Drew Carey, the beloved comedian, actor, and television host, has been a household name for decades. Known for his quick wit, relatable humor, and iconic roles on The Drew Carey Show and as the host of The Price Is Right, Carey has built a remarkable career in entertainment. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be around $165 million, a testament to his talent, business acumen, and strategic investments. This blog post explores Drew Carey’s financial journey, from his humble beginnings to his current status as one of the wealthiest entertainers in the industry. We’ll cover his early life, breakthrough moments, major earnings, assets, brand endorsements, personal life, and answer some frequently asked questions about this multifaceted star.
Early Life: From Cleveland to Comedy
Drew Allison Carey was born on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, as the youngest of three sons in a working-class family. His father, Lewis Carey, worked as a draftsman, and his mother, Beulah Carey, was a homemaker. Tragedy struck early when Carey’s father passed away from a heart attack when Drew was just eight years old, leaving a profound impact on his family and shaping his perspective on resilience and humor as coping mechanisms.
Growing up in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood, Carey attended James Ford Rhodes High School, where he displayed his early charisma by playing the trumpet in the marching band. He went on to enroll at Kent State University but struggled academically, leading to his expulsion twice due to poor performance. After three years, he left college and, in 1980, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, where he served as a field radio operator with the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment. His six years in the Marines instilled discipline and structure, which would later prove invaluable in his career.
It was during his time in the Marines that Carey began dabbling in comedy, charging $10 per joke as a side hustle. After leaving the military in 1986, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue stand-up comedy full-time, performing at local comedy clubs and honing his craft. These early years were marked by financial struggles, with Carey’s net worth at the time being less than $100,000.
Breakthrough Moment: Rising to Stardom
Carey’s big break came in 1988 when he competed on Star Search, a popular talent show that showcased up-and-coming performers. His performance caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. These high-profile gigs marked a turning point, establishing Carey as a rising star in comedy. In 1994, his stand-up special Drew Carey: Human Cartoon won a CableACE Award for Best Writing, further solidifying his reputation.
The defining moment of Carey’s career came in 1995 with the premiere of The Drew Carey Show on ABC. Co-created by Carey and Bruce Helford, the sitcom featured a fictionalized version of Carey as an everyman navigating life and work in Cleveland alongside his quirky friends. The show’s relatable humor and Carey’s affable personality resonated with audiences, making it a hit. Running for nine seasons and 233 episodes, The Drew Carey Show became a cultural staple of the late 1990s and early 2000s, significantly boosting Carey’s fame and fortune.
In 1998, Carey began hosting the U.S. version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, an improvisational comedy show that showcased his quick wit and chemistry with performers like Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie. The show’s success further expanded his reach and added to his growing wealth. These two projects—The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line Is It Anyway?—catapulted Carey to national prominence and laid the foundation for his financial success.
Major Earnings: Building a Fortune
Drew Carey net worth of $165 million in 2025 is the result of a diversified income stream from television, comedy, investments, and endorsements. Below is a breakdown of his major earnings:
The Drew Carey Show
During its peak, The Drew Carey Show was a financial juggernaut for Carey. He started with a salary of $60,000 per episode in the early seasons, which increased to $300,000 and eventually peaked at $750,000 per episode by the final seasons (2001–2004). For the last three seasons alone, Carey filmed 79 episodes, earning approximately $59.25 million before inflation adjustments. In 1998, his earnings from the show and other endeavors reached $45 million, equivalent to about $70 million today.
The Price Is Right
In 2007, Carey took over as host of The Price Is Right following Bob Barker’s retirement. Initially met with skepticism, Carey made the role his own, bringing his signature humor and charm to the iconic game show. His annual salary for hosting is reported to be $12.5 million, with some sources claiming he earns up to $1 million per episode. Over his 18-year tenure (2007–2025), his cumulative earnings from the show are estimated at around $180 million, making it his most significant income source.
Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Other TV Projects
Carey’s role as host of Whose Line Is It Anyway? from 1998 to 2007, along with spin-offs like Drew Carey’s Green Screen Show and Drew Carey’s Improv-A-Ganza, added millions to his wealth. While exact figures for these projects are less documented, they contributed significantly to his income during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Additionally, Carey has appeared in films like Coneheads (1993) and TV shows such as Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, as well as voice-over work and guest spots, further diversifying his earnings.
Other Ventures
Beyond television, Carey has earned income through stand-up comedy tours, speaking engagements, and his autobiography, Dirty Jokes and Beer: Stories of the Unrefined, which added to his wealth through book sales. His involvement in professional wrestling, including a 2001 Royal Rumble appearance and a 2011 WWE Hall of Fame induction, also generated additional revenue.
Assets: Real Estate, Cars, and Investments
Carey’s wealth is not just from earnings but also from strategic investments and a luxurious lifestyle. Here’s a look at his notable assets:
Real Estate
Carey is a real estate connoisseur with a portfolio that includes over 14 properties. His most prominent asset is a 9,500-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles’ Universal City Overlook, valued at $34 million. This modern architectural marvel features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and luxurious furnishings. He also owns a 3,000-square-foot home in Cleveland, Ohio, purchased for $300,000, which boasts a homely charm with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a white picket fence. These properties, along with others, contribute an estimated $20–$25 million to his net worth.
