Drew Carey: A Life In Comedy, Hosting, And Beyond

What’s Drew Carey’s Net Worth and Salary?

Let’s talk about Drew Carey. This guy’s not just a name in the entertainment world—he’s a legend. With a net worth of $165 million, Drew Carey has carved out a place for himself as one of the richest comedians alive. If you’ve ever watched "The Drew Carey Show" or cheered him on as the host of "The Price Is Right," you know he’s got that special something that makes people love him. Drew got his start on "The Drew Carey Show," where he played a fictionalized version of himself. Set in his hometown of Cleveland, the show wasn’t just about laughs—it was about heart, relatability, and giving viewers a peek into everyday life. During those years, Drew was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, raking in the inflation-adjusted equivalent of $1 million per episode. That’s right, folks, a million bucks an episode. That’s how you build a $165 million empire.

But Drew didn’t stop there. He took his comedic talents to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" and turned it into a nationwide hit. Hosting and participating in the show, Drew showcased his improvisational skills, turning every episode into pure gold. The show became a platform for comedians to shine, and Drew was the guy who made it all work. His ability to blend humor with a touch of vulnerability made him unforgettable.

Then came "The Price Is Right." When Drew took over from the iconic Bob Barker, people wondered if he could live up to the legend. Spoiler alert: He did. Drew brought his own flavor to the show, keeping the traditions alive while adding his own comedic flair. It’s no surprise that he’s now one of the highest-paid TV hosts in the world, earning $12.5 million a year just for hosting "The Price Is Right." And that’s not even counting his other ventures.

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Off-screen, Drew’s passion for sports led him to become a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders FC. He owns 7.5% of the team, and today, the Sounders are worth around $700 million. That’s a smart investment if I’ve ever seen one. Drew’s always been about more than just comedy—he’s a businessman, an advocate, and a guy who loves his community.

How Much Does Drew Carey Earn Hosting "The Price Is Right?"

Let’s talk numbers. Drew Carey pulls in $12.5 million every year just for hosting "The Price Is Right." That’s enough to put him in the top 20 highest-paid TV hosts globally. Hosting this iconic game show isn’t just about spinning the wheel and shouting prices—it’s about bringing energy, charisma, and a little bit of Cleveland charm to millions of viewers. Drew’s ability to connect with audiences has kept "The Price Is Right" thriving for decades, and it’s why he’s such a valuable asset to the show.

Early Life: From Cleveland to Comedy

Drew Allison Carey was born on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio. He’s the youngest of three sons, and his childhood wasn’t easy. Tragedy struck when he was just eight years old—his father passed away from a heart attack. Despite the challenges, Drew kept moving forward. After graduating from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1975, where he played trumpet in the marching band, he headed to Kent State University. Unfortunately, his academic journey hit some bumps, and he was expelled twice before eventually leaving college after three years. But life had other plans for Drew. In 1980, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, serving as a field radio operator in Ohio for six years.

It was in 1985 that Drew’s life took a major turn. A friend suggested he borrow books from the library on how to write jokes, and that’s when his comedy career began. By 1986, Drew had won an open mic contest at the Cleveland Comedy Club and became the Master of Ceremonies. From there, he started performing at comedy clubs in Cleveland and Los Angeles, honing his craft and building a reputation as a rising star in the comedy world.

Improv and Acting: Building a Career

Drew Carey’s big break came when he appeared on "Star Search" in 1988. That performance opened doors to appearances on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "Late Night with David Letterman." In 1994, Drew’s first stand-up comedy special, "Drew Carey: Human Cartoon," aired on Showtime and won him a CableACE Award for Best Writing. His success in stand-up comedy paved the way for roles in television shows and films like "Coneheads" and "The Good Life."

Together with writer Bruce Helford, Drew developed the concept for "The Drew Carey Show," a sitcom that aired on ABC starting in 1995. The show centered around a fictionalized version of Drew and became a massive hit, running for nine seasons and producing 233 episodes. While the show eventually ended due to declining ratings and rising production costs (around $3 million per episode), it left a lasting impact on audiences and cemented Drew’s legacy in television history.

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During his time on "The Drew Carey Show," Drew also joined the cast of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" in 1998. As both host and participant, Drew brought his unique energy to the show, making it a must-watch for fans of improvisational comedy. The show ran for 220 episodes until its cancellation in 2006. Drew didn’t stop there—he went on to create spin-offs and specials, like "Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show" and "Drew Carey’s Improv-A-Ganza," keeping the spirit of improv alive. In 2023, it was announced that Drew would appear in a four-episode documentary titled "The Game Show Show," exploring the history of game shows in America.

The Drew Carey Show: Salary and Earnings

At the peak of his career, Drew Carey was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world. In 1998 alone, he earned a staggering $45 million from his various projects, which is equivalent to around $70 million today after adjusting for inflation. Between 2001 and 2004, Drew earned $750,000 per episode of "The Drew Carey Show," or roughly $1 million per episode today. He filmed 79 episodes at that rate, bringing in a total of $59.25 million (before inflation) during those final three seasons. Combine that with his $12.5 million annual salary from "The Price Is Right," and you’ve got a guy who knows how to make money work for him.

Drew Carey’s Hosting Career

Drew’s journey as a game show host began in 2007 with the CBS game show pilot "Power of 10." After that, CBS approached him about replacing the legendary Bob Barker as host of "The Price Is Right." Drew taped his first episode in August 2007, and the show premiered in October of that year. By 2017, Drew had celebrated his 10th anniversary as host, joining Bob Barker as the only two hosts to achieve that milestone. Drew’s ability to honor the show’s traditions while bringing his own personality to the table has made him a beloved figure in game show history.

Business Ventures and Other Pursuits

Drew Carey’s talents extend beyond comedy and hosting. In the late 1990s, he started appearing in commercials, including a two-year deal with A&W Food Services of Canada. However, his contract was cut short in 1998 after an episode of "The Drew Carey Show" featured McDonald’s, leading to a legal dispute. Drew also appeared in Disney’s "Sounds Dangerous!" attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. In 1997, he published his autobiography, "Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined," sharing his life story with fans. Drew even dipped his toes into professional wrestling, participating in the 2001 Royal Rumble and being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.

Drew Carey’s Investment in the Seattle Sounders

When it comes to sports, Drew Carey knows how to play the long game. He’s an early investor in the Seattle Sounders FC, owning 7.5% of the team since its inception. In June 2022, a new investor purchased a 3 to 5% stake in the Sounders for $680 million, meaning Drew’s 7.5% stake was worth around $51 million. That’s a pretty sweet return on investment, wouldn’t you say?

Drew Carey’s Personal Life

Off-screen, Drew’s personal life has had its ups and downs. He was engaged to Nicole Jaracz from 2007 to 2012, and in 2018, he announced his engagement to sex therapist Amie Harwick. Unfortunately, the couple ended their engagement later that year. Tragedy struck in February 2020 when Harwick was found dead in Hollywood Hills, and an ex-boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Despite the challenges, Drew remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Beyond his career, he’s a passionate advocate for public libraries, donating both time and money to keep them open and thriving. Interestingly, Drew is also a member of the Libertarian party, advocating for limited government and lower taxes. But no matter his political views, Drew Carey will always be remembered as the guy with the glasses, the quick wit, and the heart of gold who made us laugh for decades.