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

Following the announcement of the television host’s death at the age of 99, many in the sports world fondly remembered one of his iconic performances.

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.