Drew Carey is a household name, beloved for his quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and iconic television career. Whether you remember him from Drew Carey Show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, or as affable host of Price Is Right, Carey has been a staple in entertainment industry for decades. But his journey to success wasn’t always smooth sailing. Let’s dive deep into his life, career, and financial success as of 2025.
From Humble Beginnings to TV Stardom
Born on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, Drew Allison Carey was youngest of three boys. Life wasn’t easy—his father passed away when he was just eight years old. Raised by his mother, Carey found solace in comedy early on but didn’t immediately pursue it as a career. He attended James Ford Rhodes High School, where he played trumpet in marching band, and later enrolled at Kent State University. However, college wasn’t his forte—he was expelled twice due to poor academic performance and eventually dropped out.
In 1980, Carey took a surprising turn, enlisting in United States Marine Corps Reserve, where he served as a field radio operator for six years. It was during this time that he developed discipline and perseverance that would later help him thrive in cutthroat world of entertainment.
Breakthrough: From Stand-Up Comedy to Sitcom Success
Carey’s comedic journey began in 1985, when a friend suggested he check out books on joke-writing. He won an open mic contest at Cleveland Comedy Club, which kickstarted his stand-up career. By late ‘80s, he had gained national recognition through appearances on Star Search, Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Late Night with David Letterman.
In 1995, Carey struck gold with Drew Carey Show, a sitcom based on a fictionalized version of himself. show, set in his hometown of Cleveland, was a hit, running for nine seasons and 233 episodes. At his peak, he was one of highest-paid entertainers in world, earning a whopping $750,000 per episode—equivalent to nearly $1 million per episode today when adjusted for inflation.
Hosting Whose Line Is It Anyway?
While starring in his own sitcom, Carey also ventured into improvisational comedy, hosting Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1998. show featured some of best improv comedians in industry, and Carey’s natural charisma made him perfect host. He blended structured format with spontaneous humor, helping turn show into a cult favorite. Though it was eventually canceled in 2006, its impact on comedy remains significant.
Taking Over Price Is Right
In 2007, Carey made another major career move—stepping in as host of Price Is Right, following retirement of legendary host Bob Barker. Initially, fans weren’t sure how he’d fare in such an iconic role, but Carey quickly made it his own. He maintained essence of show while injecting his own brand of humor, earning him a whole new generation of fans.
As of 2025, Drew Carey’s Net Worth is heavily bolstered by his $12.5 million annual salary from Price Is Right, making him one of 20 highest-paid TV hosts in world.
A Love for Sports: Seattle Sounders FC Investment
Outside of television, Carey has a deep love for soccer. He’s been a minority owner of Seattle Sounders FC since team’s inception in 2009. He owns 7.5% of franchise, which has skyrocketed in value over years. Today, team is worth $700 million, meaning Carey’s stake is now valued at around $51 million.
Personal Life: Relationships and Tragedy
Carey’s personal life has been a mix of highs and heartbreaking lows. He was previously engaged to Nicole Jaracz from 2007 to 2012, though they never married. In 2018, he got engaged to Amie Harwick, a licensed sex therapist. Unfortunately, their engagement ended later that year, and tragedy struck in 2020 when Harwick was murdered by an ex-boyfriend. Carey was devastated by loss, later advocating for domestic violence awareness in her honor.
Drew Carey’s Net Worth and Earnings (Updated 2025)
Drew Carey’s financial success is nothing short of impressive. As of 2025, Drew Carey’s Net Worth is estimated at $165 million. His fortune has come from:
| Income Source | Earnings (Estimated) |
| Drew Carey Show | Over $59 million |
| Hosting Price Is Right | $12.5 million per year |
| Comedy tours and stand-up specials | Several million |
| Seattle Sounders FC ownership stake | Worth around $51 million |
| Book deals and other ventures | Several million |
Carey has also made smart financial decisions over years, ensuring his wealth remains intact despite Hollywood’s unpredictable nature.
A Passion for Giving Back
While Carey enjoys his success, he’s also deeply committed to philanthropy. He’s a major advocate for public libraries, often donating both time and money to keep them operational. He’s also a supporter of veterans’ causes, owing to his own background in military.
Though he identifies as a Libertarian, he’s known for his independent-minded views, often advocating for causes he believes in rather than sticking to strict party lines.
From a struggling college student to a $165 million television mogul, Drew Carey’s Net Worth is a testament to his ability to reinvent himself, embrace new opportunities, and remain authentic. His continued success ensures that Drew Carey will be making audiences smile for many more years to come.
Disclaimer
financial details presented in this article are based on publicly available sources and estimates. Actual net worth and earnings may vary based on private financial transactions and undisclosed investments.
