Hollywood took to social media to pay tribute to Bob Barker, who died of natural causes Saturday morning at 99.
The longtime Price Is Right host gained a new group of fans after his iconic fight with Adam Sandler in his 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore.
Sandler remembered the former game show host as a man, a myth and “the best,” adding in his Instagram caption, “Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us!”
Drew Carey, the current Price Is Right host, who took over for Barker in 2007, called it a “very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world. There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him. I will carry his memory in my heart forever. #RIPBobBarker We love you.”
In addition to his work as a famed game show host, Barker was also a major animal rights activist. According to PETA, he was one of the first stars to go vegetarian more than 30 years ago.
“[He] urged families to stay away from SeaWorld, demanded the closure of cruel bear pits masquerading as tourist attractions, implored Hollywood to take action to protect animals used in film and TV and, as a Navy veteran, called for the end of military medical drills on live animals,” the organization said in a statement.
Julie Bowen, who also starred in Happy Gilmore, recalled Barker and Sandler’s fight in the film, noting it was “one of my favorite filming memories ever. She concluded her Instagram caption, writing, “In honor of Bob: please remember to spay and neuter your pets,” referring to what the host used to say during his Price Is Right sign-off.
In a post celebrating his 50-year TV career, the Motion Picture Association championed the Emmy-winning game show host who became a beloved household name. “In countless households across America, Bob Barker was a part of the family — beaming into our homes daily as the iconic host of ‘The Price Is Right,’” MPA tweeted. “Thanks for the memories, Bob.”
On Saturday, actor Lou Diamond Phillips recalled his experience being the “tireless” animal advocate’s neighbor. “Was lucky enough to be Bob Barker’s neighbor for a while. Would often chat with him when he was walking his dogs. What a consummate gentleman and tireless advocate for animals. What an epic run you had, sir. #RIPLegend”
Read on for more tributes.
