Bob Barker Passes Away at 99: Adam Sandler, Drew Carey, Tom Bergeron, and Others Share Their Responses

Bob Barker • The Price Is Right • Game Show Host • Drew Carey: The passing of Bob Barker, a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond, has elicited heartfelt responses from various personalities. Bob Barker, who peacefully passed away in his Los Angeles home at the age of 99, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

One of the first to express his condolences was Adam Sandler, who shared his fond memories of working alongside Barker in the comedy classic "Happy Gilmore." Sandler, in an Instagram post shortly after the news broke, remembered Barker as not just an iconic TV personality but also as a wonderful person to be around. He reminisced about their legendary on-screen brawl and affectionately captioned his post with, "The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with." Sandler's heartfelt tribute conveyed the warmth and camaraderie they shared on and off the screen.

In 2016, on the occasion of Barker's 93rd birthday, Entertainment Tonight (ET) revisited Barker's memorable cameo in "Happy Gilmore." Media outlets were granted a front-row seat to witness the filming of the uproarious golf course brawl between Barker and Sandler's characters, a scene that became a highlight of the film. Barker, in an interview on location in Vancouver, explained the context, stating, "It's the pro-celebrity tournament, and I am desperate to win. I want to win, and he plays badly, and I become more and more disgusted with him, and he has a violent temper." Barker's recollection added depth to the on-screen hilarity, emphasizing the rivalry that fueled their memorable showdown.

Drew Carey, who succeeded Barker as the host of "The Price Is Right" in October 2007, paid tribute to his predecessor on X (formerly Twitter). He shared a poignant photo from Barker's final show and accompanied it with a heartbroken emoji, acknowledging Barker's enduring legacy on the iconic game show.

Tom Bergeron, known for his roles on "Dancing With the Stars" and "America's Funniest Home Videos," shared his personal connection to Barker on Instagram. He revealed that they shared the same lot while filming, with Bergeron using Barker's dressing room during Hollywood Squares shoots. Additionally, Bergeron fondly recalled interviewing Barker for "Good Morning America" and Barker's generous offer to write a blurb for his book. Bergeron's heartfelt message conveyed the genuine friendship and respect they shared, ending with a poignant, "Many thanks, Bob. Rest in peace 😔."

Peter Marshall, a longtime host of "Hollywood Squares," also paid tribute to Barker. While they may not have been extremely close, Marshall admired Barker greatly. Their shared love for animals was a recurring topic in their conversations, and Marshall emphasized Barker's significant contributions to animal welfare causes. Marshall's words highlighted Barker's multifaceted legacy, showcasing his dedication beyond the world of television.

Adam Sharp, the president and CEO of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognized Barker's monumental influence on daytime television. Barker's tenure as the host of "The Price Is Right" helped define the game show genre, a format that has remained largely unchanged for over half a century. Sharp praised Barker's unwavering commitment to both his craft and animal welfare, underlining his profound impact on the television industry and the Emmy community.

In remembrance of Bob Barker, Hollywood and the entertainment world reflect on the loss of a true icon. Barker's contributions to television, his compassion for animals, and his genuine connections with fellow stars have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.