Bob Barker bids farewell

LOS ANGELES

lowing kisses to the camera, Bob Barker signed off on 35 years on “The Price Is Right” and 50 years in daytime TV in the same low-key, genial fashion that made him one of daytime TV’s biggest stars.

Mr. Barker, who had said before last Wednesday’s taping of his final appearance that he would try to act as if it was “just another show,” stuck to that promise. He ended the program as he always has, signing off with the words: “Help control the pet population;, have your pets spayed or neutered. Goodbye everybody.”

After the cameras stopped rolling, he told the studio audience, “I thank you, thank you, thank you for inviting me into your home for more than 50 years. I’m truly grateful and I hope that all of you have enjoyed your visit to ’The Price Is Right.’ ”

The hourlong taping began with the show’s 83-year-old host entering the studio to a standing ovation from an adoring public and a giant shower of colorful confetti from his colleagues. The program is scheduled to air Friday .

“This is over-the-top amazing. It’s like a piece of Americana,” said Terry Baldwin, 55, of Pebble Beach, Calif., who had camped out overnight to ensure she got a seat in the audience.

Mr. Barker went on to conduct the show like every other, presiding over his final Showcase Showdown and, during breaks for commercials, answering questions from the audience.

“Someone asked, will I spend my mornings watching ’The Price is Right’? In as few words as possible, no,” he quipped. Then he acknowledged curiosity might get the better of him.

Mr. Barker said before the show he is looking forward to retirement, but added, “I know that I will miss the show terribly and miss the people on the show terribly. I know that I will have periods after I’m retired when I’ll think, ’Boy I wish I was going over there to do ’The Price Is Right.’ ”

Mr. Barker began his national television career in 1956 as the host of “Truth or Consequences.” He first appeared on CBS’ “The Price Is Right” on Sept. 4, 1972, and has been the face of the show ever since.

For 35 years, he has played the same games with contestants and filmed from the same spot — Studio 33, aka the Bob Barker Studio — at CBS Television City.

“The only thing that’s changed on ’The Price Is Right’ is the color of my hair,” Mr. Barker said during a CBS prime-time tribute show that aired last month.

Mr. Barker has influenced the show’s prizes over the years, said longtime producer Roger Dobkowitz.

“Because he’s a vegetarian, we respect his wishes and we don’t advertise meat products on the show,” he said. At Mr. Barker’s request, they also stopped giving away fur coats.

The silver-haired host’s long reign has also inspired fan traditions. Most female contestants — and even some men — kiss him on the cheek. Members of the military wear their uniforms. College students wear their university sweat shirts and groups of fans come in matching custom-made T-shirts.

As the legendary host counted down his last days on the air, fans from around the country made pilgrimages to Los Angeles to see him. Dozens camped out overnight near CBS studios for a chance to say goodbye during Mr. Barker’s final week of shows.

“He’s part of American culture,” said Mark Dub, a NASA engineer who flew from Houston to attend the last show.

Mr. Barker’s 35-year “Price” tenure was checkered by lawsuits brought by past “Mr. Barker’s Beauties,” the gown-wearing hostesses who present prizes such as microwaves, pinball machines and brand-new cars. Some sued him for sexual harassment and wrongful termination over the years. Most received out-of-court financial settlements.

Mr. Barker said he has no regrets — yet — about retiring: “Isn’t that strange? I expected to have second thoughts.”

He plans to fill his free time with travel, exercise and working with his animal charity, the DJ&T Foundation, named for his late wife, Dorothy Jo, and mother, Matilda (“Everybody called her Tilly,” he said).

But he will miss the show, he said: “How many 83-year-old men get up every morning knowing that they’re going to have a standing ovation sometime during the day?”

Though Mr. Barker joked that “all of television is going to end” when he retires, “The Price Is Right” will continue in the fall with a new host, who has yet to be named. Among those reportedly in the running are Todd Newton of the E! network, Mark Steines of “Entertainment Tonight,” George Hamilton and John O’Hurley.

“You’re never going to be able to find somebody who’s just like Bob Barker,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive of FremantleMedia North America, which produces “The Price Is Right.” “They’re very large shoes to fill.”