Longtime game show host Bob Barker — who helmed CBS’ “The Price Is Right” from 1972-2007 — died after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Entertainment site TMZ was first to report the news, citing the game show icon’s death certificate. The documents reviewed by the outlet stated that Barker’s battle with the progressive disease had lasted years — although they did not give specifics regarding when he was diagnosed.
Barker did previously speak out about the disease, teaming up with animal rights group PETA in 2013. Barker and PETA called on especially older people to adopt a vegetarian diet, saying that removing meat from the diet can help to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.
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“Eating meat means that you have a much greater chance of losing your mind,” Barker said, sharing the fact that he himself had been a vegetarian for nearly three decades. “So to protect your memory, eat vegetarian, and keep your wits about you into a ripe old age.”
Barker died peacefully in his home on August 26, TMZ reported — and PETA offered a send-off to their former advocate.
“Bob’s influence on the entertainment industry is indisputable, but what mattered to him most was using his voice and prominent position to protect animals. Of course, everyone is familiar with his ‘spay and neuter your pets’ sign-off on ‘The Price Is Right’ — a show where he refused to allow fur prizes — but he was also one of the first stars to go vegetarian, more than 30 years ago,” PETA stated.
“We lost a beloved member of the CBS family today with the passing of Bob Barker. During his 35 years as host of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, Bob made countless people’s dreams come true and everyone feel like a winner when they were called to ‘come on down.’ In addition to his legendary 50-year career in broadcasting, Bob will be remembered as a dedicated animal rights activist. Daytime television has lost one of its most iconic stars,” CBS added in a statement.