Drew Allison Carey (born May 23, 1958) is an American comedian, actor and game show host who has hosted The Price Is Right since October 15, 2007. With a current net worth of $165 million, Carey transformed from a struggling Marine veteran into one of entertainment’s most beloved figures through sheer determination and authentic humor.
Drew Carey is a 66-year-old American comedian and game show host worth $165 million. Born in Cleveland in 1958, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps before launching his entertainment career, ultimately becoming host of The Price Is Right in 2007.
Early Life and Tragedy That Shaped a Comedian
Drew was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 23, 1958 to Lewis Carey and Beulah (née Neal). He is the youngest of three brothers and was raised in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland. When Drew was eight years old, his father died from a heart attack.
The loss devastated young Drew, leading to battles with depression that would follow him into adulthood. Growing up he battled mental health issues such as depression. He also had two failed suicide attempts. This early trauma became the foundation for his later comedic perspective – finding humor in life’s darkest moments.
Drew played the cornet and trumpet in the marching band of James Ford Rhodes High School from which he graduated in 1976. Music provided an early creative outlet, but academic success proved elusive. Carey continued on to college at Kent State University and was expelled twice for poor academic performance and left KSU after three years.
Marine Corps Service: Building Character and Discipline
Rather than wallowing in academic failure, Carey made a decision that would define his character. Upon leaving the university, Carey enlisted into the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1980 and served for six years as a field radio operator in the 25th Marine Regiment in Ohio.
He worked as a 2531 Field Radio Operator and also served with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. The TV personality left the service as a Sergeant. This military experience instilled discipline and resilience that would prove crucial during his entertainment career struggles.
The military buzz cut and thick black glasses from his Marine days became part of his trademark look that audiences would later recognize and love.
Finding His Voice: The Comedy Breakthrough
After his military service, Carey struggled to find direction. He moved to Las Vegas for a few months in 1983 and for a short time worked as a bank teller and a waiter at Denny’s.
His comedy journey began almost by accident. Carey’s early comedy influences included local Cleveland television hosts Ernie Anderson and “Big Chuck” Schodowski. In 1985, Carey began his comedy career by following a suggestion by David Lawrence (a disc jockey friend who had been paying Carey to write jokes for Lawrence’s radio show in Cleveland).
By April, he’d won a competition at the Cleveland Comedy Club and began working as their regular emcee. His everyman humor and self-deprecating style resonated with audiences across Ohio and beyond.
The breakthrough came in 1991. His persistence paid off, and in 1991 he bolstered his career with a celebrity-making appearance on The Tonight Show. The audience loved Carey, and his performance earned the respect of host Johnny Carson. Carson’s endorsement opened doors throughout Hollywood.
Television Stardom: The Drew Carey Show Era
After their stint on Someone Like Me, Carey and Helford developed and produced the storyline for The Drew Carey Show. The show premiered on September 13, 1995, on ABC.
The show’s success was immediate and substantial. Carey initially earned $60,000 per episode in the first seasons, then renegotiated for $300,000. By the final season, he was earning $750,000 per episode.
The program had a total of 233 episodes over its nine-year run and Carey was one of four actors to appear in every season. The show’s Cleveland setting and blue-collar humor made it relatable to millions of Americans.
Double Duty: Whose Line Is It Anyway?
While still starring in his sitcom, Carey took on another massive project. While still starring in The Drew Carey Show, Carey began hosting the American version of the improvisational comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1998.
Carey’s income from Whose Line Is It Anyway? and The Drew Carey Show led to his inclusion on the Forbes list of highest-paid entertainers of 1998, at 24th with $45.5 million. This placed him among entertainment’s elite earners at the height of his television success.
Game Show Glory: Taking Over The Price Is Right
After taping the pilot episode for Power of 10, Carey was contacted by CBS about replacing Bob Barker who had earlier announced his own retirement as host of The Price Is Right.
In response to replacing Barker as host of the game show, Carey stated, “You can’t replace Bob Barker. I don’t compare myself to anybody… It’s only about what you’re doing and supposed to do, and I feel like I’m supposed to be doing this.”
Carey says he’ll never forget walking out on that stage at CBS Television City in Los Angeles and hearing “Come on down!” for the first time. What he remembers most: the decibel-ringing exuberance of the audience.
His approach differed from Barker’s. One large difference was that Barker was introduced as “the star of the show,” while Carey asked to be presented with, “Here’s your host.” This philosophy shift emphasized contestants over host celebrity.
Current Earnings and Financial Success
According to Celebrity Net Worth and Wealthy Gorilla, Drew Carey earns $12.5 million annually, making him among the richest comedians worldwide. His Price Is Right success has been both consistent and lucrative.
Drew Carey makes approximately $1 million per episode of The Price Is Right. With nearly 190 episodes filmed per year, this represents substantial ongoing income.
His real estate portfolio reflects his wealth. Drew Carey resides in the Universal City Overlook area, Los Angeles, a home worth $34 million. The palatial home sits on 9,500 square feet and boasts world-class architecture that includes five bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
Beyond Entertainment: Business Ventures and Investments
Carey’s success extends beyond television. He is a minority owner of the Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders FC, which won the MLS Cup, first in 2016 and again in 2019.
Drew has owned 7.5% of the Seattle Sounders since the team’s inception. Today, the Sounders are worth around $700 million. This investment alone represents tens of millions in value.
Personal Tragedy and Resilience
Carey’s recent years have been marked by profound loss. In February 2020, Carey’s fiancée, Amie Harwick, was killed by her former boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse, when he threw her off a balcony.
The tragedy deeply affected Carey’s outlook on relationships. “It destroyed me for a while,” Carey told Us Weekly in a February 2025 interview. “I still don’t date. I have women I go out with and spend time with, but it’s all platonic, and I don’t care about anything else. Amie’s death really affected everything.”
Looking Forward: Recent Developments and Future Plans
Despite personal setbacks, Carey remains professionally active. Next month will mark the 18th anniversary of when Drew Carey was first handed the reins of The Price Is Right on CBS.
His perspective on longevity remains humble. When it’s pointed out to him that he has been host for one-third of its run, he adds with a laugh, “Bob Barker is two-thirds. I’m still the new guy!”
Recent reports suggest new personal developments. Earlier this week, Carey, 66, was photographed with Only Fans model Niki Skyler, 37, in Los Angeles. While the nature of their relationship remains unclear, it may signal Carey slowly opening himself to new connections.
FAQs About Drew Carey
How old is Drew Carey?
Drew Carey is 66 years old, born on May 23, 1958.
What is Drew Carey’s net worth?
Drew Carey’s net worth is $165 million as of 2025.
Was Drew Carey in the military?
Yes, Drew Carey served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a field radio operator.
How much does Drew Carey make per episode?
Drew Carey earns approximately $1 million per episode of The Price Is Right.
Is Drew Carey married?
No, Drew Carey is currently single after his fiancée Amie Harwick was murdered in 2020.
How tall is Drew Carey?
Drew Carey stands 5 feet 10 inches tall (1.78 meters).
Drew Carey’s journey from military service through comedy clubs to television stardom exemplifies American resilience and reinvention. His authentic everyman appeal, combined with genuine warmth and humor, has sustained a decades-long career worth hundreds of millions. Despite personal tragedies, Carey continues entertaining millions daily while building a lasting entertainment legacy that honors both his Cleveland roots and his commitment to putting contestants first.
