Adam Sandler is mourning the loss of one of American television’s legendary TV presenters. The 99-year-old former host of The Price is Right, Bob Barker, passed away on August 26, 2023. The saddening news was conveyed in a statement released by his spokesman, Roger Neal, “It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us.”
According to Neal, Barker died peacefully at his Hollywood Hills home due to natural causes. People across the US, both celebrities and fans, are grieving the loss of the host of America’s longest-running daytime game show.
Adam Sandler Took To Twitter To Share His Thoughts On Bob Barker
Bob Barker had earlier appeared in the Adam Sandler comedy film, Happy Gilmore. Barker, who hosted The Price is Right from 1972 to 2007, always wished to make an appearance in films. His wish came true when Sandler invited him to play himself in the Dennis Dugan-directed film. Adam Sandler, describing him as “The man, The myth, The best”, wrote on Twitter:
The man. The myth. The best. Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the crap out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know! Heartbreaking day. Love to Bob always and his family! Thanks for all you gave us! pic.twitter.com/hhZvYAQUK3
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) August 26, 2023
In the Happy Gilmore scene featuring Bob Barker, Barker engages in a fight with the 50 First Dates actor over a poor Golf performance by Gilmore, Sandler’s character. This iconic fight scene won the MTV Movie Award for Best Fight for both Sandler and Barker. During a 2007 CBS special commemorating Barker’s career, Adam Sandler appeared on the show to surprise Barker and pay his tribute.
Barker and the Grown Ups actor reunited in a video for Comedy Central’s benefit show to battle autism in 2015, and the two recreated a follow-up fight sequence to their Happy Gilmore fight.
Adam Sandler Was The Only Person To Fulfill Bob Barker’s Wish
Other celebrities also joined Adam Sandler in mourning the loss of the TV legend. Before The Price is Right, Bob Barker hosted Truth or Consequences from 1956 to 1975. American singer John Rich noted that people watched Barker’s shows while growing up and that he was the best show host ever. Rich also added that Barker was an “American treasure”.
We watched Bob Barker all the time growing up, he the best there ever was! Remember the time @TheVannaWhite was asked to “Come on down!” on The Price Is Right? He was an American treasure. RIP Bob Barker🙏 pic.twitter.com/XQbFxDX1iY
— John Rich🇺🇸 (@johnrich) August 26, 2023
Rob Schneider added his thoughts on the legend along with a side note on the relationship between Sandler and Barker. Schneider retweeted the hilarious fight scene from Happy Gilmore:
One of the nicest things I ever heard in showbusiness was Bob Barker saying, “I moved to Hollywood to be an actor and the only person who ever let me do it was Adam Sandler!”
This scene with them was and will always be absolutely hilarious!
God bless you, Bob https://t.co/5kKt0EM81x— Rob Schneider (@RobSchneider) August 26, 2023
Drew Carey, who replaced Barker as the host of The Price is Right, wrote that it is a very sad day for the Price is Right family. Bob Barker was vocal about animal rights throughout his career, and Carey added that sentiment to his message as well:
Very sad day for the Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world. There hasn’t been a day on set that I didn’t think of Bob Barker and thank him. I will carry his memory in my heart forever.#RIPBobBarker
We love you ❤️— ʎǝɹɐƆ ʍǝɹᗡ (@DrewFromTV) August 26, 2023
Bob Barker will remain in the memories of American television audiences as the ever-charming daytime host. Barker will be laid to rest beside his wife at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
Source: Adam Sandler – Twitter
