Bob Barker, famed for his role as the host of The Price Is Right, had fans across America. However, Marc Summers, the former host of Nickelodeon’s Double Dare, shared insights into another side of Barker during a recent interview. Appearing on ‘Nostalgia Tonight with Joe Sibilia’, Summers discussed the E! docuseries Dirty Rotten Scandals, which investigated claims of a hostile work environment and allegations of sexual harassment related to The Price Is Right.
‘Well, I think it’s too bad that the man’s not around to defend himself,’ Summers told Sibilia. ‘However, everything on there was true and then some. I could tell you stories off the air that make your hair curl that were true.’
Barker passed away in 2023 at the age of 99. Summers, who worked with Barker, noted a change in Barker after the death of his wife, Dorothy Jo, in 1981. He remarked that Barker’s ego was substantial and often problematic behind the scenes.
‘When Dorothy Jo passed away, he kind of became a different guy, and his ego wouldn’t fit in the room,’ Summers said. ‘It was all about Bob. On his dressing room door and on his dress shirts, it said, ‘WGMC’ — ‘World’s Greatest MC.”
Recalling a prank by Bob Eubanks, Summers narrated an incident where Barker refused to perform until a missing sign from his dressing room was found. The sign, eventually discovered hidden beneath a couch, demonstrated the importance Barker placed on his reputation as the ‘World’s Greatest MC’.
Eubanks’ prank highlighted his relationship with Barker. Summers, who once provided Barker with 50 quiz questions instead of the requested 25, expected reasonable compensation. Barker’s $50 payment showcased a different aspect of his character and business dealings.
Former model Holly Hallstrom accused Barker of pressuring her to publicly support him during Dian Parkinson’s 1994 sexual harassment lawsuit against Barker. Hallstrom, who worked on the show for 18 years, was dismissed in 1995 citing weight gain as the reason, allegations she disputes.
‘Barker wanted us to go on all these talk shows and say he was the victim and that Dian was lying,’ Hallstrom said. ‘I didn’t participate because I thought it was tacky.’
Hallstrom’s refusal to partake in Barker’s media tour reportedly led to her blacklisting in the entertainment industry, resulting in a lengthy legal dispute with Barker over defamation claims.
Barker maintained his innocence, stating his relationships were consensual, and the legal conflict continued for a decade. The settlement reached before trial did not require Hallstrom to sign a nondisclosure agreement, allowing her to maintain her narrative without restrictions.
Despite the controversies surrounding Barker, many defend his legacy, with his publicist describing him as ‘beloved’ and his producer Roger Dobkowitz dismissing the allegations as unfounded, claiming The Price Is Right generally provided a positive workplace environment.
Stephanie Nolasco reports on entertainment for Fox News Digital.