What was Bob Barker's net worth? Majority of 'Price Is Right' host's estate will be donated to 'a number of causes'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bob Barker, the longtime host of 'Price is Right' who died at the age of 99 on Saturday, August 26, had a net worth of $70 million at the time of his death.
Even in his final days, Barker remained connected to the world of television, often enjoying reruns of 'Two and a Half Men' as well as checking out new episodes of his own show.
As the curtain fell on Barker's life, his legacy continues through his estate. The majority of his estate will be allocated to numerous causes that held a special place in his heart, particularly those related to animal welfare and support for veterans.
Bob Barker net worth
Barker's astounding net worth of $70 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, is a testament to his remarkable career in the entertainment industry. Having begun his television journey as the host of 'Truth or Consequences' in 1956, Barker's natural talent for game show hosting became evident.
This talent led to his iconic role as the host of "The Price is Right," which he held for an incredible 35 years after the iconic seies first aired on September 4, 1972. Drew Carey, his successor on the show, was applauded by Barker for adeptly carrying the torch after his retirement.
Throughout his tenure, Barker was generously compensated for his role, with his earnings reaching new heights during the last decade of his time on the show. During this period, he commanded an estimated $10 million per year, accumulating a substantial sum of $100 million over a decade. One of the key causes Barker championed was animal rights
What causes did Bob Barker support with his earnings?
A dedicated animal lover, the TV icon's passion for animal rights was evident in his famous sign-off phrase on 'The Price is Right': "Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."
In 2010, he donated $5 million to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, enabling them to purchase a ship named after him. This vessel has been instrumental in confronting Japanese whaling vessels. Additionally, Barker funded a helicopter for the same organization.
Roger Neal, Barker's representative, disclosed that the lion's share of Barker's assets will be distributed among more than 40 animal rights organizations and military nonprofits. This includes esteemed names like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the DonkeyLand Rescue in Riverside, California, as per TMZ.
Furthermore, a bird conservatory will receive a share of the estate's assets. Notably, Barker's girlfriend, Nancy, will lead the United Activists for Animal Rights charity, reflecting Barker's dedication to the causes he held dear.
Was Bob Barker married?
In addition to amassing an impressive fortune through his hosting career, Barker's he found love with Dorothy Jo Gideon. He shared 36 years of blissful marriage until her death in 1981 at the age of 67.
Despite the loss, Barker's heart opened to love once again, this time with Nancy Burnet. Their paths crossed at an animal adoption event in 1983, a fateful encounter that laid the foundation for a deep and meaningful relationship. United by their shared passion for animal activism, their love story blossomed.
“I think his legacy is just the lives — the millions of the animals that have not been born — because of his show,” Nancy told Closer about her beau in August 2022. “Helping to raise awareness about spaying and neutering, which is probably the most important thing … He made the awareness and made people think about it.”