Drew Carey has hosted the price is right show since 2007, when he took over from Bob Barker, who retired after 35 years on the show. The Price Is Right is one of the most popular and longest-running game shows in television history, where contestants compete for cash and prizes by guessing the prices of various items. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Carey revealed how Barker’s calm and confident demeanor inspired his own approach to hosting the show.
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Bob Barker: TV Icon and Animal Rights Advocate
Bob Barker was born in 1923 in Washington and spent most of his youth on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve during World War II and later pursued a broadcasting career in radio and television. He became the host of The Price Is Right in 1972, after hosting another game show, Truth or Consequences, for 18 years. He was known for his witty and charming personality, his rapport with the contestants and the models (who were called “Barker’s Beauties”), and his signature sign-off message, reminding viewers to get their pets spayed and neutered.
Barker was also a passionate animal rights activist. He supported various organizations such as United Activists for Animal Rights, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. He donated millions of dollars to animal welfare causes and used his influence to raise awareness and promote change. He also advocated for the removal of fur coats, leather jackets, and hunting trips from The Price Is Right. He received numerous awards and honors for his humanitarian work, including the Lifetime Achievement Award for Daytime Television in 1999.
Barker retired from The Price Is Right in 2007, at 83, after celebrating his 50th anniversary on television. CBS honored him with a special tribute episode and stage dedication ceremony. He also guest appeared on the show until 2015. He died in 2023, at 99, of Alzheimer’s disease.
Drew Carey: A Comedian and a Game Show Fan
Drew Carey was born in 1958 in Cleveland, Ohio, where he had a difficult childhood marked by his father’s death and episodes of sexual abuse. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1980 and served as a radio operator for six years. He then discovered his comedy talent and began performing stand-up routines in clubs and on television. He gained fame with his own sitcom, The Drew Carey Show, from 1995 to 2004. In addition, he hosted the U.S. version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which ran from 1998 to 2007. He also appeared in several films, television series, music videos, and video games.
Carey has been a fan of The Price Is Right since he was a kid
Carey has been a fan of The Price Is Right since he was a kid and watched it with his grandmother. He auditioned for the host role after Barker announced his retirement and impressed the producers with his enthusiasm and humor. He was officially announced as the show’s host in July 2007 and debuted on October 15, 2007. He continued to honor Barker’s legacy by keeping his sign-off message about spaying and neutering pets, but also introduced some changes to the show, such as adding interactive games, updating the set design, incorporating social media, and inviting celebrities to play for charity.
Carey is also interested in sports and photography and has worked as a photographer at U.S. National Team soccer games. He is a minority owner of the Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders FC, which won the MLS Cup twice under his ownership. A former professional wrestler, he entered the 2001 Royal Rumble and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011. Carey wrote an autobiography titled Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined in 2000, which became a New York Times bestseller.
How Bob Barker inspired Drew Carey
In his interview with Entertainment Tonight, Carey shared how he learned from watching Barker host The Price Is Right for decades. He said Barker was very effective at relating to people and getting them to relax and be themselves on stage. He particularly admired Barker’s attitude and demeanor, who never seemed stressed or nervous. He said he tried to emulate Barker’s style by being calm and comfortable in front of the camera. He also made the show feel like his living room. He also stated that he learned to be in control and confident, even when things did not proceed as planned.
Carey also expressed his gratitude and respect for Barker, who he acknowledged was a legend and master of the game. He said that he was honored to follow in his footsteps and continue the tradition of The Price Is Right. The show is one of the most entertaining on television. He said he hoped to make Barker proud and carry his memory forever
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