1956–65 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. 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. 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.
Model rotation format (2003–2008) Following Jordan's departure, the show discontinued the use of a fixed model lineup. Instead, models rotated every few weeks. Some eventually joined the regular cast, while others appeared for a single taping block. This format remained in place until 2008, when new contractual changes were introduced.
2008–present Return to permanent model format In season 37, beginning in September 2008, executive producer Mike Richards introduced contract changes that allowed the show to return to a format with five permanent models. The initial lineup included four holdovers from the previous rotation: Rachel Reynolds, Gwendolyn Osborne-Smith, Lanisha Cole, and Brandi Sherwood. Two new models were added to the cast:
Amber Lancaster and
Manuela Arbeláez. Manuela originally joined as a substitute during Brandi's maternity leave and became permanent after Brandi was dismissed. Models are now referred to as "
The Price Is Right models" in public appearances with host Drew Carey. Beginning in December 2009, they were listed in the show's full end credits. Starting with the 2010–11 season, the models began using microphones so they could be heard when interacting with Carey or contestants. When only two models are present during prize presentations that typically involve three, the announcer often serves as the third. In early season 52, some episodes featured only one model due to emergency circumstances.
New responsibilities and male model inclusion Since 2012, the models have taken on expanded roles. On the show's website, they began appearing in interviews and behind-the-scenes content. They also participated in a web series called
Male Model Search, serving as judges in both the 2012 and 2014 editions. In 2014, former
Miss USA Shanna Moakler served as one of the celebrity judges during the male model search. She joined the regular models and producers including Richards, along with
Robert Scott Wilson, the show's first male model.
Current lineup , the show features six permanent models: Rachel Reynolds, Amber Lancaster, Manuela Arbeláez, James O'Halloran, Devin Goda and Alexis Gaube. Each episode typically includes two or three models. Occasionally, only one model appears, such as during guest appearances by personalities affiliated with Paramount Global or when travel and health logistics limit availability. Some season 52 episodes included only James for this reason.
Nighttime versions The daytime models appeared on the 1970s syndicated nighttime version as well, with a few notable exceptions. Additional models besides Parkinson were also featured on the nighttime show, including Janice's sister
Ann Pennington and a black model known only by her first name, Harriet. On the 1985 syndicated version, Pennington, Parkinson, and Hallstrom appeared throughout the run. However, on the 1994 syndicated version, an entirely separate cast of models was featured:
Julie Lynn Cialini, Ferrari Farris, and
Lisa Stahl Sullivan. Since the premiere of the CBS prime time series in 2002, there are often situations where four to seven models appear on each episode. All six of the regular daytime models participate, although not in every episode. == List of models ==