Drew Carey, the husky, blond, and bespectacled comedian known for his everyman charm, really hit his stride in 1995 when The Drew Carey Show premiered on ABC. Sure, it might’ve looked like overnight success to some, but in reality, Drew Carey’s journey to fame was anything but easy. Before he became a household name, Drew Carey faced a tough childhood and spent years grinding it out in the cutthroat world of stand-up comedy. He even tried college at Kent State University in Ohio, but dropped out after struggling with depression and uncertainty about his future.
Then came a turning point—Drew Carey enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. That experience, as Drew Carey later reflected, helped him gain confidence and clarity. After his service, a friend encouraged him to start writing jokes for a local radio station, and from there, things began to click. Before long, Drew Carey was hitting comedy clubs across the country, honing his craft one punchline at a time.
His big break came when he appeared on the televised talent contest Star Search, which opened more doors. Soon after, Drew Carey landed a comedy special on HBO—a major milestone—and then wowed audiences on The Tonight Show, where he won over none other than Johnny Carson himself. These moments were pivotal, setting the stage for what would become his signature role.
In 1995, The Drew Carey Show debuted, and suddenly, Drew Carey wasn’t just a rising comic—he was a TV star. The show, set in Cleveland, ran for nearly a decade and cemented Drew Carey’s place in pop culture. Once the series ended, Drew Carey didn’t slow down. He brought his laid-back, fun-loving energy to a variety of projects, most notably stepping into the spotlight as the host of The Price is Right on CBS. Taking over from the legendary Bob Barker was no small feat, especially after such a high-profile search, but Drew Carey made it look effortless.
When asked why he wanted the job, Drew Carey gave a response that was classic Drew Carey: “They told me all I’d be doing all day is giving away prizes, and I thought, you know, that’s not such a bad thing to be known for.” And honestly? That’s exactly why people love Drew Carey—he stays real, stays funny, and never takes himself too seriously.
When it comes to Drew Carey’s career in film and entertainment, one standout project really shines through — Drew Carey. Among all his works, the highest rated movie associated with Drew Carey is The Aristocrats from 2005, which received widespread acclaim and became a cult favorite. It’s no surprise that Drew Carey’s performance in that film left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. On the other hand, looking at the lower end of the spectrum, Drew Carey was also involved in The Big Tease, released back in 1999, which unfortunately didn’t resonate as well and ended up being his lowest rated film to date. So, whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting familiar with Drew Carey’s body of work, these two titles definitely mark the highs and lows in his cinematic journey — with Drew Carey consistently showing up as a memorable presence either way.