LOS ANGELES – After 35 years as the host of “The Price Is Right,” Bob Barker hung up his microphone for good on Wednesday. Or did he?
After taping his last show, the 83-year-old icon said he would happily return to the “Price” stage if a replacement host isn’t found by the time the new season starts in the fall.
“They’re having trouble finding someone to do the show,” Barker told reporters during a post-show press conference. “And I’ve told members of the staff here that … if they wanted me to do it for a few more months, I would do it.
“I don’t want to walk out on CBS or the company if they’re in that position because they’ve been too good to me.”
The production company left the door open Thursday on the possibility of such a return.
“I am glad to know that Bob is thinking about coming back.” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive of FremantleMedia North America. “We haven’t made our final decision yet because, as you can imagine, we want to make sure that we leave no stones unturned.”
Barker taped his last episode of the popular CBS game show Wednesday, retiring after five decades on national television. The episode is scheduled to air twice June 15: once at its usual time and again that evening.
A new host has yet to be named. Among those reportedly in the running are Todd Newton of the E! network, Mark Steines of “Entertainment Tonight,” George Hamilton and John O’Hurley.
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