Late Bob Barker's Iconic L.A. Estate Reportedly Sells For Millions Above The Asking Price
By Favour Adegoke on April 26, 2024 at 5:15 PM EDT
Legendary game show host Bob Barker's Hollywood Hills estate has reportedly been sold. Barker, who passed away at 99, battled Alzheimer's and faced health challenges, including falls.
Survived by family, his 35-year tenure on "The Price is Right" earned him 19 Daytime Emmy Awards. Beyond TV, he was known as an advocate for animal welfare.
The Late Bob Barker's Estate Sells Above The Asking Price
Barker's historic estate hit the market with a price tag of $2.9 million. However, according to sources who spoke to TMZ, the final sale to Interior designer Julia Dempster surpassed expectations.
The designer splurged a staggering $3,788,000 for the 6-bedroom, 6-bath Spanish Colonial Revival-style Hollywood Hills property.
Previously known as the Original "Outpost," the estate boasts a rich history, dating back to the 1880s when General Harrison Grey Otis owned it. Although rebuilt, the home retains its original charm, having remained unchanged during Barker's 50-year ownership until his death on Aug. 26, 2023, at age 99.
After his passing, Baker's death certificate revealed Alzheimer's Disease as the primary cause of death, alongside contributing factors such as hypertension, hypothyroidism, and hyperlipidemia.
While the duration of the game-show host's battle with Alzheimer's remains undisclosed, his companion Nancy Burnet noted, "Up until two months before Bob Barker's passing, he routinely participated in conversation and bedside exercises."
Bob Barker's Health Challenges
Before his passing, Barker faced various health challenges. In January 2019, paramedics rushed to Barker's Hollywood Hills residence after he experienced a fall. While an ambulance was present, the TV icon did not require hospitalization.
Several months earlier, in October 2018, emergency services responded to his home for a "non-emergency back problem."
Despite these incidents, Barker's manager assured that he was "fine and resting at home." These health concerns followed a previous incident in June 2017 when the game show host suffered a fall and head injury at his residence.
Barker is survived by his half-brother Kent Valandra, along with his half-nephews Robert Valandra and Chip Valandra, and a half-niece, Vickie Valandra Kelly.
The Late Game Show Host Regretted 'Quitting' When He Did
In his lifetime, Barker's illustrious career as the host of "The Price is Right" spanned an impressive 35 years, from 1972 to 2007, earning him 19 Daytime Emmy Awards, including a lifetime achievement honor.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2007, Barker confessed that he had regrets about leaving the popular game show that made him a television legend.
He said, "I have thought every year for the last 10 or 15 years that maybe I should quit, and then I think, 'No, I'll do it for another year.'"
Reflecting on his retirement decision, he expressed regret, stating, "I regret that I'm quitting now."
Beyond television, Barker was renowned for his advocacy for animal welfare. He generously donated millions to related causes and consistently promoted pet spaying and neutering after his shows.
Bob Barker's Other Endeavors
Before achieving his renowned veteran status, Barker started his journey in the entertainment industry as a radio announcer in the 1940s.
Transitioning to television in the 1950s, he hosted iconic game shows like "Truth or Consequences" and "The Gong Show."
In 1972, Barker took the helm of "The Price Is Right," a role he held until retiring in 2007. He also served as emcee for the Miss Universe and Miss America pageants for two decades and started an equally enduring tradition as the host of the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade in 1969.
Adam Sandler Shares Sweet Tribute To The Iconic Game Show Host
Following Barker's passing, actor Adam Sandler paid tribute to the iconic host on Instagram, commemorating their memorable encounter in the film "Happy Gilmore" (1996).
"The man. The myth. The best," Sandler began his post, adding that Barker was "such a sweet, funny guy to hang out with."
He fondly recalled their interactions and the comedic on-screen scuffle they shared, saying: "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!" he added.
In an interview, Sandler disclosed that Barker accepted the role under the condition that he got to "throw punches."
"Bob was like, 'Yeah, if I get to fight, if I get to throw punches, I'm doing it,'" Sandler told Collider. "That was a good, good time for all of us."
