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Net Worth
Drew Carey, the American actor, comedian, and television host, has an estimated net worth of $165 million. He has accumulated his wealth through various successful ventures in the entertainment industry.
Highlights
Here are some highlights of Drew Carey’s career:
- Host of “The Price is Right” since 2007
- Star of “The Drew Carey Show”
- Host of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
- Game show host, comedian, and actor
- Passionate advocate for public libraries
Early Life
Drew Allison Carey was born on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest of three sons. Unfortunately, his father passed away when he was only eight years old. Carey graduated from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1975, where he played the trumpet in the marching band. He went on to attend Kent State University but eventually left to enlist in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1980.
Career
Carey started his comedy career in 1985, inspired by his friend David Lawrence who suggested he borrow books from the library on how to write jokes. He quickly gained recognition and made appearances on popular shows such as “Star Search,” “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” and “Late Night with David Letterman.”
In 1994, Carey’s stand-up comedy special, “Drew Carey: Human Cartoon,” aired on Showtime and won him a CableACE Award for Best Writing. He then transitioned into acting and had supporting roles in films like “Coneheads” (1993) and the sitcom “The Good Life” (1994).
However, Carey’s big breakthrough came with the creation of his sitcom, “The Drew Carey Show,” which premiered on ABC in 1995. The show was a hit and ran for a total of nine seasons, with Carey playing a fictionalized version of himself. During this time, Carey became one of the highest-paid entertainers, earning $750,000 per episode between 2001 and 2004.
In addition to his sitcom, Carey became known for his involvement in improvisational comedy. He hosted the well-loved show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” from 1998 until its cancellation in 2006. He also co-produced and starred in “Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show,” a spin-off of “Whose Line?”
Since 2007, Carey has taken over as the host of “The Price is Right,” succeeding the legendary Bob Barker. His comedic touch and respect for the show’s traditions have made him a successful host, earning him a salary of $12.5 million per year.
Personal Life
Carey has had notable relationships throughout his life. He was previously engaged to Nicole Jaracz from 2007 to 2012. In 2018, he announced his engagement to sex therapist Amie Harwick, but the couple ended their engagement later that year. Tragically, Harwick was found dead in February 2020, and her ex-boyfriend was arrested on suspicion of her murder.
Aside from his career in entertainment, Carey is also a passionate advocate for public libraries. He has donated both time and money to support the cause of keeping libraries open and operational. Interestingly, despite his interest in libraries, Carey is an outspoken member of the Libertarian party and believes in limited government and lower taxes.
Net Worth Over Time
Throughout his career, Drew Carey’s net worth has seen significant fluctuations due to his various endeavors:
– In 1998, Carey earned $45 million from his multiple ventures, equivalent to around $70 million today after adjusting for inflation.
– From 2001 to 2004, he earned $750,000 per episode of “The Drew Carey Show.” In total, he filmed 79 episodes at this rate, earning approximately $59,250,000 (before inflation) for those three seasons.
– Currently, Carey earns a salary of $12.5 million per year from hosting “The Price is Right.”
Components of Net Worth
Drew Carey’s net worth consists of various components:
- Television Earnings: Carey has earned a significant portion of his wealth through his successful television career. His sitcom, “The Drew Carey Show,” and his current hosting gig on “The Price is Right” have contributed significantly to his earnings.
- Game Show Hosting: As the host of “The Price is Right” since 2007, Carey earns a substantial salary of $12.5 million per year.
- Side Ventures: Carey has been involved in various side ventures, including his ownership stake in the Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer team. His 7.5% ownership has become considerably valuable as the team’s worth has grown to approximately $700 million.
- Stand-up Comedy: Carey’s background in stand-up comedy has also contributed to his net worth. He has performed in comedy clubs across Cleveland and Los Angeles.
Overall, Drew Carey’s remarkable net worth is a testament to his talent, hard work, and success in the entertainment industry. His accomplishments as both a comedian and a television host have secured his financial stability and cemented his status as one of the wealthiest individuals in show business.