The Wild World of Drew Carey’s ‘The Price Is Right’: High Jinks and High Spirits!
Imagine this scenario: you’re about to watch your favorite show, The Price Is Right, and suddenly realize it’s not the new car but rather the contestants who are revving their engines. That’s right, folks! Drew Carey, the charming host of the beloved game show, recently dished out some juicy behind-the-scenes tidbits, revealing that it’s ‘not unusual’ for contestants to show up a bit… altered.
Recounting his experiences, Carey shared a particularly wild tale about a contestant who made quite an impression. He recounted, “There was a guy here that was tripping on mushrooms…He didn’t think he was going to get picked, and he totally tripped.” Now, that’s one way to spin the wheel!
But that’s not the only time someone’s taken the stage with a little extra enthusiasm. Carey noted that some contestants partake in ‘liquid courage’ or even pop a marijuana gummy before making their TV debut. “They’ll have a [marijuana] gummy or I’ll smell alcohol on their breath. Not unusual,” he told TV Insider.
In fact, the contestant who was ‘tripping on mushrooms’ turned out to be a sketch comedy performer. Carey bumped into him later at the United Citizens Brigade comedy theater, where the contestant was still maintaining his unique persona as a ‘skateboarding rabbi.’
Despite these quirky experiences, Carey shared that the contestants are the heartbeat of the show. They’re a mixed bag of everyday folks, reflecting the diverse fabric of America. “They’re normal people that live normal lives. There are no CEOs, ultra-rich upper management. They don’t come to The Price Is Right. These are middle class, working class… It’s a cross-section of America,” he explained.
Regular folks, he observed, are often more engaging than celebrities. “Honestly… I learn more from them than I do from anybody,” Carey said, reflecting on the various life stories and challenges that contestants bring with them.
Having taken over from Bob Barker in 2007, Drew Carey has managed to keep the show fresh and exciting with updates like a new set, logo, and theme music. And while those changes have certainly made an impact, it’s Carey’s unique interaction with contestants that really defines his tenure as a host. His bond with the audience is clear, and it’s something he cherishes deeply.
At a CBS event, Carey shared that he has no plans to retire anytime soon, even confessing, “Thoughts of dying on stage with a microphone in my hand have gone through my mind.” With a laugh, he added, “I never want to leave. I’m having such a good time there.” His connection with the cast and the supportive atmosphere keeps him going strong.
And let’s be real – who wouldn’t want to work somewhere they feel both supported and loved, especially in the entertainment biz?
So tune in, folks! You never know what mix of fun, surprises, and perhaps a little ‘liquid courage’ might just pop up next on The Price Is Right. Weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on CBS.
