker, died in 1929 when Barker was only six years old. His mother, Matilda Kent Tarleton, remarried, resulting in a half-brother named Kent Valandra. Barker graduated from Central High School in Springfield, Missouri, in 1941 and enrolled in Drury University. His studies were cut short with his decision to train as a fighter pilot for the Naval Reserve during World War II.

After the war was over, Barker continued his studies and eventually graduated with a degree in economics. In January of 1945, Barker married the love of his life, Dorothy Jo Gideon. The couple remained married until lung cancer claimed her life on October 19, 1981. Barker and Gideon never had children.

Barker was introduced to the world of media when he was hired to work at a radio station in Springfield in the early 1940s. This venture resulted in several broadcasting jobs, eventually landing Barker in California, where he began hosting his own radio show titled The Bob Barker Show. In 1956, Barker transitioned from radio to television. Little did he know that his career would span over half a century, resulting in 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, two Lifetime Achievement Awards and an induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

In 1979, Barker’s dedication to animal rights prompted him to convert to a vegetarian lifestyle. His activism has been apparent throughout his career, perhaps most apparent with his coining of the phrase “help control the pet population, have your pets spayed or neutered,” quoted at the end of each The Price is Right episode. Today, Barker still remains loyal to the cause. His generous donations and undying dedication has gone a long ways in establishing animal rights programs, including the DJ&T Foundation, named after his late wife and mother, which supports low cost spay and neuter clinics throughout the United States. Barker will always be remembered as one of the best television hosts, as well as one of the most loyal animal rights supporters of all time.