DREW CAREY - FAMOUS BIPOLAR COMEDIAN
Drew Carey's Early Life: From Tragedy to Comedy Icon
Drew Allison Carey was born on May 23, 1958, in Cleveland, Ohio, the youngest of three brothers. But his childhood took a devastating turn when, at just eight years old, he lost his father, Lewis Carey, to a brain tumor. This tragedy cast a long shadow over his early years, leading to battles with depression and self-doubt.
Despite the hardships, Carey discovered his superpower—making people laugh. While attending James Ford Rhodes High School, he found comfort in performance and music, playing the trumpet in the school’s marching band. After graduation, he enrolled at Kent State University, but college life wasn’t his scene. He struggled academically, partied hard, and after being expelled twice, he dropped out before earning a degree.
Lost and searching for purpose, Carey took an unexpected detour—he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. For six years, he honed his discipline and confidence, all while quietly nurturing his love for comedy. It wasn’t until a friend suggested he read self-help books that he had a revelation: he was born to make people laugh.
With newfound determination, Carey threw himself into stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, performing at local Cleveland clubs. His self-deprecating humor and signature thick-rimmed glasses quickly made him a crowd favorite. What started as a way to cope with life’s hardships turned into his ticket to stardom—and the beginning of an unstoppable career in comedy.
Drew Carey's Meteoric Rise to Comedy Royalty
Drew Carey’s journey to stardom wasn’t just a climb—it was a full-blown, against-all-odds takeover of the comedy world. In 1985, armed with nothing but his self-deprecating wit, signature buzz cut, and thick-rimmed glasses, Carey took his first steps onto the stand-up stage at the Cleveland Comedy Club. His brand of relatable, blue-collar humor instantly struck a chord, turning him into a local sensation. But Cleveland was just the launchpad—Drew had his sights set on something bigger.
Determined to make it in Hollywood, he hit the stand-up circuit hard, grinding his way through small clubs and late-night gigs until he landed the ultimate golden ticket: a spot on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” In the comedy world, getting Carson’s nod was like winning an Oscar, and Carey crushed it. When Carson invited him to the legendary guest couch—a rare honor—Carey officially leveled up. From there, he made waves on “Late Night with David Letterman”, further proving that his quick wit and everyman charm were built for primetime.
But Drew wasn’t just content with killing it in stand-up—he was ready to run the show. In 1995, he struck sitcom gold with “The Drew Carey Show,” a semi-autobiographical masterpiece that turned him from a rising comedian into a TV megastar. Playing a lovable, sarcastic office worker navigating life in Cleveland, Carey resonated with millions. The show became a ratings juggernaut, running for nine powerhouse seasons (1995–2004) and making Drew Carey a household name.
And just when you thought he was done? Boom. He reinvented himself again—this time as the host of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. With his razor-sharp comedic timing and ability to riff off improv legends like Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie, Carey turned the show into a must-watch, laugh-out-loud hit.
By the early 2000s, Drew Carey wasn’t just a comedian—he was a pop culture force. Stand-up star. Sitcom king. Improv legend. His impact on comedy was undeniable, proving that a kid from Cleveland with a dream, a joke, and a whole lot of hustle could take over the entertainment world.
Drew Carey & Bipolar Disorder: A Comedy King’s Battle with Chaos & Clarity
Drew Carey might be best known for his infectious laugh, quick wit, and affable everyman persona, but beneath the surface, he has waged a lifelong battle with bipolar disorder—a struggle that remained largely hidden from the public eye for years. While his comedic genius has brought joy to millions, the reality behind the scenes was far more complex.
Carey’s journey has been one of extreme emotional highs and crushing lows, mirroring the unpredictable nature of bipolar disorder. While he was making audiences laugh on shows like The Drew Carey Show and Whose Line Is It Anyway?, he privately struggled with overwhelming manic energy, deep depressive episodes, and an internal chaos that felt impossible to control.
The Unseen Battle: Mood Swings, Mania & Depression
For years, Carey unknowingly rode a rollercoaster of emotions, never fully understanding why he felt so unstoppable, energized, and hyper-creative one moment, only to spiral into crippling despair the next. This extreme fluctuation in emotions—hallmarks of bipolar disorder—left him feeling like he was trapped between two completely different realities.
During his manic phases, Carey felt invincible, bursting with creativity, humor, and an almost boundless energy. He would work obsessively, often staying up for days on end, writing jokes, performing on stage, and pushing himself beyond his limits. These periods fueled his career success, allowing him to hone his comedic craft, land television gigs, and develop his signature onstage presence.
However, the euphoria was always temporary. Without warning, his mood would shift into a deep, paralyzing depression, leaving him feeling completely drained, hopeless, and emotionally empty. These episodes weren’t just about sadness—they were suffocating, dragging him into a state of self-doubt, isolation, and profound despair.
To the outside world, Carey remained the funny, charismatic guy on TV, but behind closed doors, he struggled to find stability, unsure of how to break free from the relentless cycle of highs and lows.