Cars
An avid car enthusiast, Carey owns a collection of 11 vehicles, including a custom-painted Mini Cooper worth approximately $24,950, which was featured in Jay Leno’s Car Garage. In the 1990s, he owned a 1998 Porsche 911 Cabriolet, and he has reportedly engaged in friendly car collection competitions with Jay Leno. While details of his other vehicles are less public, his automotive investments reflect his passion for luxury and customization.
Yachts
Carey’s lavish lifestyle extends to the water, with ownership of five luxurious yachts. Specific details about these yachts are scarce, but they underscore his taste for high-end leisure.
Investments
Carey’s business acumen shines through his investments, particularly his 7.5% stake in the Seattle Sounders FC, a Major League Soccer team valued at approximately $700 million. This investment alone is a significant contributor to his wealth. Additionally, he holds $72 million in stock market investments, including shares in companies like Microsoft, Amazon, JPMorgan, Pfizer, and Boeing, as well as gold and federal bonds. His stake in restaurants and bars further diversifies his portfolio.
Brand Endorsements
Carey’s likable persona has made him a sought-after figure for brand endorsements. In 2023, he reportedly earned $30 million for a DirecTV advertisement, showcasing his appeal to major brands. Over the years, he has partnered with various companies, leveraging his fame from The Price Is Right and The Drew Carey Show to secure lucrative deals. These endorsements, combined with speaking engagements, have added tens of millions to his net worth, further solidifying his financial success.
Personal Life: Triumphs and Challenges
Drew Carey’s personal life has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies. He has never been married but was engaged twice. His first engagement was to Nicole Jaracz, which ended in 2012. In 2017, he began dating Amie Harwick, a marriage and family therapist, and proposed in 2018. Tragically, Harwick was murdered in 2020 by her ex-boyfriend, a devastating loss that Carey has spoken about publicly. In 2010, Carey welcomed a son, Cooper, through a surrogate, and he has embraced single fatherhood.
Carey is known for his philanthropy, particularly his support for public libraries, veterans’ issues, animal welfare, and childhood education. His charitable contributions, while significant, account for less than 1% of his net worth, reflecting a balanced approach to wealth and giving. He is also an avid sports fan, supporting teams like the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, and Columbus Blue Jackets. His passion for soccer led to his investment in the Seattle Sounders FC and attendance at FIFA World Cup events in 2006 and 2010.
Carey has been open about his struggles with weight and depression, undergoing a significant weight loss transformation in the mid-2000s through diet and exercise. Despite his wealth, he maintains a relatively modest lifestyle compared to other celebrities, focusing on financial discipline and strategic investments.
FAQs About Drew Carey Net Worth
1. What is Drew Carey net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Drew Carey net worth is estimated at $165 million, primarily from his television career, investments, and endorsements.
2. How much does Drew Carey earn from The Price Is Right?
Carey earns approximately $12.5 million annually as the host of The Price Is Right, with some sources reporting up to $1 million per episode.
3. What was Drew Carey’s salary for The Drew Carey Show?
During the final seasons (2001–2004), Carey earned $750,000 per episode, totaling around $59.25 million for 79 episodes.
4. What investments contribute to Drew Carey’s wealth?
Carey’s wealth is bolstered by his 7.5% stake in the Seattle Sounders FC, real estate holdings, stock market investments (Microsoft, Amazon, etc.), and ownership in restaurants and bars.
5. Does Drew Carey have any children?
Yes, Carey has a son named Cooper, born in 2010 via surrogate. He is a single father.
6. What are some of Drew Carey’s notable assets?
Carey owns a $34 million mansion in Los Angeles, a $300,000 home in Cleveland, 11 luxury cars, and five yachts.
7. Has Drew Carey been married?
No, Carey has never been married but was engaged to Nicole Jaracz (ended in 2012) and Amie Harwick (ended in 2018).
8. What philanthropic causes does Drew Carey support?
Carey supports public libraries, veterans’ issues, animal welfare, and childhood education through generous donations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Laughter and Wealth
Drew Carey net worth of $165 million in 2025 reflects a remarkable journey from a working-class kid in Cleveland to one of the most successful entertainers in the world. His breakthrough with The Drew Carey Show and his long-running role on The Price Is Right have been the cornerstones of his financial success, complemented by savvy investments in real estate, sports, and the stock market. Despite personal challenges, Carey’s resilience, humor, and business acumen have made him a beloved figure and a financial role model.
From his luxurious Los Angeles mansion to his passion for cars and soccer, Carey’s lifestyle reflects his hard-earned wealth, yet his philanthropy and modest demeanor keep him grounded. As he continues to host The Price Is Right and explore new ventures, Drew Carey’s legacy as a comedian, host, and entrepreneur will undoubtedly endure, inspiring fans and aspiring entertainers alike.
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