Drew Carey Net Worth

Drew Carey’s Net Worth: A Look at His Career and Finances

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Drew Allison Carey, a name synonymous with comedy and game show hosting, boasts an impressive career spanning several decades. Born on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, Carey’s early life laid the foundation for his future success. Raised as the youngest of three sons, he faced adversity early on with the loss of his father at the age of eight. Despite this hardship, Carey persevered, graduating from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1975, where he showcased his musical talents playing the trumpet in the marching band. His pursuit of higher education led him to Kent State University, though academic struggles resulted in two expulsions. He ultimately left after three years to serve in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1980 to 1986, working as a field radio operator.

Carey’s journey into the world of comedy began in 1985, sparked by a friend’s suggestion to learn joke-writing from library books. He honed his skills, winning an open mic contest and becoming the Master of Ceremonies at the Cleveland Comedy Club in 1986. This marked the beginning of his stand-up career, which he nurtured in comedy clubs across Cleveland and Los Angeles, paving the way for national recognition.

The Drew Carey Show: A Sitcom Success

Carey’s big break arrived in 1988 when he appeared on “Star Search,” followed by appearances on iconic shows like “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “Late Night with David Letterman.” These opportunities showcased his comedic talent and led to his first stand-up comedy special, “Drew Carey: Human Cartoon,” which aired on Showtime in 1994 and earned him a CableACE Award. The success of his stand-up led to supporting roles in television and film, including “Coneheads” (1993) and the sitcom “The Good Life” (1994). But his true breakthrough came with “The Drew Carey Show,” a sitcom co-developed with writer Bruce Helford.

The show, which premiered on ABC in September 1995, featured a fictionalized version of Carey navigating life in Cleveland. It quickly gained popularity, earning high ratings for its first few seasons. The show resonated with audiences due to its relatable portrayal of everyday life, infused with Carey’s signature humor and heart. During its peak, the show was a major success for ABC and earned Carey a considerable salary, making him one of the highest-paid entertainers. While the show was ultimately canceled due to declining ratings and increasing production costs (approximately $3 million per episode), it left a lasting impact, running for nine seasons and a total of 233 episodes.

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Whose Line Is It Anyway?: Improv Comedy Stardom

While starring in “The Drew Carey Show,” Carey simultaneously expanded his reach into improvisational comedy with “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Premiering in 1998, Carey served as the host, guiding improvisational comedians through hilarious skits, songs, and games. His role was pivotal to the show’s success, as he directed the games and often participated in the final game of each episode. The show, which ran for 220 episodes until its cancellation in 2006, became a cult classic and further solidified Carey’s reputation as a versatile entertainer.

Carey capitalized on the success of “Whose Line?” by co-producing and starring in “Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show,” a spin-off picked up by Comedy Central after an initial cancellation by the WB. He continued to build on his improv success with “Drew Carey’s Improv-A-Ganza,” a primetime improv show filmed in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show followed a similar format to “Whose Line?” and featured many of the same performers, entertaining audiences with improvised comedy based on audience suggestions. In 2023, it was announced that Carey would be featured in a four-episode documentary called “The Game Show Show” on the history of game shows in America.

The Price Is Right: Game Show Hosting and Salary

In 2007, Carey transitioned into game show hosting, taking on the role of host for “The Price Is Right,” succeeding the legendary Bob Barker. Initially, there was anticipation about whether Carey could fill Barker’s shoes, but he quickly made the role his own, blending respect for the show’s traditions with his own comedic flair. His first appearance was in August 2007, and the episodes began airing in October 2007. Carey’s tenure as host proved successful, celebrating his 10th anniversary on the show in 2017. For his work on “The Price Is Right,” Drew Carey earns a significant salary, making him one of the highest-paid TV hosts in the world.

Business Ventures and Investments

Beyond his television career, Drew Carey has engaged in various business ventures and investments, notably in sports. He became a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer team, purchasing a 7.5% stake in the team at its inception. This investment has proven to be lucrative, as the Sounders are now valued at around $700 million. Carey has also been involved in commercial work, appearing in commercials beginning in the late 1990s. His two-year contract with A&W Food Services of Canada was cut short due to a conflict. He also contributed to attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and published his autobiography, “Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined” in 1997.

Personal Life

Drew Carey’s personal life has also been a subject of public interest. He was previously engaged to Nicole Jaracz from 2007 to 2012, and then to sex therapist Amie Harwick, announcing their engagement in January 2018, before ending it later that year. Tragically, in February 2020, Harwick was murdered. These personal experiences have undoubtedly influenced his public persona.

Carey has also been an advocate for various causes, most notably his strong support for public libraries, often donating time and money to keep them operational. Interestingly, despite his passion for libraries, Carey is a vocal member of the Libertarian Party, which advocates for limited government and lower taxes. His combination of public persona and political views have made him a unique figure in the entertainment industry.

Drew Carey’s Net Worth Today

Drew Carey’s net worth is estimated to be around $165 million. This substantial wealth is a testament to his successful career in comedy, television, and game shows. Carey’s earnings have been significantly bolstered by his work on “The Drew Carey Show” and, most notably, his role as host of “The Price Is Right,” where he earns a substantial annual salary. His investments, particularly his stake in the Seattle Sounders FC, have also contributed significantly to his financial success.

Drew Carey’s journey from a Cleveland native to a celebrated comedian and television personality showcases a remarkable career arc. His ability to connect with audiences through humor and his various ventures have solidified his position as a prominent figure in entertainment. His net worth reflects his success and enduring popularity in the industry.

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