Drew Carey is a stand-up comic turned actor and producer and is now regarded as American soccer’s most recognizable supporter. Carey is an owner of Seattle Sounders FC and serves as chairman of Sounders FC Alliance, the club’s member association.

Carey had the distinction of having two hit shows simultaneously: the long-running comedy “The Drew Carey Show,” which ran from 1995-2004, and the improv/sketch show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” on which he was host and a producer. The success of that show led to the creation of “Drew Carey’s Improv All-Stars,” an improve group that performs in showrooms across the country. In July 2007, Carey was named the host of “The Price Is Right,” America’s longest-running game show.

While in the Marine Reserves, his military buzz cut and black wide-rim glasses became part of his trademark look. He began his successful career as a comedian in April of 1986 at the Cleveland Comedy Club. One of his first big breaks was competing on Star Search ‘88. In 1991, Carey landed a spot on HBO’s 14th Annual Young Comedians Special and appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Carey openly credits Carson with launching his career. He received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003.

Carey’s interest in soccer began while attending an L.A. Galaxy game in 2003. Shortly after, he started seeing every professional game he could find time for, including European league games and U.S. National Team qualifying games. He learned more about the game and, during a later visit to Spain, saw FC Barcelona in action. He also worked as a press photographer during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, his efforts chronicled on a Travel Channel show entitled “Drew Carey’s Sporting Adventures” and his photos have appeared in numerous publications.

During his travels Carey became fascinated with the empowerment of supporters at such clubs as Barcelona and Real Madrid, where leadership positions are voted upon by the members. He brought that idea to Sounders FC, where members will vote on various matters, most notably the fate of the general manager every four years. Carey is also the driving force for Seattle’s 53-piece marching band, Sound Wave. Carey is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in Los Angeles.