Drew Carey’s career stretches from Cleveland stand-up stages to two very different television roles—and includes a Marine Corps Reserve stint and a connection to professional soccer. Here are 10 lesser-known details behind the familiar face of The Price Is Right.
Early life and the move to comedy
1. He was born in Cleveland
Drew Allison Carey was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 23, 1958. He was the youngest of three brothers, according to Biography.com.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![Holiday TV Comedy Collection [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XU4pEN+LL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Holiday TV Comedy Collection [DVD] | $6.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Best of TV Comedy Collection | $4.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
TV Comedy Collection | $9.45 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Comedy Classics [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518s1ALGfhL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Comedy Classics [DVD] | $7.85 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![The Lucy Show: TV's First Lady [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WE20pCVZL._SL160_.jpg)
|
The Lucy Show: TV's First Lady [DVD] | $11.99 | Buy on Amazon |
2. He left Kent State to pursue stand-up
Carey attended Kent State University before leaving college to pursue comedy. Biography.com also reports that he struggled with focus and depression during that period; that detail is part of its account of his early life, not a diagnosis or a full medical history.
3. He began performing professionally in Cleveland
Carey’s comedy career began at the Cleveland Comedy Club in April 1986, according to the official The Price Is Right biography. His hometown was also where he first built a professional audience.
#1 Best Overall
Military service and a national breakthrough
4. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve
Carey joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1980 and served for six years, Biography.com reports. The The Price Is Right biography connects his Reserve service with the military-style buzz cut and wide-rimmed glasses that became part of his recognizable look.
5. Johnny Carson helped introduce him to a national audience
In 1991, Carey appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, a milestone noted in the program’s official biography. The appearance brought his stand-up to a much wider audience than his early club work.
Rank #2
- Factory sealed DVD
Television, writing, and a new role
6. His sitcom and improv hosting overlapped
The Drew Carey Show ran from 1995 to 2004. During that period, Carey also hosted and produced Whose Line Is It Anyway?, taking on scripted sitcom comedy and improvisational television at the same time. The career timeline appears in his official show biography.
7. He published an autobiography in 1997
Carey’s book Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined was published in 1997, according to Biography.com. The title reflected the irreverent comic persona audiences knew from his work.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Factory sealed DVD
8. He became the host of The Price Is Right in 2007
Carey was named host in July 2007, succeeding Bob Barker, according to the show’s official biography. The appointment marked a shift from sitcom and improv work to a long-running daytime game show.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Interests beyond the studio
9. He took an interest in soccer photography
After his earlier television series ended, Carey developed an interest in sports photography, particularly soccer, Biography.com says. The source establishes an interest; it does not describe photography as a major or full-time career.
Rank #4
10. He is an owner of Seattle Sounders FC
Carey is listed as an owner on the Seattle Sounders FC official ownership page. That connection brings together his interest in soccer and a professional club based in the Pacific Northwest.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
