Anitra Ford

Anitra Ford is an American former model, actress, photographer, and poet best known as one of the original models on the iconic television game show The Price Is Right. Active in the entertainment industry primarily throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Ford became a familiar face to television audiences during the early daytime relaunch of the show. Before her television breakthrough, she established a successful career as a high-fashion and commercial print model, appearing in national magazines and photo spreads across the United States.

Early Life and Modeling Career

Born on September 3, 1942, in California, Anitra Ford was raised in a creative household supported by a mother who acted in regional summer stock theater and a father who worked as a jazz musician. After graduating from high school, Ford pursued professional modeling, quickly landing major assignments including a featured swimsuit layout for Life magazine. Her distinctive features made her a popular model on both the West Coast and in New York City during the 1960s, contributing to a broader shift toward diverse modeling looks in fashion media.

Television and Film Work

In September 1972, Ford gained national prominence when she joined CBS's revived game show The Price Is Right hosted by Bob Barker. As one of the original showcase models—often referred to alongside her co-stars as "Barker's Beauties"—she appeared regularly on daytime and syndicated evening editions until late 1976. During her tenure, Ford also pursued acting roles in cinema and television. She starred in cult films such as The Big Bird Cage (1972), Invasion of the Bee Girls (1973), and Messiah of Evil (1973), and appeared as Melissa in the opening scene of the 1974 feature film The Longest Yard opposite Burt Reynolds. Her television guest roles included classic series like The Odd Couple, Mannix, Banacek, S.W.A.T., Starsky and Hutch, and Columbo.

Later Pursuits and Legacy

After stepping away from full-time screen acting and game show modeling in the late 1970s, Ford transitioned into fine arts and personal creative projects. She became an accomplished photographer, published poet, and visual artist, showcasing her creative works in galleries throughout Southern California. Decades after her original television run, she made a guest appearance on a 2018 episode of To Tell the Truth as a featured contestant, revisiting her history as one of the original Price Is Right models.