For decades, Bob Barker was more than just the face of The Price is Right—he was the heart of one of television’s most beloved game shows. With his charm, warmth, and signature reminder to “have your pets spayed or neutered,” Barker became a household name and a cultural icon. When he retired in 2007 after 35 years as host, the torch was passed to comedian and actor Drew Carey, who admitted he knew he had enormous shoes to fill.

This year, the world mourned as Barker passed away at the age of 99, following complications from Alzheimer’s disease. For Carey, who has now hosted the show for over 15 years, Barker’s influence was never far from his mind.

“He was so good at this,” Carey reflected in a heartfelt interview. “On The Price Is Right stage, he was so good at relating to people and getting them to be relaxed and be themselves. You watch his demeanor and his attitude—he never seemed stressed. I’ve learned to relax while I’m onstage and not be so uptight about what’s going on. I just have to own the show and make it like my living room, because he was so comfortable in front of a camera. He always seemed in control, like everything’s going to be fine. I don’t always think like that! But I can fake it through an hour.”

Carey’s words highlight the immense impact Barker had not only on the television industry but also on those who followed in his footsteps. Carey himself has become a beloved host, but he has never forgotten the foundation laid by his predecessor.

Beyond his iconic hosting, Barker was equally known for his passionate advocacy for animal rights. Every day, he closed the show with his signature line, urging viewers to take responsibility for the welfare of their pets. His devotion to animals became as much a part of his legacy as his sparkling game show persona.

After Barker’s passing, Carey took to social media to share his grief. “Very sad day for The Price Is Right family, and animal lovers all over the world,” he wrote. “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.”

In addition, Carey hosted a moving tribute episode dedicated to Barker’s life and career, honoring the man who made The Price is Right a cultural phenomenon. Barker’s career spanned over 50 years, and his presence helped shape not only the show’s identity but also its enduring success.

Even today, The Price is Right continues to thrive, airing weekdays on CBS at 11 a.m. ET. A primetime edition, The Price is Right at Night, is set to premiere on October 2 at 8 p.m. ET, proving the timeless appeal of the show that Barker helped transform into television history.

Though Bob Barker is no longer with us, his spirit continues to live on in every episode, every contestant’s joyful spin of the wheel, and every reminder to care for the animals who depend on us. For Drew Carey, for fans across the globe, and for generations of viewers, Barker remains the gold standard of what it means to host with grace, compassion, and unwavering authenticity.

His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy—both in entertainment and advocacy—will endure forever.