Drew Carey's Never-Been-Married Status
For many, Drew Carey is a familiar face from television, a beloved comedian known for his everyman persona on The Drew Carey Show and his enthusiastic presence on The Price Is Right. Yet, one aspect of his personal life that often goes overlooked is his marital status. Contrary to some assumptions, Drew Carey has never been married. His romantic history is instead defined by two notable engagements that, for different reasons, did not culminate in marriage.
The First Engagement: Nicole Jaracz
Drew Carey's first public engagement was to chef Nicole Jaracz. The couple announced their engagement in 2007. Their relationship was significant for Carey, as it brought him into a new phase of life. Jaracz had a son from a previous relationship, Connor, and Carey embraced his role as a father figure in the young boy's life. This family dynamic became a powerful motivator for Carey in other areas of his life, particularly his health. In 2010, Carey revealed that his inability to keep up with an active Connor due to his weight was a major incentive for his dramatic weight loss journey. His health transformation included diet changes, exercise, and reportedly helped reverse his Type 2 diabetes. However, after five years, the engagement was called off in 2012. Despite the separation, a representative for Carey stated that the two maintained a great deal of affection for one another and that Carey would remain involved in Connor's life, a promise he reportedly has kept.
The Second Engagement: Amie Harwick
Years after his relationship with Jaracz ended, Carey found love again with Amie Harwick, a licensed marriage and family therapist. In January 2018, Carey and Harwick announced their engagement. Their relationship was characterized by a deep and supportive connection, and Harwick was described as a positive force in Carey's life. However, by November of that same year, they had mutually ended their engagement. Following their split, they remained close friends. The story took a tragic turn in February 2020 when Harwick was murdered by her former boyfriend, Gareth Pursehouse. The murder and subsequent trial were devastating for Carey, who was open about his grief and the profound impact it had on him. He spoke of the love they shared and the lasting damage her death caused, admitting he found it difficult to date afterward. Her memory, he stated, continued to be a guiding force in his life.
Relationships On- and Off-Screen: A Tale of Two Realities
It is easy to confuse a public figure's on-screen life with their personal one. On The Drew Carey Show, his fictionalized character navigates multiple romantic entanglements and even some memorable, if bizarre, marriages. On the show, Drew gets married multiple times, including a sham union for immigration purposes and a bigamous wedding to two women, but these storylines were purely for comedic effect and were eventually undone. Contrasting this scripted chaos with his real-life relationships, which were ultimately defined by devotion and heartbreak, highlights the difference between the entertainer and the man behind the persona.
Here is a comparison of Drew Carey's two real-life engagements:
| Feature | Engagement to Nicole Jaracz | Engagement to Amie Harwick |
|---|---|---|
| Year of Engagement | 2007 | 2018 |
| Relationship Duration | 5 years (until 2012) | Less than 1 year (until November 2018) |
| Reason for End | Mutually called off | Mutually called off |
| Family Aspect | Carey became a father figure to Jaracz's son, Connor | No children involved |
| Aftermath | Carey remained close with Connor | Carey grieved deeply after Harwick's tragic death in 2020 |
A Look at Carey's Health and Personal Growth
Beyond his romantic relationships, Carey has also publicly shared his journey with his health, offering a look into the vulnerabilities behind his public image. His journey to lose over 80 pounds, which he began after being motivated by Connor, was a significant life change. He has discussed his diet and exercise regimen in interviews, emphasizing a low-carb approach and consistent cardio. His weight loss was not only for vanity but also to address serious health concerns like Type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, in a 2024 interview, he candidly discussed his struggles with mental health and past suicide attempts as a teenager, explaining that self-help books and a renewed sense of purpose helped him find a path toward a happier, stronger life. This transparency adds another layer to understanding the man behind the roles and relationships.
- Health transformation: After his initial engagement, Carey lost over 80 pounds, an effort largely motivated by his desire to be more active with his stepson, Connor. He reversed his Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise. This proactive approach to his health is a testament to his resilience.
- Mental health transparency: Carey has been open about his struggles with depression and past suicide attempts, revealing a vulnerability often unseen in public figures. His story highlights the importance of seeking help and finding personal tools for growth.
- Career longevity: The stability of his professional life, particularly as the host of The Price Is Right since 2007, contrasts with the ups and downs of his romantic life. This stability has provided a constant in his public persona for years.
Concluding His Relationship Narrative
In the end, Drew Carey's personal history, as it pertains to marriage, is a story of two engagements that did not reach the altar. His experiences, which included forming a strong father-son bond with his first fiancée's child and suffering the devastating loss of his second fiancée, have deeply shaped him. While he may have never officially married, his life has been full of meaningful relationships that have influenced his personal journey and health. He remains committed to his career and values his platonic relationships, as he has stated in interviews following Harwick's passing.
For more information on the seriousness of domestic violence, a factor related to the passing of Amie Harwick, consider visiting the National Domestic Violence Hotline website here.
