Winners: Drew Carey's Inspiring Journey

Nov. 14, 2007 — -- When it comes to show biz, Drew Carey doesn't look like your typical winner. He's a schlumpy guy from Cleveland with thick-rimmed glasses and a dorky crew cut. But with two popular TV shows under his belt, Carey's not only a winner, but a reminder to average Joes everywhere that it's possible to hit it big just by being yourself.

Last summer, Carey got the news that he'd landed the gig of a lifetime. After 35 years and over 6,500 episodes, Bob Barker announced that he'd be retiring from his plum position as host of TV's longest-running game show, "The Price is Right." Desperate to replace a TV icon, "Price is Right" producers batted around a number of celebrity names, including Rosie O'Donnell and Mario Lopez, before finally tapping Carey to "come on down!" and host.

"You couldn't find a single comedian working in Hollywood who didn't dream of doing 'The Price is Right,'" People magazine editor Jess Cagle said. The show's producers cited Carey's "empathy skills" as a reason why they picked him for the coveted position, and it's clear from talking to Carey that they made a good choice.

"I have nothing but love for everybody that comes up on the stage," Carey explained. "And it makes me sad for them when they lose, happier for them when they win."

Carey may have learned that empathy from his tough childhood. Growing up in a working class neighborhood in Cleveland, Carey was a nerdy kid in high school -- a self-described "loser" who played in the marching band. Plagued with feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness, Carey never felt that he deserved happiness as a teenager.

By the time he got to college, Carey had been battling depression for years. As an 18-year-old freshman, he attempted suicide.

"Back then I was so full of a lot of self-hate," Carey remembered. "Man, I just didn't like myself."

He recalled going to fraternity parties and getting angry at all the people around him that were able to enjoy themselves and have fun.

"I wasn't as good as they were," Carey remembered thinking. "I wasn't as worthy as they are. And all that stuff makes you just hate yourself and judge yourself. And it's all negative, negative, negative."