Bob Barker Retiring After 50 Years on TV

Allie @ Gone Hollywood | Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Bob Barker is heading toward his last showcase, his final “Come on down.” The silver-haired daytime-TV icon is retiring in June, he told The Associated Press Tuesday. It’s amazing he hasn’t retired sooner… I’m sure there are a couple generations that will miss seeing him on the air.

“I will be 83 years old on December 12,” he said, “and I’ve decided to retire while I’m still young.”

He’ll hang up his microphone after 35 years as the host of “The Price Is Right” and 50 years overall in television.

Though he has been considering retirement for “at least 10 years,” Barker said he has so much fun doing the show that he hasn’t been able to leave.

“I’ve gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m going to miss it.”

Reaching dual milestones, 50 years on television and 35 with “Price,” made this an “appropriate” time to retire, Barker said. Besides, hosting the daily CBS program - in which contestants chosen from the crowd “come on down” to compete for “showcases” that include trips, appliances and new cars - is “demanding physically and mentally,” he said.

“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.”

Leslie Moonves, president and CEO of CBS Corporation, said Barker has left an enduring mark on the network, calling his contribution and loyalty “immeasurable.” source

Bob Barker Retiring After 50 Years on TV

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