Phire Dawson

Biography

Since its 1972 relaunch, the American television game show The Price Is Right has featured a number of models who present the prizes and items offered on the show. From 1972 to 2007, these models were popularly referred to as "Barker's Beauties" in reference to Bob Barker, the show's host during that period.

== History ==

=== 1956–1965 === The original Price Is Right also employed models. Typically, two models appeared per episode to present the prizes, following a format similar to later versions. As in the current version hosted by Drew Carey, the models were not collectively referred to by a nickname. June Ferguson and Toni Wallace were the primary models and remained with the show throughout its nine-year run. Other models occasionally assisted or filled in during their absences. Ann Macomber Cullen (wife of host Bill Cullen) occasionally appeared to present prizes, sometimes to the host's surprise.

=== 1972–2008 ===

==== Early lineup and expansion (1972–1983) ==== Over 25 women have appeared as models on The Price Is Right since the program's premiere. For the first three years, there were two models: Janice Pennington and Anitra Ford. Dian Parkinson joined them permanently in 1975 after making occasional appearances. Ford left the program in 1976 and was later replaced by Holly Hallstrom, who joined in 1977. Pennington, Parkinson, and Hallstrom served as the three main models on both the daytime and syndicated versions from 1977 to 1990. Host Bob Barker had a direct role in selecting the models, which by 2002 was his only staffing responsibility. In an interview on Larry King Live, he described the qualities he looked for, including physical beauty and the ability to present prizes in a way that would appeal to the home viewer. A slender figure was not a strict requirement. Barker noted that if it had been, Hallstrom would have been dismissed much earlier.

==== Rotation and return (1983–1990) ==== Hallstrom temporarily left in 1983 to pursue an acting career. During her absence, several women filled the third model position alongside Pennington and Parkinson during season 12. These included Andi Rapagna, who later modeled for the Italian version of the show OK, il prezzo è giusto!, Janice Baker from the NBC version of Card Sharks, and Pat Colbert, who was the first African American woman to appear on the daytime version, although not in a permanent capacity. Hallstrom returned in 1984. In December 1990, Pennington, Parkinson, and Hallstrom were joined by Kathleen Bradley, the first permanent African American model on the show. Kyle Aletter, the daughter of Frank Aletter and Lee Meriwether, often substituted when a regular model was unavailable.

==== Departures and legal disputes (1993–1999) ==== Parkinson left the show in 1993, with Barker stating that she did so to pursue other interests. Some speculated her departure was due to ongoing issues with Pennington. In 1994, Parkinson filed a lawsuit accusing Barker of sexual harassment dating back to the 1980s, which she later withdrew in 1995. She was succeeded by several other models, including Cindy Margolis, until Gena Lee Nolin was hired in 1994. In 1995, Hallstrom was dismissed by Barker and Jonathan Goodson as part of a decision to reduce the number of models. Hallstrom claimed she was let go because she refused to support Barker during his legal dispute with Parkinson. Barker sued Hallstrom for slander and libel, and she countersued for wrongful termination, as well as age, weight, and medical discrimination. Hallstrom received a multimillion-dollar settlement in 2005. After Nolin left in 1995, Chantel Dubay joined as the third model in 1996. She remained until 1999 and was succeeded by Nikki Ziering.

==== Production changes and further lawsuits (2000–2003) ==== In 2000, Pennington and Bradley were dismissed following the show's acquisition by Pearson Television. Their departures occurred shortly after Barker's failed legal action against Hallstrom. Both filed wrongful termination claims and later settled out of court. Pennington later said she held no ill will toward Barker, though they rarely spoke afterward. Bradley suggested that both she and Pennington had been dismissed for providing testimony in the Hallstrom and Parkinson lawsuits. Barker stated in 2002 that he was proud of Pennington for defending him and said that Pearson, not he, had made the decision to let them go. Bradley also expressed dissatisfaction with the pay she received on the show. Heather Kozar and Claudia Jordan were hired in 2001 to replace Pennington and Bradley. Ziering and Kozar left in 2002. Jordan remained as the only permanent model and was joined by a rotating group of others. Jordan left in 2003 after filing a complaint about racial discrimination. She later filed a lawsuit for wrongful termination and racial bias, and received an out-of-court settlement.