Drew Carey and Ken Jennings Share a Surprising Connection That Fans Just Discovered

Drew Carey and Ken Jennings are two of the most beloved faces in American game show history, known for their warm personalities and respectful approach toward contestants. Carey has been the face of The Price is Right for years, while Jennings, originally famous for his record-breaking Jeopardy! streak, has taken over the hosting duties of the iconic trivia game show. While fans have long admired their hosting skills, there is a surprising and lesser-known connection between the two that has recently come to light, leaving fans buzzing with excitement.

Game Show Fans React to Ken Jennings & Drew Carey's Shared Birthday

Same Birthday, 16 Years Apart

In a fun twist of fate, both Drew Carey and Ken Jennings were born on the same day—May 23. Carey, who turned 67 in 2025, and Jennings, who celebrated his 51st birthday that year, share more than just hosting duties. Their shared birth date is a fascinating tidbit that fans discovered and quickly took to social media to discuss.

“I was today years old when I learned that Drew Carey and Ken Jennings share the same birthday (May 23),” read one Reddit post in r/gameshow. Fans were amazed at the coincidence, with many commenting on how incredible it was that the hosts of two of the most popular game shows in the country were born on the same day.

“Kind of incredible that the hosts of the two most popular and well-known game shows have the same birth date,” one user wrote. Another added, “Ken Jennings and Drew Carey on the same day? That’s incredible. Happy Birthday to the both of ya!”

This birthday coincidence was a discovery that took fans by surprise, adding another layer of intrigue to the dynamic between these two TV personalities.

Drew Carey’s Support for Ken Jennings

While they may share a birthday, their paths to becoming game show hosts have been quite different. Jennings’ tenure as Jeopardy! host is relatively new compared to Drew Carey’s long-established role on The Price is Right. However, before Jennings took over the hosting gig for Jeopardy!, it was Carey who had strong opinions about the potential successor to Alex Trebek.

When Jeopardy!’s hosting position became available following Trebek’s passing, Carey initially threw his support behind Mike Richards, his longtime friend and former Price is Right executive producer. Carey felt that Richards was the best candidate to continue the show’s legacy. However, after the situation surrounding Richards took a controversial turn, Carey shifted his stance and began backing Jennings for the role.

An insider revealed to The US Sun that Carey’s change of heart was crucial, particularly because Carey is highly respected within the game show industry and at Sony. “Drew has really come around to Ken, even though they are merely acquaintances and colleagues,” the insider shared. Carey’s public approval of Jennings has reportedly helped Jennings secure a more permanent role as the Jeopardy! host, as executives at Sony are known to value Carey’s opinion deeply.

Price is Right' contestants make history with three-way tie

Drew Carey’s Influence at Sony

Carey’s approval of Jennings isn’t just a friendly endorsement—it carries significant weight within the world of game show hosting. The industry insider emphasized that Carey’s backing is particularly important for Sony executives, who see Carey’s smooth transition from The Price is Right to its new era as a model for the success of new hosts.

Jennings’ rise to the Jeopardy! hosting chair is largely due to his exceptional performance in the role. According to the insider, while Carey’s support is influential, it’s Jennings’ ability to host the show with professionalism and care that has secured his place long-term. “His work as a host has been exceptional, and while a more experienced host’s approval goes a long way, one needs to do a solid job to prove their worth,” the insider said. And Jennings, they added, has certainly done that.

A Unique Bond Between Two Legendary Hosts

In a world where competition is fierce, Drew Carey’s support for Ken Jennings speaks volumes. Despite their different career paths and personal journeys, both Carey and Jennings share a commitment to providing audiences with high-quality, entertaining game shows. Their professional bond, solidified by Carey’s endorsement, is a testament to the camaraderie and respect that exists between two of the most influential figures in the game show world.

As the public continues to celebrate the two men’s birthdays on May 23, it’s clear that their shared date is just one of the many connections they have—along with their mutual dedication to making game shows an unforgettable part of American television history. Whether hosting The Price is Right or Jeopardy!, Drew Carey and Ken Jennings have certainly earned their places in the spotlight, and their ongoing support for each other only further strengthens their legendary statuses.