1153: Drew Carey | The Price Is Right, But These Stories Are Priceless
May 13, 2025
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In this conversation, Drew Carey, the beloved host of The Price Is Right and comedy icon, shares his incredible journey from financial hardship in Cleveland to Hollywood success. He recounts how a pivotal appearance on The Tonight Show changed his life and discusses how wealth can affect a comedian's authenticity. Drew also highlights his commitment to a growth mindset by immersing himself in current culture and attending EDM festivals. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from game shows and emphasizes the importance of staying relatable in comedy.
Drew Carey reflects on his financially challenging beginnings, emphasizing how hardship shaped his perspective on success and perseverance.
His career-defining appearance on The Tonight Show showcased the power of visualization and self-belief in achieving dreams.
Carey highlights the need for comedians to stay connected to everyday struggles to maintain humor and relatability with their audience.
Adaptability is crucial for growth, as seen in Carey's transition from The Drew Carey Show to hosting The Price is Right.
Deep dives
The Journey to Success
Drew Carey discusses his path to success and how it was filled with challenges. He shares experiences of being broke while pursuing his comedy career, living paycheck to paycheck, and struggling to afford basic necessities like food and gas. During these tough times, he maintained a journal meticulously tracking his expenses, reflecting how he adapted to his financial limitations. These formative experiences shaped his perspective on success and wealth, teaching him the value of perseverance.
Lessons From the Price is Right
Carey offers insights into his role on The Price is Right and what makes it a unique show. He emphasizes the importance of audience interaction and how contestants bring an energetic vibe to the stage, while also maintaining an inclusive atmosphere. The show's dynamic allows participants from diverse backgrounds to showcase their personalities, making it relatable to a broad audience. Behind the scenes, careful considerations are made to ensure a fair and entertaining experience for contestants and viewers alike.
Mental Health and Self-Reflection
Carey touches on his ongoing journey of self-reflection and mental health awareness. He describes how birthdays and New Year's can trigger feelings of reminiscence and self-evaluation, prompting him to assess his life's trajectory. This introspective process allows him to identify areas for personal growth while also recognizing the importance of living in the moment. He encourages others to embrace their past choices, suggesting that every experience contributes to who they become.
Embracing Change and Adaptation
Throughout the conversation, Carey highlights the importance of adaptability in both personal and professional realms. He reflects on the changes he experienced after transitioning from The Drew Carey Show to hosting The Price is Right, which involved adjusting to new expectations and responsibilities. This shift in his career provided him with fresh opportunities and allowed him to connect with different audiences. Carey's willingness to embrace change is evident in his approach to evolving as both a performer and a person.
Navigating Fame and Its Challenges
Carey shares candid observations regarding fame and how it affects his everyday life. He recounts moments of being recognized by fans and how that recognition can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations or misunderstandings. Despite the challenges, he appreciates the connection he has with his audience, recognizing that those interactions are meaningful. Carey underscores the need for balance between personal life and public persona while navigating the complexities of celebrity.
The Value of Community and Support
Drew Carey reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive and honest individuals. He mentions friends who help keep him grounded, reminding him of reality and offering constructive criticism as needed. This network of support not only aids in maintaining perspective but also facilitates personal growth by allowing for open conversations about vulnerabilities. Carey's emphasis on the value of authenticity reinforces the significance of human connection in achieving lasting success.
Finding Joy in Passion
Carey expresses his passion for music festivals, specifically mentioning his love for attending events like Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC). He emphasizes the joy of living in the moment and experiencing new things, suggesting that such activities keep him feeling youthful and connected to current cultural trends. This passion serves as a reminder of the importance of enjoying life and embracing opportunities for happiness. For him, attending these events is not merely about entertainment but a celebration of life's rich experiences.
Drew Carey experienced extreme financial hardship before fame, counting pennies, putting only $2 of gas in his car at a time, and eating macaroni with water instead of milk because he couldn't afford both butter and milk.
Drew's appearance on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1991 was career-defining. He had visualized the entire sequence in real-time the night before, and it happened exactly as he'd dreamed it, including Carson's "You're funny as hell" comment.
Comedians often become less funny as they get more successful because wealth insulates them from the everyday frustrations that fuel comedy. When you're rich, you lose touch with common annoyances that connect you to your audience.
The "perfect bid" incident on The Price is Right wasn't cheating, but exposed how the show had become predictable. Super-fans memorized prices from the limited rotation of items, leading to changes in how the show operates.
Growth mindset is essential for staying relevant and happy. Drew still attends EDM music festivals, keeps up with new slang, and constantly looks to learn and evolve: "Once you stop growing, that's the end of you."
