Sports World Mourns Bob Barker, Recalls Epic ‘Happy Gilmore’ Role

Bob Barker, an American television icon, has died at the age of 99, his publicist Roger Neal announced Saturday.

The talented television personality was best-known for being the host of television’s extremely popular game show The Price Is Right.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce that the World’s Greatest MC who ever lived, Bob Barker has left us,” Neal said in a release.

Barker, who spent decades sharing space in family living rooms giving away incredible prizes to lucky contestants, became the face of the longest-running daytime game show in TV history. He began his role on The Price Is Right in 1972 and remained on the program before retiring in 2007.

Although he may best be known for his iconic phrases (“Come on down! You’re the next contestant on The Price Is Right” or “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered”), sports fans will best remember him for his role in the 1996 hit comedy Happy Gilmore.

Barker, who played himself, hilariously beat up Adam Sandler, who played the titular character, after an altercation arising from the duo pairing in a golf tournament.

The sports world, as well as his Happy Gilmore co-stars, shared messages of condolences and respect as word of Barker’s death spread on social media on Saturday.

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

Bob Barker was a staple of so many childhoods. A game show host icon. He gave us one of the greatest fight scenes in movie history. He was a legend and will remain one forever. Thanks for all the memories Bob. Rest easy. pic.twitter.com/y28qFaIjjl
— Shooter McGavin (@ShooterMcGavin_) August 26, 2023

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

Bob Barker will forever be remembered for hosting The Price Is Right, and for beating the crap out of Happy Gilmorepic.twitter.com/VmCrqZsF5b
— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) August 26, 2023

Bob Barker was an institution. our sick day king. the greatest game show host in my lifetime without a close second. RIP to the best to ever do it.
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) August 26, 2023