Last year, Drew Carey made headlines for his remarkable act of generosity during the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. As the actor and host of “The Price is Right,” Carey stepped up to cover the meal expenses for WGA members at popular Los Angeles eateries, Bob’s Big Boy and Swingers, throughout the 148-day strike last summer and fall.
At the recent WGA Awards ceremony, Carey humorously addressed the considerable tab he had picked up, joking about the unexpected cost. “Honestly, I didn’t know it was going to cost me so much money,” he quipped on stage. “When the bills started piling up, my accountant called and was like, ‘Is there any way we can dial this back?'”
Despite the mounting expenses, Carey remained steadfast in his support, emphasizing that it was “the right thing to do.” He acknowledged the significant impact that writers have had on his career, particularly those from “The Drew Carey Show,” whom he credited with contributing to his financial success.
Carey’s generosity reportedly totaled an estimated $1 million, a staggering sum that underscored his commitment to supporting the writers’ cause. In a heartfelt message shared in September, Carey expressed gratitude for the outpouring of thanks, while also acknowledging the pivotal role that writers play in the entertainment industry.
“Deeply appreciate all the love and thanks. It was worth every dime,” Carey wrote. “But if you want to thank someone for those meals, thank Bruce Helford and all the ‘Drew Carey Show’ writers. They helped make me rich enough to afford it. No writers, no $. Simple as that.”
Carey’s actions serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of solidarity and support within the entertainment community, highlighting the vital contributions of writers and the enduring impact of acts of kindness.