Drew Carey Recalls Unknowingly Having a Heart Attack, and Ignoring Symptoms, As He Was Filming His Sitcom

Drew Carey, the well-known comedian and former host of “The Price is Right,” recently spoke out about a life-changing health scare he experienced over two decades ago. In an episode of Ted Danson’s podcast “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” Carey recounted his unexpected and understated encounter with a heart attack while filming his sitcom, “The Drew Carey Show,” in 2001.

Reflecting on the past, the 67-year-old comedian admitted that he was initially oblivious to the seriousness of his symptoms. Rather than seeking immediate medical attention, Carey decided to dismiss his discomfort and instead focused on maintaining his work schedule. “I thought if you had a heart attack, you would go and fall down, like in a cartoon,” he quipped, highlighting the misconceptions many have about such life-threatening conditions.

During the podcast, Carey shared that he was motivated to improve his health at the time, as he was struggling with obesity. Determined to shed pounds, he began jogging, even donning a heart monitor for safety. However, as he jogged one day, he experienced alarming symptoms. His heart rate spiked inexplicably, and he felt numbness in his shoulder—a combination of signs he later recognised as indicators of a potential heart attack.

Despite this, Carey remained unconvinced that he was experiencing a serious medical episode. He chose to wait until his heart rate normalised before he continued his jog, ultimately opting to head home instead. Upon mentioning his symptoms to his then-girlfriend, he downplayed the situation, labelling it as “the weirdest thing” he had felt but failing to acknowledge its seriousness.

Instead of seeking medical help right away, Carey suggested they enjoy dinner at Bob’s Big Boy, where he indulged in chili spaghetti and iced tea. He promised to call his doctor the following morning, although the next day turned out to be the first day back on set. In the rush of rehearsals, he neglected to make that important phone call. However, as the day progressed, Carey felt a familiar tightening in his chest while in the writers’ room—a troubling reminder of his earlier symptoms.

Deciding he needed a moment, Carey excused himself, intending to retreat to his trailer. However, he found himself struggling with the stairs leading to his trailer, prompting him to request that a producer call for an ambulance, where he finally admitted, “I think I’m having a heart attack.” As he awaited the arrival of medical assistance, he said his goodbyes to fellow crew member Sam Simon, uncertain of what the future would hold.

Upon reaching the hospital, Carey was admitted for two nights, during which doctors placed a stent in one of his arteries. The experience was a significant wake-up call; he was diagnosed with heart disease and underwent angioplasty, unveiling the harsh reality of his health at that time. Nearly a decade later, in 2010, he received another jolt when he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. His doctor candidly warned him that without substantial lifestyle changes, his life would be indefinitely shortened, and he would face severe health consequences.

In response to these alarming diagnoses, Carey made drastic changes to his lifestyle. By 2010, he had successfully lost 80 pounds and significantly improved his cardiovascular fitness, culminating in his participation in a 10K race after a 25-year absence from running. Remarkably, he also updated listeners on his health status, revealing that he managed to reverse his type 2 diabetes and no longer requires medication.

Drew Carey’s health journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging one’s health issues and seeking timely medical intervention. His candid reflections, shared on Ted Danson’s podcast, inspire others to take proactive steps towards their own well-being, whether through dietary changes, increased physical activity or simply recognising the signs that one’s body may be in distress. It underscores the message that our perceptions of medical emergencies can be misleading and that serious health conditions should never be underestimated.