Bob Barker, the iconic host of The Price Is Right, left an indelible mark on television and animal rights advocacy. As of 2025, Bob Barker’s net worth is estimated at $0, as he donated his entire fortune to animal welfare causes before his passing in August 2023 at age 99. This article explores Barker’s biography, salary, married life, dating history, and his lasting legacy. From his humble beginnings to his unparalleled career, we delve into new insights, including personal reflections and data-driven analysis, to answer your search for Bob Barker’s net worth, age, biography, salary, married status, and personal life.
Bob Barker’s Net Worth in 2025: A Legacy of Generosity
Bob Barker’s net worth peaked at $70 million during his career, largely due to his $10 million annual salary in the final decade of hosting The Price Is Right (1972–2007). However, Barker’s commitment to animal rights led him to donate his entire fortune to charities like PETA and the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. By 2023, his net worth was $0, fulfilling his promise to “die broke” for animal welfare. This selfless act sets him apart from other celebrities, as few have matched his dedication to philanthropy. His financial legacy continues to fund spay/neuter programs and marine conservation efforts.
Bob Barker’s Biography: A Life of Impact
Born Robert William Barker on December 12, 1923, in Darrington, Washington, Barker grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota, where he was a proud member of the Sioux tribe. His early life was shaped by modest circumstances, with his mother, a schoolteacher, and his father, an electrical foreman. Barker’s age at the time of his death in 2023 was 99, just shy of his 100th birthday. His journey from radio to television stardom began in the 1950s, hosting The Bob Barker Show before landing Truth or Consequences (1956–1975) and The Price Is Right.
Barker’s charisma and wit made him a household name. His 35-year tenure on The Price Is Right earned him 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, a record for game show hosts. Beyond television, Barker’s advocacy for animal rights, inspired by his late wife, Dorothy Jo Gideon, defined his legacy. He founded the DJ&T Foundation in 1994, named after his wife and mother, to fund low-cost spay/neuter clinics, a cause he championed on every episode with his iconic sign-off: “Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered.”
Bob Barker’s Salary: Building a Fortune
During his peak years, Bob Barker’s salary reached $10 million annually on The Price Is Right, supplemented by endorsements and cameos, such as his memorable role in Happy Gilmore (1996). Over his 35-year run, he amassed over $100 million from the show alone. Unlike many hosts, Barker also served as an executive producer, increasing his earnings. His savvy investments in real estate, including a $2.3 million Spanish Colonial-style home in Hollywood Hills, further bolstered his wealth. However, his commitment to animal welfare saw most of this fortune donated, with $5 million to Sea Shepherd and $2.5 million to PETA.
Bob Barker’s Married Life and Dating History
Bob Barker’s married life was defined by his deep love for Dorothy Jo Gideon, whom he met at an Ella Fitzgerald concert at age 15. They married in 1945 during Barker’s Navy service and remained together until her death from lung cancer in 1981. Barker often described Dorothy as “the love of my life,” and he never remarried, a testament to their bond. The couple had no children, a decision Barker attributed to his demanding career, saying, “We didn’t have time for children, but I have 13 ducks, and that’s a lot of work.”
After Dorothy’s passing, Barker’s dating history included a brief relationship with The Price Is Right model Dian Parkinson (1989–1991), which ended in controversy when she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit, later dropped. From 1983 until his death, Barker was in a committed relationship with Nancy Burnet, an animal rights activist. Their shared passion for animal welfare strengthened their 40-year partnership. Burnet reflected, “Bob trusted and respected me, and we worked together to expose cruelty to animals” (People).
Unique Insights: Barker’s Lasting Influence
Reflecting on Barker’s legacy, his impact transcends television. A 2024 study by the ASPCA noted that spay/neuter awareness, spurred by Barker’s daily sign-off, contributed to a 30% reduction in pet euthanasia rates in the U.S. since the 1980s. His donations funded innovative programs, such as the MY Bob Barker, a Sea Shepherd vessel that disrupted illegal whaling. Personal anecdotes from fans highlight his warmth; one contestant recalled Barker’s off-camera kindness, spending time to comfort a nervous player during a 1990s taping.
Barker’s commitment to animal rights also faced challenges. In the 1990s, he clashed with The Price Is Right producers over fur prizes, eventually eliminating them. His activism extended to funding animal law programs at universities like Georgetown, ensuring his influence endures.
Bob Barker Biography Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert William Barker |
| Birth Date | December 12, 1923 |
| Birthplace | Darrington, Washington |
| Death Date | August 26, 2023 |
| Age at Death | 99 |
| Ethnicity | One-eighth Sioux, member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe |
| Education | Drury University, Bachelor’s in Economics, summa cum laude |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy Reserve, fighter pilot trainee (1943–1945) |
| Career Start | Radio host, The Bob Barker Show (1950–1956) |
| Major Shows | Truth or Consequences (1956–1975), The Price Is Right (1972–2007) |
| Salary | $10 million annually in final decade of The Price Is Right |
| Net Worth (Peak) | $70 million |
| Net Worth (2023) | $0, due to donations to animal welfare causes |
| Spouse | Dorothy Jo Gideon (m. 1945–1981, her death) |
| Partner | Nancy Burnet (1983–2023) |
| Children | None |
| Notable Cameo | Happy Gilmore (1996), won MTV Movie Award for Best Fight Scene |
| Awards | 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award (1999) |
| Philanthropy | Founded DJ&T Foundation, donated millions to PETA, Sea Shepherd, and others |
| Cause of Death | Alzheimer’s disease |
Bob Barker’s Legacy in 2025
As of 2025, Bob Barker’s legacy lives on through his contributions to television and animal welfare. His age at passing, 99, and his net worth of $0 reflect a life dedicated to giving back. Barker’s married life with Dorothy Jo and his partnership with Nancy Burnet highlight his personal devotion, while his salary and career achievements underscore his professional success. For more on Barker’s life, visit his Wikipedia page or follow PETA’s updates on X.
Barker’s story is a reminder that wealth is not just measured in dollars but in impact. His advocacy continues to inspire, proving that one voice can change the world for animals and humans alike.
