Drew Carey

Drew Carey
Erik Drost · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Drew Carey
Caption	Carey in 2008
Birth name	George Drew Carey
Birth date	1958-05-23
Birth place	Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Occupation	Comedian, actor, game show host, television producer
Years active	1985–present
Spouse	(divorced)

Drew Carey is an American comedian, actor, game show host, and television producer best known for his work in stand-up comedy, sitcom television, and televised game shows. Rising from regional comedy clubs in the 1980s, he achieved national prominence with a long-running sitcom, a flagship game show revival, and frequent appearances across cable and network programming. Carey has also been active in business ventures, philanthropic causes, and sports ownership.

Early life and education

Carey was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in the West Park neighborhood and the suburb of Maple Heights. He attended Cuyahoga Community College and later enrolled at The Ohio State University before leaving to pursue comedy. His formative years included time in the United States Marine Corps and work in the paper mill industry around Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Family background and regional upbringing in Cleveland influenced his early performances and working-class persona.

Stand-up comedy and breakthrough

Carey began performing stand-up at clubs such as The Improv, Gotham Comedy Club, and regional venues in Cleveland and Los Angeles. He won the 1993 Star Search stand-up competition and earned exposure on programs like The Tonight Show and Late Show with David Letterman. His breakout included appearances on Comic Relief and tours with comedians associated with Bob Hope specials and Jerry Seinfeld, increasing visibility that led to network television opportunities.

Television career

Carey starred as the lead in a network sitcom produced by ABC and later by Warner Bros. Television, which ran on ABC and became a staple for Fox audiences. The series featured supporting performances by actors associated with Madonna-era guest appearances and writers who previously worked on Seinfeld and Saturday Night Live. Carey hosted specials and appeared on panel shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and collaborated with producers from Lorne Michaels's SNL circle. He later served as executive producer on multiple cable projects for Comedy Central and Bravo.

Film and other acting roles

In film, Carey appeared in comedies and independent features connected to producers from Hollywood, including roles alongside actors affiliated with Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and directors who worked on Saturday Night Live spin-offs. He lent his voice to animated features released by studios such as DreamWorks Animation and made cameos in films distributed by Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Carey also appeared in television films aired on ABC and HBO and performed in stage productions associated with theaters in Los Angeles and New York City.

Game show hosting and production

Carey became widely known as host of the revival of a long-running game show produced by Sony Pictures Television and broadcast on CBS. His tenure included working with producers linked to Merv Griffin's legacy and game show creators involved with Reg Grundy and Mark Goodson. He helped modernize format elements alongside executives from Endemol Shine Group and collaborated with technicians from Television Production Studios to integrate interactive components used in competitions on NBC and syndicated broadcasts. Carey also served as executive producer on companion digital content distributed through platforms associated with ViacomCBS and Paramount Global.

Personal life and philanthropy

Carey has been involved with charitable organizations in Cleveland and nationally, including partnerships with groups tied to United Service Organizations and local United Way chapters. He has supported veterans' causes linked to the Department of Veterans Affairs and participated in fundraising events hosted by institutions such as Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. Carey has publicly discussed influences from entertainers like Bob Hope and Johnny Carson, and has participated in charity sports events associated with franchises in Major League Soccer and Major League Baseball.

Business ventures and other activities

Outside entertainment, Carey invested in sports-related enterprises including minority ownership stakes tied to teams in Major League Soccer and involvement with venues in Seattle and San Diego. He has worked with companies in the hospitality sector connected to properties in Las Vegas and collaborated with entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley on branded digital media projects. Carey has been active in podcasting and streaming initiatives hosted on platforms affiliated with Spotify (company) and YouTube, and has appeared as a guest on programs produced by networks including CNN and Fox News Channel.

Category:American comedians Category:American television actors Category:Game show hosts