Plenty of contestants were thrilled to "Come on down!" for Bob Barker. As the host of the longest-running game show in history, "The Price Is Right," he won 17 Emmys. The 84-year-old retired last year, handing the hosting duties over to Drew Carey. He was married to Dorothy Jo Barker for more than 40 years when she died in 1981. While his television resume is extensive, his other accomplishments are impressive. He's a Navy fighter pilot, an animal advocate, and a 20-year host of the Miss Universe and Miss USA pageants. Barker has also appeared on the big screen. He will be featured in PBS's "Pioneers of Television: Game Shows" at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Q: What was it like growing up on an Indian reservation [where your mother was a schoolteacher]?

A: It was wonderful. I had a wonderful time in South Dakota. I lived on the Rosebud Reservation, a Sioux reservation. When I went up there, I was in the second grade. I remember distinctly the first person with whom I tried to talk to in the town (it was called Mission) was seated on a bench on this main street. He wouldn't say a word. Now, this was an Indian, and he had a blanket around him and he had a long ponytail. I thought it would be great to talk to this Indian, but he wouldn't talk to me. My uncle said, "Billy (they called me Billy in those days), that Indian doesn't speak English. He only speaks Sioux."

Q: How has the adjustment been after being on the air for 50 years ?

A: Surprisingly pleasant. I was fearful about retirement. From the time I was 21, my wife and I were always talking about the show. There was always a show. When we'd go on vacation we'd chat about the show. I thought the first morning I wake up and realize there is no show now or ever, why, I didn't know how I'd react. But, fortunately, I think I'm going to be a success at retirement. I always had fun on "The Price Is Right." I thought that I was having so much fun that the demanding schedule and just the pressure of always being in a hurry ... I didn't realize how much it was really affecting me mentally and physically. Now that I've retired and I can take things a little easier, I feel better.

Q: By the way, how good are you at pricing things?

A: Terrible [laughs]. Don't start that. I'd make a fool of myself. I don't know a thing about prices.

Q: You had to protect yourself from happy contestants.

A: That's right. People don't realize what a dangerous show that was all those years. It's a wonder I survived. They stepped on my toes, they kicked me, they hit me. One woman came up the steps and just butted me right in the solar plexus and knocked all the breath out of me. The worst experience was a woman who was 5-foot-4 or so and got under my chin and jumped up and down. That was painful.

Q: Do you think Drew Carey is doing a decent job?

A: Yes, I do. He's his own man. He is not imitating me in any way. So, we will just see.

Q: As an animal advocate, were you satisfied with Michael Vick's apology?

A: I'm not satisfied with anything about Michael Vick. The only thing about the whole Michael Vick affair that is encouraging is there are people who have never given dogfighting a thought who are now anti-dogfighting. I'd like to see much more effective enforcement.

Q: I've read that you had a very good marriage. How did you do that?

A: [Laughs.] Well, Dorothy Jo once said, "Our marriage is based on love. I love Barker and Barker loves Barker" [laughs]. I believe to have a happy marriage and a lasting marriage, both of you must maintain respect for the other.

Q: Were you blindsided by the allegations of sexual harassment?

A: Oh, yes. You mean all those years ago with that model? Of course I was. She withdrew the suit.

Q: Would you say your dreams have all come true?

A: My dream as a kid was to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals. I went to St. Louis one time to do a show, and I had said this in interviews. The manager, Whitey Herzog, had me out to the ballpark. He gave me a jacket that I still wear and a bag I carried until I wore it out. They signed me to a contract. I get $1 a year from the Cardinals as long as I do not pitch. So I fulfilled my dreams. I got a Cardinals contract [laughs].