Burnet, a vegetarian, ensures that Barker gets all the necessary supplements. “It was not to replace meals but to enhance everything. To take that in addition to his meals because he was not doing well,” she explained. “He was looking tired and kind of frail, not just not looking healthy. And, you know, if you’re going to be a vegetarian and vegan, you better know what you’re doing.”
In addition to his role as one of the first and most famous quiz show hosts, Barker is a staunch advocate for animal rights. His iconic phrase, “This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered,” has resonated with audiences for years.
Barker adopted a vegetarian lifestyle to align with his late wife’s values, as she had already embraced ethical choices like forgoing fur coats and becoming a vegetarian ahead of her time. “If young people are introduced to the terrible exploitation and mistreatment of animals in society, it will help influence them in anything they do,” Barker said in 2015. “When your education and encouragement fail, you have to have legislation.”