Suicidal Struggles: Hitting Rock Bottom
Carey’s untreated bipolar disorder reached its darkest point when, at just 18 and 20 years old, he attempted suicide twice by overdosing on pills. At the time, he didn’t fully understand that his suicidal thoughts weren’t just moments of sadness—they were a desperate attempt to escape the emotional chaos, confusion, and exhaustion that came with living undiagnosed and untreated.
Reflecting on those harrowing moments, Carey admitted that they weren’t just isolated incidents of teenage despair but rather signs of a deeper mental health crisis. He later described these attempts as a cry for help, fueled by:
- Unresolved trauma (including the death of his father when he was just 8 years old)
- Overwhelming emotional instability caused by undiagnosed bipolar disorder
- A sense of isolation—feeling like no one truly understood what he was going through
At his lowest, Carey felt like there was no way out, but eventually, he realized that his pain wasn’t a personal failing—it was a medical condition that needed treatment and understanding.
Comedy as a Lifeline: Turning Pain into Laughter
For many artists battling bipolar disorder, creativity becomes a form of survival—and for Carey, comedy was his escape, his therapy, and his saving grace.
When he stepped onto a stand-up stage, everything changed. The stage wasn’t just a place to tell jokes; it was a sanctuary where he could channel his pain, confusion, and emotional turmoil into laughter. He discovered that making others laugh gave him purpose, allowing him to take control of his narrative instead of being controlled by his mental health struggles.
Carey wasn’t just a comedian—he was a storyteller, a survivor, and an artist who turned his darkest moments into something powerful. Through laughter, he proved that even in life’s most difficult times, humor can be a lifeline—not just for others, but for himself.
Personal Life and Recent Developments: Triumph Through Tragedy
Drew Carey has lived a life filled with laughter, but behind his signature glasses and quick wit, he has endured profound personal hardships. One of the most devastating moments came in 2020 when his former fiancée, Amie Harwick, a well-known therapist and advocate for victims of domestic violence, was tragically murdered. The heartbreaking loss shook Carey to his core, leaving him grappling with immense grief. He publicly expressed his devastation, calling Harwick “the love of his life” and dedicating a special episode of his radio show to her memory.
Despite this painful chapter, Carey found solace in therapy, self-care, and advocacy. He has since spoken about the importance of mental health awareness and finding closure. In interviews, he reflected on Harwick’s impact, not only on his life but also on countless others through her work in psychology and counseling. After years of court proceedings, he acknowledged a sense of relief following the sentencing of her killer, stating that while nothing could bring her back, justice was served.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Personal Growth
Carey’s journey with mental health struggles, including bipolar disorder and depression, has shaped his outlook on life. He continues to be a vocal advocate for therapy and mental well-being, stressing the importance of seeking help, surrounding oneself with supportive people, and embracing self-care. His experiences have led him to adopt mindfulness practices, meditation, and a more holistic approach to personal wellness.
Beyond mental health, Carey has also focused on physical wellness. Over the years, he has undergone a dramatic transformation, shedding over 100 pounds and maintaining a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise. He credits his weight loss to cutting out unhealthy foods, staying active, and keeping a positive mindset—all of which have helped him manage his overall well-being.
The Price Is Right: Still Bringing Joy
Even through personal hardships, Carey remains a beloved television figure. Since taking over as host of “The Price Is Right” in 2007, he has brought warmth, humor, and his own unique style to the legendary game show. With over 15 years at the helm, he has become a staple of daytime television, embracing the role with enthusiasm and gratitude.
In recent interviews, Carey has shared behind-the-scenes insights about the show’s quirks, from his least favorite prizes (exercise equipment that contestants often pretend to be excited about) to unforgettable contestant moments (including wild celebrations and surprise wins). Despite the routine of hosting, he remains passionate about making each episode engaging and ensuring contestants feel welcomed and valued.
Overcoming the Stigma: A Voice for Mental Health Awareness
In the years that followed, Carey became more open about his mental health struggles, advocating for therapy, self-care, and removing the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder and depression.
He has encouraged others to seek professional help, emphasizing that no one should have to struggle in silence.
He has used his platform to discuss mental health openly, proving that even the most successful and seemingly happy people can face internal battles.
He continues to promote the idea that mental illness is not a weakness, but rather a challenge that can be managed with the right support and treatment.
Carey’s story is not just about struggles—it’s about resilience, transformation, and finding light even in the darkest moments.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Resilience and Laughter
Today, Drew Carey continues to balance his professional success with personal healing and advocacy. He uses his platform to promote mental health awareness, self-improvement, and the power of laughter as a coping mechanism. Whether he’s hosting game shows, performing stand-up, or speaking on mental health, his resilience shines through.
From personal loss to professional triumph, Carey’s journey is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the enduring power of humor. And no matter what life throws his way, one thing is certain—Drew Carey will keep bringing smiles to audiences, just as he always has.
Fun Fact
He’s made guest appearances in hit shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy, and even voiced himself in The Fairly OddParents.