[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF THE RETIREMENT OF BOB BARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. BLUNT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a man from my 
district recognized the world over for his contributions to popular 
culture and society. For the last 35 years, Robert William Barker has 
been a familiar face in a world of ever-changing television 
personalities as the indefatigable host of ``The Price is Right.''
  His extraordinary television career began in 1956 with the show 
``Truth or Consequences,'' which broke records by remaining on daytime 
television for a remarkable 18 years. With his career in the national 
spotlight, he brought the program back home to Missouri, airing it live 
from Springfield on April 14, 1972. That same year, he also began 
hosting ``The Price is Right.'' For 3 years, Bob hosted both shows 
concurrently--making it look effortless to his growing audience of 
friends and admirers.
  His work would yield extraordinary results. Not only has ``The Price 
is Right'' become the longest running game show in television history, 
it has earned the distinction of being named the highest-rated game 
show of all time--a product of Bob's singular talent and tireless work 
ethic.
  Among his other notable credits, he hosted the Miss USA and Miss 
Universe pageants and the Rose Parade for 21 years; won 17 Emmys and 
was nominated for two more; was inducted into the Television Hall of 
Fame in 2004; and was named by the Guinness Book of World Records as 
``The Most Generous Game Show Host'' and ``The Most Durable Performer'' 
in television history.
  Always a man whose popularity cut across ethnic, social, and 
generational boundaries, Bob's popularity soared even higher with young 
people after his appearance in Adam Sandler's hit movie ``Happy 
Gilmore,'' for which he won the MTV Movie Award in 2000.
  Another milestone in Bob's career occurred 2 years later when CBS 
named part of its Los Angeles headquarters ``the Bob Barker Promenade'' 
to commemorate the show's 30th anniversary. Stage 33 at CBS Television 
City, which is one of the most historic sites in the industry, was re-
dedicated as the ``Bob Barker Studio,'' making Bob the first performer 
to whom CBS had ever dedicated a stage. It was from Stage 33 that Elvis 
Presley made his legendary first appearance on ``The Ed Sullivan 
Show,'' and it has been the staging grounds for ``The Price is Right'' 
during its entire 35-year run on the network.
  But long before he met fame, Bob met his future wife Dorothy Jo 
Gideon after graduating from Springfield Senior High. Barker would go 
on to pursue his studies at Drury College in Springfield, and was voted 
class president during his sophomore and senior years.
  Like so many of his generation, the events of World War II would 
interrupt his studies. He trained as a Navy Air Corps fighter pilot, 
and returned to Drury College to graduate summa cum laude in 1947. He 
later served on the school's board of trustees from 1977 to 1980.
  Bob Barker also started his entertainment career in Springfield, 
hosting a radio program on KTTS Radio, where he developed his clear, 
reverberating voice and his instant rapport with audiences.
  For the past 30 years, Bob has devoted a significant portion of his 
time and resources to helping improve the lives of animals, appealing 
daily to viewers to have their pets spayed and neutered. In 1994, he 
established his DJ&T Foundation, which is named in memory of his wife 
and his mother. The mission of the foundation is to fund low-cost spay/
neuter clinics.
  In addition, Bob has given millions to establish endowments promoting 
animal protection law at some of the Nation's top law schools, 
including Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, Northwestern, Duke, Georgetown and 
Columbia. His work has also influenced other law schools to offer 
similar courses.
  Bob Barker is a reflection of the character of southwest Missouri, 
where he learned early on the importance of self-discipline, an 
unrelenting work ethic, commitment to family and respect for others. 
It's also apparent from watching ``The Price is Right'' that Bob enjoys 
people, places and having fun. Through his contributions to the causes 
important to him, he has set an example for people committed to 
changing the circumstances of those less fortunate. And he has done it 
with dignity and style.
  In his retirement, I wish Robert William Barker continued success.

                          ____________________