The standard rags-to-riches Hollywood story often begins with actors and comedians scraping by through bar and restaurant work. But Drew Carey paid his dues with an unconventional living arrangement, he explained on 'Lopez Tonight' (weeknights, 11PM ET on TBS).

Long before 'The Drew Carey Show' and hosting 'The Price Is Right,' Carey rented out his Cleveland house and hit the road for Los Angeles. Once he got there, he said, "I lived out of my car for 18 months ... My goal was to get back and do 'The Tonight Show.'"

When that day came, host Johnny Carson called him over to the couch after performing his stand-up routine. "[It] made my whole career, and that's why I'm where I am today."

But Carey was quick to note some other comedians who got a career boost from Carson -- namely, the one sitting across from him.