When Drew Carey stepped in as the host of the TV game show, The Price is Right in 2007, he did not just take over a show, he also inherited a cultural institution that had stood the test of time. Filling in the shoes of legendary host, Bob Barker, a man who turned a simple game show into a daily ritual for millions of viewers, and had become synonymous with the show with his famous catchphrase, “Come on down!” was not an easy feat to achieve.
Despite his confidence and comedic prowess, Carey, who had achieved tremendous success with his The Drew Carey Show, noted in a new interview that he was haunted by a fear of the unknown, which still remains with him even till date.
Drew Carey says he was terrified of ruining Bob Barker’s legacy on ‘The Price Is Right’
In a recent discussion with Variety, Carey spoke about the huge pressure he battled with when he first landed the role of hosting The Price Is Right. He admitted to being terrified of the responsibility that would come along with his duties, noting that his fear stemmed not only from the challenge of stepping into the void created by Barker’s larger-than-life presence but also from the constant thoughts of never to become the one who tarnished the show’s legacy.
However, Carey explained that although he was determined to respect the foundation laid by Barker, he also wanted to create his own unique identity on the show, devoid of Barker’s influence. He emphasized that he was committed to upholding all the traditions and values that had made The Price Is Right a staple on television, ensuring that longtime fans would feel at home with his presence.
He still feels like the “new guy” after almost two decades of hosting ‘The Price Is Right’
The 66-year-old, who has been hosting The Price Is Right for almost two decades and has over 3,300 episodes to his credit, also shared his thoughts on the passage of time in his career. Reflecting on his tenure, he admitted that he is often surprised by how quickly the years have flown by, sometimes making him feel as if he just started the job.
Carey, humorously downplaying his extensive career, also referred to himself as the ‘New Guy.” He explained that his impact on the show pales in comparison to that of his predecessor, Bob Barker, who hosted the show for a much longer period, and became a legend in its history.