Quick Facts
| Net Worth | $10 Million |
| Born | July 8, 1942 (age 84) |
| Birthplace | Seattle, Washington |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Profession | Model, Television Personality |
| Nationality | American |
For nearly three decades, one woman helped turn “Come on down!” into a cultural phenomenon. Janice Pennington spent 28 years as one of the most recognizable faces on American television, handing prizes and microphones to host Bob Barker on The Price Is Right. Today, Janice Pennington’s net worth sits at an estimated $10 million, the product of a modeling career that began in glossy magazine spreads and grew into one of the longest-running gigs in game show history.
Her story is more than a single TV credit. Pennington built a career across print modeling, network television, and even film festival production, all while surviving an on-set accident that could have ended her run for good. Here’s a closer look at how she did it.
Early Life and Background
Janice Pennington was born on July 8, 1942, in Seattle, Washington. She grew up on the West Coast during a period when the modeling and entertainment industries were expanding rapidly, offering new opportunities for young women with the right look and drive to break into print and television work.
Pennington wasn’t the only model in her family. Her younger sister, Ann Pennington, also pursued a modeling career, showing that the eye for glamour ran in the family.
Career Beginnings: From Playboy to Prime Time
Before she became a household name on daytime TV, Janice Pennington made her mark in print modeling. In May 1971, she was named Playboy Playmate of the Month, a milestone that boosted her visibility and opened doors in the entertainment industry.
That exposure helped launch her into television work, where she landed small roles on shows like:
- Ironside
- Lucas Tanner
- Martial Law
She also appeared in the film I Love My Wife, adding film credits to her growing resume. But it was a daytime game show that would define her career and cement her place in TV history.
The Price Is Right: A 28-Year Legacy
In 1972, Janice Pennington joined the cast of The Price Is Right as one of the original “Barker’s Beauties,” the group of models who showcased prizes and assisted host Bob Barker throughout each episode. What started as a modeling gig turned into one of the longest tenures of any model in game show history.
Pennington stayed with the show until 2000, appearing in more than 5,000 episodes over 28 years. Few television personalities, in any role, can claim that kind of longevity on a single program. Her steady presence made her one of the most familiar faces in American daytime television for an entire generation of viewers.
An On-Set Accident
Working live television for nearly three decades wasn’t without risk. During her time on the show, Pennington was struck by a television camera in an on-set accident. Despite the injury, she continued her work on the program, a testament to the demands and occasional dangers of live studio production.
Beyond The Price Is Right
Pennington’s career wasn’t limited to one show. She expanded her television presence by appearing as a panelist on other popular game shows of the era, including:
- Match Game 73
- The New Hollywood Squares
These appearances helped establish her as more than just a model — she became a recognizable personality across the daytime TV landscape.
Co-Founding the Hollywood Film Festival
Pennington’s ambitions reached beyond acting and modeling. She co-founded the Hollywood Film Festival, stepping into a producer and organizer role within the entertainment industry. This move showed a business-minded side to her career, one focused on building platforms for other filmmakers and creators rather than simply appearing on screen herself.
How Janice Pennington Built Her $10 Million Net Worth
Janice Pennington’s fortune comes from several income streams built over more than 30 years in entertainment:
- Print modeling income, including her Playboy Playmate feature
- Salary from The Price Is Right, earned over 28 years and 5,000+ episodes
- Television guest appearances on shows like Ironside and Lucas Tanner
- Film work, including her role in I Love My Wife
- Game show panelist fees from Match Game 73 and Hollywood Squares
- Business ventures, including her role in co-founding the Hollywood Film Festival
This mix of steady TV income and entrepreneurial projects is what separates Pennington from many models of her era. Instead of relying solely on modeling fees, she diversified into producing and festival organizing, a strategy that likely helped preserve and grow her wealth over time.
Why Janice Pennington Remains a TV Icon
Pennington’s nearly three-decade run on The Price Is Right places her among the most enduring figures in game show history. Few personalities, on any network program, have logged as many consecutive years on a single show. Her longevity speaks to both her professionalism and her lasting appeal to audiences.
Even years after leaving the show, she remains one of the most recognized names associated with The Price Is Right’s golden era, a period when the show became a fixture of American daytime television.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Janice Pennington?
Janice Pennington was born on July 8, 1942, making her 84 years old.
How long was Janice Pennington on The Price Is Right?
She appeared on the show for 28 years, from 1972 to 2000, across more than 5,000 episodes.
Was Janice Pennington a Playboy Playmate?
Yes, she was named Playboy Playmate of the Month in May 1971.
What other shows did Janice Pennington appear on?
Beyond The Price Is Right, she appeared on Ironside, Lucas Tanner, Martial Law, Match Game 73, and The New Hollywood Squares, and had a role in the film I Love My Wife.
Conclusion
Janice Pennington’s career is a reminder that lasting success in entertainment often comes from consistency, versatility, and a willingness to explore new roles. From a Playboy Playmate feature to nearly three decades as one of Barker’s Beauties, she built a career few in the industry can match — and an estimated $10 million net worth to go with it. Her story remains one of the quieter but more remarkable success stories from the golden era of American game shows.
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