Have you ever wondered how a kid from Cleveland became a household name? Drew Carey, born on May 23, 1958, is a testament to the power of perseverance and talent. He transitioned from a struggling comedian to a millionaire television host, captivating audiences with his charm and wit.
What is Drew Carey's Net Worth and Salary?
Drew Carey is an American actor, comedian, and television host with an impressive net worth of $165 million. He is best known for his roles on The Drew Carey Show and as the host of The Price is Right. During his time on The Drew Carey Show, he was one of the highest-paid entertainers globally, earning the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $1 million per episode. The show, which showcased his life in Cleveland, resonated with audiences for its humor and relatable themes.
In addition to his sitcom success, Drew made significant strides in improvisational comedy through Whose Line Is It Anyway?. As the host, he played a crucial role in popularizing improv comedy in the United States, featuring talented comedians who brought laughter to millions.
Transitioning into game show hosting, Drew took over The Price is Right from the legendary Bob Barker. His ability to honor the show's traditions while adding his comedic flair quickly won over fans, solidifying his place in television history.
The Price is Right Salary
Drew earns $12.5 million annually for hosting The Price is Right, positioning him among the top 20 highest-paid TV hosts worldwide. His financial success reflects his hard work and dedication to entertaining audiences, demonstrating that talent can indeed lead to substantial rewards.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Drew Allison Carey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, as the youngest of three sons. His father died when he was just eight years old, shaping much of his early life. Despite early academic struggles, he graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1975, where he developed his love for performance by playing trumpet in the marching band. After some tumultuous years at Kent State University, which included being expelled twice, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1980.
His comedy journey began in 1985 when a friend encouraged him to learn about joke writing. Winning an open mic contest in 1986 led him to become the Master of Ceremonies at the Cleveland Comedy Club. This opportunity launched his career as he performed at comedy clubs across Cleveland and Los Angeles, honing his craft and building his reputation.
Improv and Acting Career
Drew gained national recognition as a comedian in 1988 with his appearance on Star Search. This exposure opened doors, allowing him to appear on popular shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. His first stand-up special, Drew Carey: Human Cartoon, aired in 1994 and earned him a CableACE Award for Best Writing, marking a significant milestone in his career.
With writer Bruce Helford, Drew created The Drew Carey Show, which premiered in September 1995. It quickly became a ratings success but faced cancellation due to declining viewership and rising production costs. Despite this, the show left a lasting impact, with a total of 233 episodes over its nine-year run.
While starring in his own sitcom, Drew also participated in other projects like Whose Line Is It Anyway?, where he played both host and participant. His versatility and ability to engage with audiences kept him relevant in the entertainment industry, leading to more opportunities.
Drew Carey Show Salary and Earnings
At the height of his career, Drew Carey was among the highest-paid entertainers, earning $45 million in 1998, equivalent to about $70 million today after adjusting for inflation. Between 2001 and 2004, he earned $750,000 per episode of The Drew Carey Show, which would be around $1 million per episode today. Over three seasons, he filmed 79 episodes, totaling $59.25 million before inflation.
His annual salary of $12.5 million from The Price is Right cements his status as a highly compensated television host, showcasing the fruits of his labor and talent.
Hosting Career
Drew began his hosting career in 2007 with the CBS game show pilot Power of 10. Shortly after, he was invited to replace Bob Barker on The Price Is Right. His first episode aired in October 2007, and he celebrated his 10th anniversary in 2017, becoming one of the few hosts to reach this milestone.
His engaging style and unique approach to hosting have made The Price Is Right a beloved show, continuing to attract viewers and maintain its relevance in today's television landscape.
Business Ventures and Other Pursuits
In addition to his television career, Drew has ventured into various business opportunities. He started appearing in commercials in the late 1990s, including a contract with A&W Food Services of Canada, which ended after a controversy involving McDonald's. He also starred in Disney's attraction Sounds Dangerous! at Hollywood Studios.
Drew published his autobiography, Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined, in 1997, sharing insights into his life and career. He briefly dabbled in professional wrestling, participating in the 2001 Royal Rumble and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.
Seattle Sounders Investment
As a passionate soccer fan, Drew Carey became an early investor in the Seattle Sounders FC, acquiring a 7.5% stake in the team at its inception. With an overall team valuation of around $680 million in June 2022, his investment is now worth approximately $51 million, demonstrating his savvy in business ventures beyond entertainment.
Personal Life
Drew's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. He was engaged to Nicole Jaracz from 2007 to 2012 and later announced his engagement to sex therapist Amie Harwick in 2018, although they broke up later that year. Tragically, Harwick was found dead in 2020, leading to significant media attention and public sympathy.
Despite the challenges he faced, Drew Carey remains dedicated to philanthropy, particularly advocating for public libraries. He balances his comedic career with activism, supporting causes that resonate with him while maintaining his endearing persona that audiences have come to love.
