Drew Carey’s Net Worth 2025: From Stand-Up to Game Show Legend

Drew Carey is a household name, beloved for his quick wit, self-deprecating humor, and iconic television career. Whether you remember him from The Drew Carey Show, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, or as the affable host of The Price Is Right, Carey has been a staple in the 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 the 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 the 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 the United States Marine Corps Reserve, where he served as a field radio operator for six years. It was during this time that he developed the discipline and perseverance that would later help him thrive in the cutthroat world of entertainment.

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The 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 the Cleveland Comedy Club, which kickstarted his stand-up career. By the late ‘80s, he had gained national recognition through appearances on Star Search, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and Late Night with David Letterman.

In 1995, Carey struck gold with The Drew Carey Show, a sitcom based on a fictionalized version of himself. The show, set in his hometown of Cleveland, was a hit, running for nine seasons and 233 episodes. At his peak, he was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, earning a whopping $750,000 per episode—equivalent to nearly $1 million per episode today when adjusted for inflation.

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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. The show featured some of the best improv comedians in the industry, and Carey’s natural charisma made him the perfect host. He blended the structured format with spontaneous humor, helping turn the show into a cult favorite. Though it was eventually canceled in 2006, its impact on comedy remains significant.

Taking Over The Price Is Right

In 2007, Carey made another major career move—stepping in as the host of The Price Is Right, following the 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 the essence of the show while injecting his own brand of humor, earning him a whole new generation of fans.

As of 2025, Carey earns a staggering $12.5 million per year as the host of The Price Is Right, making him one of the 20 highest-paid TV hosts in the world.

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A Love for Sports: The Seattle Sounders FC Investment

Outside of television, Carey has a deep love for soccer. He’s been a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders FC since the team’s inception in 2009. He owns 7.5% of the franchise, which has skyrocketed in value over the years. Today, the team is worth $700 million, meaning Carey’s stake is now valued at around $51 million.

His involvement goes beyond ownership—Carey has been instrumental in shaping the team’s fan experience and even introduced a democratic voting system that allows supporters to have a say in key management decisions.

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 the loss, later advocating for domestic violence awareness in her honor.

Net Worth and Earnings (Updated 2025)

Drew Carey’s financial success is nothing short of impressive. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $165 million. His fortune has come from:

• The Drew Carey Show earnings (over $59 million from his last three seasons alone)
• Hosting The Price Is Right ($12.5 million per year)
• Comedy tours and stand-up specials
• Seattle Sounders FC ownership stake (worth around $51 million)
• Book deals and other ventures

Carey has also made smart financial decisions over the 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 the 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 journey is truly inspirational. His ability to reinvent himself, embrace new opportunities, and remain authentic has cemented his place in pop culture history. And with his continued success, there’s no doubt that Drew Carey will be making audiences smile for many more years to come.