TV world devastated: Bob Barker and Arleen Sorkin’s unexpected deaths and the legacies they both leave behind
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TV veterans and fans alike are mourning the unexpected demise of the inimitable Bob Barker and Arleen Sorkin. Mr Barker was a legendary figure in the world of television and game show host par excellence, best remembered for his long and illustrious involvement with The Price is Right.
Barker passed away due to natural causes at the age of 99 in his home in the Hollywood Hills.
Bob Barker's affable personality and vibrant energy lit up the small screen, making him a beloved figure not just in America but also in many other corners of the globe. For 35 fruitful years, Barker hosted The Price is Right, perhaps the most iconic game show in the world. His catchphrase, 'Come on down,' became synonymous with the programme – a delightful invitation to contestants to test their knowledge of the price of consumer goods, with the chance to walk away with cash and prizes.
Devastatingly, his publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed Barker's passing, stating, 'It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us.'
Barker's departure from the world marks the end of an era. With a whopping 60-year career in radio and television and an impressive 19 Emmys to his name, Barker's shoes are not easy ones to fill. After his retirement in 2007, comedian Drew Carey became the new MC of The Price is Right. But Barker's presence never left the show, as Carey candidly admitted on social media, '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.'
Barker was not just a television star. He was a prominent voice for animal rights, donating a staggering $5 million to the anti-whaling group, Sea Shepherd, which fittingly named one of their vessels after him. Barker will also be remembered for his 20-year stint hosting the Miss USA contest and his successful persuasion of pageant organisers to ban fur.
Barker leaves behind a lasting legacy, with memorable cameos in numerous films and TV shows, from The Nanny, Happy Gilmore, to the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.
Comedian Adam Sandler, who famously faced off against Barker in Happy Gilmore, shared a heartfelt tribute: 'Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the c*** out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know!'
Ms Sorkin, on the other hand, was best known and loved by many as the star of the enduring TV soap Days of Our Lives, as well as the memorable voice of Harley Quinn in the Batman series. She was just 67 when she passed. Sadly, the cause of Arleen Sorkin's death remains unconfirmed at the time of writing. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this challenging time.
With a career that spanned over four decades, Arleen embodied the heart and soul of the characters she portrayed, leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. The news of her untimely death was confirmed via Instagram by James Gunn, director and CEO of DC Studios.
'Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends,' Gunn posted, succinctly capturing the profound loss felt across the entertainment world.
Arleen's death was met with an outpouring of tributes. After years of memorable performances, it was clear her impact was far-reaching, touching the lives of fellow actors, fans and colleagues alike.
Mark Hamill, who had the honour of voicing The Joker alongside her in Batman: The Animated Series, shared his sadness on Twitter: 'Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person.'
While no words can adequately express the loss of two treasured on-screen icons, it is comforting to remember the joy both Mr Barker and Ms Sorkin brought to everyone’s lives through their performances. With both of their boundless talent and unique charisma, they both leave a lasting legacy that will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans, young and old alike, for generations to come.
Do you remember watching Bob Barker on your screen? Or maybe you were more of a fan of Arleen Sorkin? Tell us your memories of both of these talented TV personalities in the comment section below!
Arleen Sorkin pictured left, and Bob Barker pictured right. Image source: Shutterstock.
Barker passed away due to natural causes at the age of 99 in his home in the Hollywood Hills.
Bob Barker's affable personality and vibrant energy lit up the small screen, making him a beloved figure not just in America but also in many other corners of the globe. For 35 fruitful years, Barker hosted The Price is Right, perhaps the most iconic game show in the world. His catchphrase, 'Come on down,' became synonymous with the programme – a delightful invitation to contestants to test their knowledge of the price of consumer goods, with the chance to walk away with cash and prizes.
Devastatingly, his publicist, Roger Neal, confirmed Barker's passing, stating, 'It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker, has left us.'
Barker's departure from the world marks the end of an era. With a whopping 60-year career in radio and television and an impressive 19 Emmys to his name, Barker's shoes are not easy ones to fill. After his retirement in 2007, comedian Drew Carey became the new MC of The Price is Right. But Barker's presence never left the show, as Carey candidly admitted on social media, '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.'
Barker was not just a television star. He was a prominent voice for animal rights, donating a staggering $5 million to the anti-whaling group, Sea Shepherd, which fittingly named one of their vessels after him. Barker will also be remembered for his 20-year stint hosting the Miss USA contest and his successful persuasion of pageant organisers to ban fur.
Barker leaves behind a lasting legacy, with memorable cameos in numerous films and TV shows, from The Nanny, Happy Gilmore, to the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.
Comedian Adam Sandler, who famously faced off against Barker in Happy Gilmore, shared a heartfelt tribute: 'Such a sweet funny guy to hang out with. Loved talking to him. Loved laughing with him. Loved him kicking the c*** out of me. He will be missed by everyone I know!'
Ms Sorkin, on the other hand, was best known and loved by many as the star of the enduring TV soap Days of Our Lives, as well as the memorable voice of Harley Quinn in the Batman series. She was just 67 when she passed. Sadly, the cause of Arleen Sorkin's death remains unconfirmed at the time of writing. Our thoughts are with her loved ones during this challenging time.
With a career that spanned over four decades, Arleen embodied the heart and soul of the characters she portrayed, leaving a lasting impression on viewers worldwide. The news of her untimely death was confirmed via Instagram by James Gunn, director and CEO of DC Studios.
'Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends,' Gunn posted, succinctly capturing the profound loss felt across the entertainment world.
Arleen's death was met with an outpouring of tributes. After years of memorable performances, it was clear her impact was far-reaching, touching the lives of fellow actors, fans and colleagues alike.
Mark Hamill, who had the honour of voicing The Joker alongside her in Batman: The Animated Series, shared his sadness on Twitter: 'Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person.'
While no words can adequately express the loss of two treasured on-screen icons, it is comforting to remember the joy both Mr Barker and Ms Sorkin brought to everyone’s lives through their performances. With both of their boundless talent and unique charisma, they both leave a lasting legacy that will undoubtedly continue to resonate with fans, young and old alike, for generations to come.
Do you remember watching Bob Barker on your screen? Or maybe you were more of a fan of Arleen Sorkin? Tell us your memories of both of these talented TV personalities in the comment section below!
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