Bob Barker will start his 35th season as the host of "The Price Is Right" on Sept. 18.Johnny Carson once held the record for continuous tenure with the same show: 29 years. Barker broke it in 2002. And Merv Griffin’s game-show classics "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" are years behind "Price," the longest-running game show in TV history. Barker’s approach, like the show’s set, has remained essentially unchanged since he arrived Sept. 4, 1972 to host what was then called "The New Price Is Right": wholesome, playful and family-friendly.But even in this era of endless channel choices and increasing fascination with the shocking and salacious, Barker and "Price" maintain an upbeat, timeless charm.
AP: What is it about the show that’s kept audiences hooked for all these years?
Barker: My agent says it’s the host. We’ve been on so long, I’ve been told by young people that their grandmother introduced them to the "Price is Right." It all adds up to a family thing that has been passed down from one generation to another. And nothing has changed. The only thing that’s changed on the "Price is Right" is the colour of my hair. When you turn the television on, you’re back in the 1970s.
AP: Will you ever retire?
Barker: I’ve thought about retiring for 10 or 15 years, but I have so much fun and the show is so successful that it’s tough to walk away from. I just signed a five-year contract, believe it or not. I don’t expect to last five years. I know that for about three years now, Freemantle (Media, which owns "Price") has been looking for a host. But I’m still doing the show so apparently they haven’t found the right one.
AP: Did you ever expect to last this long on the program?
Barker: My late wife said, "If you have anything, it’s tenacity." I did the pageants, Miss Universe and Miss USA, for 21 years. I did the Rose Parade for 21 years. I did the Pillsbury Bake-Off for 20 years. I went back for years, about 20 years, and did the Indianapolis 500 parade. I did "Truth or Consequences" for 18 years. When I get a job I hang onto it.AP: How many kisses from exuberant "Price" players have you gotten over the years?
Barker: I would say, including yesterday, I probably have had 932,403 kisses. There’s no doubt in my mind that I have been kissed more than anyone in television. Particularly on the right cheek. I’ve had a minimum on the left cheek. My contestants are always on my right.
Jam!
I hope he makes it to him 1 millionth kiss! Less than 67,000 kisses to go!
