Drew Carey is a name that has become synonymous with comedy, game shows, and Hollywood charm. Known for his sharp wit, lovable personality, and unmatched versatility, he has carved out a spectacular career in entertainment. Proudly hosting The Price Is Right for over a decade, Drew Carey has a legacy that extends far beyond television. With a remarkable career that touches on acting, stand-up comedy, authorship, and even soccer ownership, Drew Carey net worth is as multifaceted as the man himself.
Estimated to stand at $165 million, Drew Carey net worth reflects his successful career spanning decades. From humble beginnings in Ohio to becoming one of the world’s most recognizable game-show hosts, Carey’s story is one of resilience, humor, and intellect.
This biography explores Drew Carey’s birth, early life, transition into comedy, career milestones, personal battles, and the financial fortune he has amassed along the way.
Early Life and Upbringing
Born Drew Allison Carey on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, Drew was the youngest of three brothers. Tragically, Carey’s father died of a heart attack when he was just eight years old, leaving an indelible impact on his upbringing. Raised by his mother, Beulah, in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood, Carey’s childhood was rooted in resilience.
During his school years, Carey showcased his passion for performance early on by playing cornet and trumpet in the marching band at James Ford Rhodes High School, from which he graduated in 1976. Carey’s path to stardom, however, was far from linear. He briefly attended Kent State University but left without completing his degree, following multiple academic expulsions.
Military Service and Early Career Beginnings
Before comedy became his calling, Carey enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1980, serving as a field radio operator for six years. This chapter instilled discipline and resilience in Carey, both of which would later fuel his career in entertainment.
It was after his military service that he began dabbling in comedy, taking a suggestion from a friend to learn joke-writing from books he borrowed at the library. Carey won his first open-mic contest in 1986 and quickly became the Master of Ceremonies at Cleveland Comedy Club.
Career Highlights
Breakthrough in Comedy
Carey gained his first brush with fame after appearing on Star Search and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in the late 1980s. These performances cemented his reputation as a sharp-witted comedian and earned him significant recognition. His Showtime special, Drew Carey: Human Cartoon, won a CableACE Award for Best Writing in 1994.
The Drew Carey Show
Carey’s big break came in 1995 with The Drew Carey Show. Co-creating and starring as a fictionalized version of himself, Carey captured audiences with his relatable portrayal of middle-class American life. The sitcom aired for nine seasons and cemented his place as one of TV’s highest-paid entertainers. By the final seasons, Carey was earning as much as $750,000 per episode, significantly contributing to Drew Carey net worth.
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
While starring in his own sitcom, Carey hosted the U.S. version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, another runaway success. The improvisational comedy program showcased Carey’s exceptional comedic timing and became a cultural phenomenon, running for over 200 episodes until 2007.
The Price Is Right
Perhaps Carey’s longest-standing role is as the host of The Price Is Right, where he succeeded Bob Barker in 2007. Known for his approachable demeanor and humor, Carey has made the role his own. His $12.5 million annual salary as host plays a significant role in Drew Carey net worth.
Business Ventures
Beyond TV hosting, Carey invested in Major League Soccer as a part-owner of the Seattle Sounders FC. With his share now worth $51 million, this business move reflects Carey’s keen financial acumen and love for soccer.
Drew Carey Net Worth Breakdown
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2024) | $165 million |
| Primary Income Sources | TV hosting, acting, stand-up comedy |
| Annual Salary (The Price Is Right) | $12.5 million |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight (post-weight loss) | Approximately 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Investments | Seattle Sounders FC ownership |
| Awards | CableACE Award, People’s Choice Award |
Personal Life and Challenges
While Carey’s career often elicited laughter, his personal life wasn’t without hardship. After battling depression in his early years, Carey opened up about surviving two suicide attempts. His memoir, Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined, reflects on these struggles and offers an unfiltered look at the entertainer’s life.
Despite these challenges, Carey demonstrated remarkable resilience. He underwent significant weight loss in 2010, which helped him manage type 2 diabetes.
Carey’s love life brought similar ups and downs. He became engaged twice but ended both relationships, including with Dr. Amie Harwick. The tragic passing of Harwick in 2020 shook Carey, but he continues to honor her memory.
Awards and Cultural Impact
Throughout his career, Carey has received numerous accolades, including induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011 and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, his impact reaches beyond awards. Carey’s humor, charitable initiatives, and transparency about personal struggles continue to inspire fans around the globe.
The Legacy of Drew Carey
Drew Carey remains a beloved cultural icon whose work spans generations. His continued dedication to hosting The Price Is Right, coupled with ventures in business and philanthropy, assures that Drew Carey net worth will continue to grow. More than his financial success, Carey’s story is a testament to perseverance, creativity, and laughter.
