Come On Down!

Bob Barker Retiring After 50 Year Career On TV
October 31, 2006 9:39 p.m. EST
Russell McSpadden - All Headline News News Writer

Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - The celebrated game show host, Bob Barker, told the AP on Tuesday that he plans to retire from TV in June. Adoring fans will have a limited time to "come on down" and take a spin on the big wheel.

Barker has spent 35 years as the host of the daytime game show, "The Price is Right," where contestants, chosen from a screaming audience, compete for a variety of consumer goods. In total, the aging host has worked 50 years in the television industry.

"I will be 83 years old on December 12," he said, "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."

"I've gone on and on and on to this ancient age because I've enjoyed it," he said. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm going to miss it."

"I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," he said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late."

According to Barker, Freemantle Media, which owns the game show, has been looking for a replacement for some time. Barker admits that he has been considering retirement for "at least ten years."

When asked how he plans to say farewell, Barker said he will keep with his traditional sign-off that he has ended the show with for so many years.

"Help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered."