Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Ben Bailey

Ben Bailey (born October 30, 1970) is an , television host, and licensed taxi driver best known for hosting the game show Cash Cab from 2005 to 2020. Born in , Bailey was raised in , where he graduated from high school in 1988. At 6 feet 6 inches tall, he moved to in 1993 to pursue a career in entertainment, initially working as a bouncer at before transitioning to . Bailey's breakthrough came with Cash Cab, a trivia-based filmed in a modified taxi, which he hosted for over 550 episodes and which earned multiple for Outstanding . In addition to television, he has released specials including Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology (2011) and Ben Bailey: Live and Uncensored (2016), as well as the 2024 special Please Tell Me What I Said on , and has made guest appearances on programs such as The Tonight Show, 30 Rock, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His film credits include roles in Bad Parents (2012), Don't Shoot the Pharmacist! (2008), and Bad Meat (2004). A trained triathlete who has competed in Half-Ironman events, Bailey continues to tour nationally as a stand-up headliner and maintains an active presence on with comedy content.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Benjamin Ray Bailey was born on October 30, 1970, in . His family relocated frequently during his early childhood, moving between and before returning to and eventually settling in , around 1979 when Bailey was eight years old. During his youth in Chatham, Bailey was active in the local Fish & Game Club, where he swam, dove, and pole vaulted, becoming a county champion in these sports. Bailey grew up as the youngest child in a family marked by challenging dynamics, including frequent arguments and unrest that made family gatherings tense. From a young age, he served as the comic relief for his relatives, using humor to diffuse conflicts and bring levity to difficult situations, such as at the dinner table, which he later described as "not a peaceful place" where he "tried to lighten the mood by making everybody laugh." This early role in his household fostered his innate desire to entertain others and sparked his interest in performance. In 1993, at the age of 22, Bailey moved from the East Coast to Los Angeles, California, signaling a major transition into adulthood as he sought new opportunities beyond his formative years.

Academic background

Bailey graduated from Chatham Borough High School in Chatham Borough, New Jersey, in 1988, as part of the institution's final graduating class before its closure. During his high school years, he prioritized social activities over rigorous academics, often arriving late to classes despite living just 100 yards from the school, and he was overlooked for class clown despite an early interest in humor that began in elementary school. Following high school, Bailey enrolled at in , where he pursued a major in liberal arts. In 1993, one semester shy of earning his degree, Bailey departed to relocate to and dedicate himself to a career in . This decision marked a pivotal shift from formal education to professional performance, building on the communication foundations developed during his college years.

Professional career

Stand-up comedy

Ben Bailey began his stand-up comedy career in 1993 after relocating to from , where he initially worked as a bartender and bouncer at [The Comedy Store](/page/The_Comedy Store). His entry into performing came unexpectedly when he was mistaken for a in the club's and invited onstage, leading to regular gigs at the venue and marking the start of his professional pursuits in comedy. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Bailey honed his craft through performances at prominent comedy festivals, including in and , the Aspen Comedy Arts Festival, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. These appearances helped establish his presence on the international circuit, showcasing his material to diverse audiences and contributing to his growing reputation as a headlining act. Bailey's recorded stand-up specials highlight key milestones in his career. His debut on television came with : Ben Bailey in 2006, a half-hour set that explored urban absurdities and personal anecdotes. This was followed by Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology in 2011, a live performance blending humor about traffic frustrations and unexpected wildlife encounters, released on DVD and later streaming platforms. In 2016, he delivered Ben Bailey: Live and Uncensored, an hour-long special emphasizing raw, unfiltered observations. Most recently, Please Tell Me What I Said premiered on in November 2024, featuring bits on everyday mishaps and surreal life moments, recorded earlier that year. Bailey's comedic style is characterized by surreal observational humor, drawing from the quirks of daily life, driving experiences, and bizarre scenarios that highlight human folly. His delivery often combines timing with exaggerated storytelling, making relatable irritations feel profoundly absurd without relying on . Bailey's style has been described as witty, clean, and versatile, often termed "Carlinesque" for its observational wit drawn from everyday life. He cites key influences including George Carlin, whose impact is evident in his unique, thoughtful approach to comedy; Richard Pryor, for raw storytelling; and Rodney Dangerfield, for self-deprecating humor. These inspirations shape his ability to find humor in the mundane without resorting to profanity or controversy. As of 2025, Bailey continues to tour nationally as a headliner at clubs and theaters across the country. His 2024 special has garnered attention through free online access, sustaining his fanbase's engagement with fresh material amid ongoing live engagements.

Television hosting

Bailey is best known for hosting the Discovery Channel game show Cash Cab from 2005 to 2020, a trivia-based program filmed in a modified taxi. Over the course of more than 550 episodes across its original run and revivals, the show earned him four for Outstanding Game Show Host between 2008 and 2011.) He also hosted NBC's Who's Still Standing?, a prime-time that aired from 2011 to 2014, featuring trivia competitions with cash prizes. Additionally, Bailey hosted Discovery's Best in the Business (2011), a series showcasing competitive job skills, and narrated episodes of Smash Lab (2007–2008) and After the Catch (2012–2015). He contributed hosting segments to National Geographic's Brain Games (2013–2015).

Acting and other media

Bailey's background in stand-up comedy and improvisation provided a natural transition to acting opportunities, allowing him to leverage his on-camera presence and quick wit in scripted roles. In television, Bailey made notable guest appearances across several series. He portrayed Transit Sergeant Ambrose in the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode "Control," which aired on October 28, 2003, marking the show's 100th episode. He appeared as himself in a cameo during the 30 Rock episode "When It Rains, It Pours," broadcast on October 1, 2010, featuring a parody of his Cash Cab hosting persona with Tracy Morgan. More recently, Bailey played the suspect Emmett Fells, a comedy club owner, in the Blue Bloods episode "Fallen Heroes," which aired on April 30, 2021. Bailey's film work includes a lead role as the hapless father Graham in the 2012 comedy Bad Parents, directed by Sean McNamara, where he navigates family chaos and everyday mishaps. He also had an uncredited cameo as himself in the 2013 Vince Vaughn comedy Delivery Man, appearing briefly in a scene tied to the film's sperm donor premise. Beyond acting, Bailey has expanded into production and digital media. He served as a producer on his 2008 independent comedy film Don't Shoot the Pharmacist!, in which he also starred as Zack Wright. As of 2025, Bailey produces and releases his stand-up specials directly on YouTube, including Ben Bailey: Road Rage (2011), Ben Bailey: Live and Uncensored (2016), and Ben Bailey: Please Tell Me What I Said (2024), allowing for unfiltered distribution to audiences. Additionally, he co-hosts and produces the podcast The Big New Show with Ben Bailey, launched in 2022, which blends improvised stand-up, sketches, and interviews with co-host Emma Gleeson. No voiceover credits have been documented in his portfolio.

Personal life

Family

Ben Bailey was married to Laurence Bailey from 1997 until their divorce in 2012. During their marriage, the couple had two children.

Residence and interests

Ben Bailey resides in Morristown, New Jersey, where he has maintained a home since at least the early 2010s. Bailey holds a valid as a , a qualification he obtained early in his career to lend authenticity to his role on Cash Cab and which he continues to regard as an ongoing hobby. This passion for driving extends beyond professional obligations, reflecting his enjoyment of navigating urban environments and observing daily life from behind the wheel. Among his personal interests, Bailey pursues , particularly , which he humorously explores in his stand-up special Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology. He is also a trained triathlete who has competed in Half-Ironman events. He engages in everyday observational activities that inform his comedic perspective, drawing from routine experiences to fuel his material on and quirks. Bailey participates in through comedy-related events, including fundraisers for environmental causes like the Wyland Foundation's efforts and food insecurity organizations such as and No Kid Hungry. Additionally, he has supported initiatives via comedy competitions and performed at benefits like the Comedy Gives Back Celebrity Gold Classic to raise funds for various nonprofits.

Awards and honors

Daytime Emmy Awards

Ben Bailey earned three for Outstanding for his hosting duties on the trivia Cash Cab, with wins in 2010, 2011, and 2013. These victories came amid seven total nominations in the category, spanning 2007 to 2013, recognizing his engaging on-camera presence and ability to interact with everyday contestants in a mobile taxi setting. In 2007, Bailey received his first nomination, competing against established hosts including of The Price Is Right, of Wheel of Fortune, of Jeopardy!, and of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. The award went to Barker in what marked his 19th career Daytime Emmy nomination. Bailey's 2008 nomination placed him against Trebek, Sajak, and others, with Trebek securing the win for Jeopardy!. The following year, in 2009, he vied with of Deal or No Deal, Sajak, Trebek, and Vieira, but Vieira took the honor for Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. In 2012, at the 39th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, Bailey was nominated again, competing against Wayne Brady of Let's Make a Deal, Todd Newton of Family Game Night, and Meredith Vieira, with Brady winning the award. Bailey's breakthrough came in 2010 at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, where he won against nominees Wayne Brady of Let's Make a Deal, Sajak, and Trebek, marking his first personal Emmy and highlighting Cash Cab's innovative format. He repeated as winner in 2011, defeating Todd Newton of Family Game Night, Brady, and Sajak during the 38th ceremony. His third victory occurred in 2013 at the 40th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, where he bested Brady, Billy Eichner of Billy on the Street, and Steve Harvey of Family Feud in a bittersweet moment, as Cash Cab was concluding its original run. These Emmy wins significantly elevated Bailey's profile in the television industry, with the 2010 triumph particularly boosting his visibility and solidifying his reputation as a versatile entertainer beyond . The accolades underscored the cultural impact of Cash Cab, which blended street-level trivia with high-stakes gameplay, and helped propel Bailey's career into broader media opportunities.

Other recognitions

Cash Cab, the hosted by Bailey, won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding in 2008, 2009, and 2010, recognizing its innovative format and audience engagement. The series also earned nominations in the Best Competition/ category at the Critics' Choice Awards in 2019 and 2020, highlighting its enduring appeal in unscripted programming. In 2013, Cash Cab was included in TV Guide's list of the 60 Greatest Game Shows of All Time, affirming its cultural impact within the genre. Bailey's stand-up contributions have been honored through performances at prestigious festivals, including in and , though no specific festival awards have been documented as of 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    Hire Ben Bailey to Speak | Get Pricing And Availability - Gotham Artists
    Ben Bailey, born on October 30, 1970, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and raised in Chatham Borough, New Jersey, has carved a unique niche in the entertainment ...
  2. [2]
    Ben Bailey
    Comedian Ben Bailey drove the smash hit series “Cash Cab” (still in syndication around the world) for over 550 episodes, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.Tour · Photos · Contact
  3. [3]
    Ben Bailey Net Worth, Family, Relationships & Career Facts
    Feb 2, 2025 · Benjamin Ray “Ben” Bailey, born on October 30, 1970, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is an American comedian, television personality, ...
  4. [4]
    https://kids.kiddle.co/Ben_Bailey
  5. [5]
    Ben Bailey - Comedian - Tickets - New York Comedy Club
    ... Ben Bailey left his home in a small town in New Jersey and headed to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of a career in show business... 6 weeks later he found ...
  6. [6]
    Ben Bailey talks 'Cash Cab,' upcoming Danbury stand-up show
    Jan 11, 2024 · From 2005-2020, Bailey drove around New York City in a yellow taxi cab as the host of the Emmy Award-winning TV show, where he asks people ...
  7. [7]
    Ben Bailey - IMDb
    Ben Bailey was born on 30 October 1970 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. He is a producer and actor, known for Ca$h Cab (2005), Don't Shoot the Pharmacist!Missing: siblings upbringing<|control11|><|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Ben Bailey at Improv
    Bailey is a trained tri-athlete and has competed in the Half-Iron Man competition. He currently resides in New Jersey. Improv Venues.
  9. [9]
    Journeyman comedian Ben Bailey reflects on career before Peoria ...
    Mar 10, 2023 · After filming two comedy specials, Bailey landed the hosting job on “Cash Cab,” a comedy game show streamed on the Discovery Channel where he ...
  10. [10]
    Chatham Kid Cashes In - City Lifestyle
    Ben appreciates the simple things in life and still plays hockey and golf with his childhood friends. Let's get to know the real Ben Bailey! WHAT DID YOU WANT ...
  11. [11]
    Beyond the 'Cab': Ben Bailey headlines Comedy Crawl
    or even doing standup comedy — wasn't what Bailey had in mind, though, when he left the East Coast for California in 1993.
  12. [12]
    Book Comedians Ben Bailey | Degy Entertainment
    ... Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, before moving to Los Angeles in 1993. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm),[1] he was offered a job as a ...
  13. [13]
    From the archives: Ben Bailey in his Cash Cab, circa 2009 - nj.com
    Dec 9, 2017 · He enrolled at Old Dominion University in Virginia, majoring in "liberal arts with a minor in beer and barbrawling," and left a semester shy of ...Missing: education college
  14. [14]
    Comedian Ben Bailey is coming to Cleveland – The Cauldron
    Something that still peeves Bailey is that he was not voted class clown in high school. ... He took a public speaking class in college ... interviews,” Bailey ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
  15. [15]
    Emmy-winning 'Cash Cab' host Ben Bailey cracks up DC Comedy Loft
    Apr 17, 2019 · After attending Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, he moved to Los Angeles in 1993. “I just happened to fail a job interview right ...
  16. [16]
    Ben Bailey at Hollywood Improv
    Bailey got his unlikely start as a standup comedian when he was mistaken for a comic in the green room of The Comedy Store in Los Angeles where he was hired to ...
  17. [17]
    Ben Bailey | Cash Cab - Bravo TV
    He has since performed at all the major festivals including Montreal and Chicago (Just ... Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and at clubs and theaters around the world.
  18. [18]
    Ben Bailey - Arcadia Live Theatre
    Apr 8, 2024 · Ben Bailey. September 21, 2024 ... Just For Laughs (Montreal & Chicago), the Aspen Comedy Arts Festival, and The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
  19. [19]
    Ben Bailey - Comedy Central Presents - IMDb
    Rating 5.3/10 (30) Ben Bailey takes on the weather, offensive odors and the odds and ends of life in New York City in this half-hour stand-up special.Ben Bailey takes on the ...
  20. [20]
    Watch Ben Bailey: Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology - Netflix
    Ben Bailey ("Cash Cab") takes on subjects ranging from owls to the insanity of New York traffic in this hilarious and often surreal live performance.
  21. [21]
    Ben Bailey: Please Tell Me What I Said (Full Comedy Special)
    Nov 5, 2024 · Venmo: https://www.venmo.com/u/Benjamin-Bailey-24 PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/UGL2VJRN48T78 This is my digital tip bucket.
  22. [22]
    Ben Bailey | Download Music, Tour Dates & Video | eMusic
    Originally from Chatham, New Jersey, he went to Los Angeles in 1993. At six feet-six inches he was offered a job as a bouncer for a comedy club after borrowing ...
  23. [23]
    Tour - Ben Bailey
    learn more · View Event →. Oct. 16. Myrtle Beach, SC. Thursday, October 16, 2025; 7:00 PM 9:00 PM; Comedy Cabana (map) · Google Calendar ICS · get tickets.
  24. [24]
    "30 Rock" When It Rains, It Pours (TV Episode 2010) - IMDb
    Rating 8.2/10 (961) Liz finds out that a guy in editing is spreading rumors about her, Jack begins recording advice videos for his unborn son, Tracy takes steps to make sure he's ...
  25. [25]
    "Blue Bloods" Fallen Heroes (TV Episode 2021) - IMDb
    Rating 8.1/10 (358) This episode begins with a rookie officer arresting a violent homeless woman, only for Jamie to interfere. This bears a similarity to an early episode, when ...Ben Bailey as Emmett Fells · Plot · Full cast & crew · Filming & production
  26. [26]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790825/
  27. [27]
    Delivery Man (2013) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Ben Bailey · Ben Bailey. (uncredited). Brett Bainer · Brett Bainer · Biological Son. (uncredited). Joseph Basile · Joseph Basile · Orderly.
  28. [28]
    https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0629634/
  29. [29]
    Ben Bailey (Cash Cab): Road Rage and Accidental Ornithology
    Nov 8, 2018 · Subscribe to Ben Bailey: https://bit.ly/subBenBailey FULL COMEDY SPECIAL. Ben Bailey, the Emmy Award winning host of “Cash Cab,” stars in ...Missing: involvement | Show results with:involvement
  30. [30]
    The Big New Show With Ben Bailey - Apple Podcasts
    Rating 5.0 (2) Ben performs more improvised stand-up, as well as sketches and even music! – with fun graphics and interesting chat with co-host Emma Gleeson. “The Big New Show ...
  31. [31]
    Ben Bailey 2025: dating, net worth, tattoos, smoking & body facts
    Ben Bailey was married to Laurence from 1997 to 2012. The couple have two children. Ben Bailey with Single. Who is Ben Bailey dating in ...
  32. [32]
    'Cash Cab' host Ben Bailey brings his stand-up comedy to Sarasota
    Jul 16, 2015 · In the garage of his home in Morristown, N.J., sits the most famous taxicab in America. Ben Bailey spent seven years as the host of "Cash ...
  33. [33]
    Ben Bailey, emcee of 'Morristown's Got Talent,' now a fan, too - NJ.com
    Mar 4, 2010 · Ben Bailey, emcee of 'Morristown's Got Talent,' now a fan, too ... A Chatham native who now lives in Morristown, the stand-up comedian ...
  34. [34]
    'Cash Cab' Host Ben Bailey Has A Real Taxi Driver's License, And ...
    a licensed taxi driver. The Discovery channel ...
  35. [35]
    Ben Bailey - Earwolf
    Ben Bailey. Ben Bailey is an American comedian, licensed taxi cab driver, and Emmy Award winning former game show host and executive producer ...
  36. [36]
    Ben Bailey - Philanthropy and Charity Work - Booking Agent Info
    Ben Bailey, a comedian, actively contributes to charity work, focusing on water conservation through his support of the Wyland Foundation.Missing: events | Show results with:events
  37. [37]
    'Cash Cab' Host Ben Bailey Stumps Us with Hardcore Car Trivia
    Jul 1, 2020 · He's doing that for charities Feeding America and No Kid Hungry—and to keep sharp for when the comedy clubs open back up. Advertisement - ...
  38. [38]
    Comics for Conservation: Ben Bailey - YouTube
    Apr 5, 2013 · your favorite comedian win $500 for the environmental charity of their choice by liking their YouTube Video. For more information go to www ...Missing: philanthropy events
  39. [39]
    COMEDY GIVES BACK CELEBRITY GOLD CLASSIC, LA
    Nov 14, 2022 · ... Ben Bailey, garnering more than $15,000 in additional donations. This years' partners and event sponsors include Artists First, Mosaic, the ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Ben Bailey - Awards - IMDb
    Daytime Emmy Awards · Ca$h Cab (2005). 2013 Winner Daytime Emmy. Outstanding Game Show Host · Ca$h Cab (2005). 2013 Nominee Daytime Emmy. Outstanding Game Show.
  41. [41]
    Cash Cab's Ben Bailey wins 2nd consecutive Daytime Emmy Award ...
    Jun 20, 2011 · Cash Cab's Ben Bailey wins 2nd consecutive Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host ... Editor and publisher since 2007, when he ...
  42. [42]
    34th Annual Daytime Emmy Winners - CBS News
    Discovery Ben Bailey, Host; "Jeopardy!" — SYN Alex Trebek, Host; "The Price Is Right" — CBS Bob Barker, ...
  43. [43]
    Daytime Emmy Awards (2008) - IMDb
    Outstanding Game Show Host. Alex Trebek at an event for The 32nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (2005). Winner. Alex Trebek · Jeopardy! Ben Bailey · Ca$h Cab.
  44. [44]
    Daytime Emmy Awards (2009) - IMDb
    Best(writer). Shannon Bradley(writer). Janice Ferri(writer). Outstanding Game Show Host. Meredith Vieira. Winner. Meredith Vieira · Who Wants to Be a ...
  45. [45]
    Daytime Emmy Nominations Announced - Deadline
    May 12, 2010 · OUTSTANDING GAME SHOW HOST. Pat Sajak – “Wheel Of Fortune” Syndicated. Alex Trebek – “Jeopardy” Syndicated. Ben Bailey – “Cash Cab” Discovery.<|separator|>
  46. [46]
    List of nominees for 2011 Daytime Emmy Awards - CBS News
    May 11, 2011 · Outstanding Game Show Host: Ben Bailey, "Cash Cab," Discovery Channel; Todd Newton, "Family Game Night," The Hub; Wayne Brady, "Let's Make A ...
  47. [47]
    Emmy-Winning <em>Cash Cab</em> Host Ben Bailey Says His ...
    Jul 9, 2010 · This season Cash Cab won the Daytime Emmy again for Best Game Show and its perfectly likable host Ben Bailey brought home his first Emmy for ...
  48. [48]
    Ben Bailey Prowls NYC Streets In The 'Cash Cab' - NPR
    Jul 6, 2010 · On his Discovery Channel show, Cash Cab, surprise contestants get the chance to win money for correctly answering trivia questions.
  49. [49]
    It's the End of the Road for Cash Cab - Vulture
    Apr 18, 2012 · Cash Cab beat out veterans such as Jeopardy! and The Price is Right to win the Daytime Emmy for Best Game Show in 2008, 2009, and 2010; Bailey ...
  50. [50]
    Cash Cab - Lion TV
    Presenter/s: Ben Bailey. Awards & Nominations: Daytime Emmys 2012 - 2013 Outstanding Game Show Host - Win; CINE 2012 Golden Eagle Award - Win; Daytime Emmys ...
  51. [51]
    2nd Annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards – List of Nominees and ...
    Jun 29, 2020 · Critics Choice Awards · Documentary; Diversity Celebrations ... Cash Cab (Bravo). **Jeopardy!: The Greatest of All Time (ABC). Mental ...
  52. [52]
    Critics' Choice Real TV Awards Nominees 2019 -- Full List - Deadline
    May 6, 2019 · Cash Cab (Discovery) Common Knowledge (Game Show Network) Ellen's Game of Games (NBC) Hollywood Game Night (NBC) Jeopardy! (CBS Television ...
  53. [53]
    comedian ben bailey from emmy award winning tv show “cash cab ...
    Mar 7, 2024 · Bailey was nominated four times for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning the award in 2010, 2011 and 2013. “Cash Cab ...Missing: impact | Show results with:impact
  54. [54]
    Ben Bailey - Wikipedia
    Benjamin Ray Bailey (born October 30, 1970) is an American comedian best known as the host of the game show Cash Cab. He also does stand-up comedy, ...Early life · Career · Personal life · Awards
  55. [55]
    Cash Cab's Ben Bailey in Warwick Sunday
    Article from Valley Breeze discussing Ben Bailey's comedic style as "Carlinesque" and his influence from George Carlin.
  56. [56]
    Game show host and comedian Ben Bailey to perform at DC Comedy Loft
    Article from The Eagle mentioning Ben Bailey's influences including George Carlin, Richard Pryor, and Rodney Dangerfield.