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Ben Bailey
Ben Bailey 2012 (cropped).jpg
Ben Bailey at a movie premiere in 2012
Birth name Benjamin Ray Bailey
Born (1970-10-30) October 30, 1970 (age 54)
Bowling Green, Kentucky, U.S.
Medium Television, stand-up
Years active 1993–present
Genres Observational comedy, satire
Subject(s) Everyday life, self-deprecation, marriage, pop culture
Notable works and roles Host and executive producer of Cash Cab

Benjamin Ray Bailey (born October 30, 1970) is an American comedian. He is famous for being the host of the Emmy Award-winning TV game show Cash Cab. On this show, he drives a taxi in New York City and asks passengers trivia questions.

Early Life and Beginnings

Ben Bailey was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He grew up in Chatham Borough, New Jersey. He finished high school in Chatham Borough in 1988.

After high school, Bailey went to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. In 1993, he moved to Los Angeles. Because he is very tall (about 6 feet 6 inches), he got a job as a bouncer at a famous comedy club called The Comedy Store.

One night, Ben was telling funny stories to some comedians after the club closed. Skip E. Lowe, who was the host at the club, thought Ben's stories were hilarious. He offered Ben a chance to try stand-up comedy on stage. This was the start of Ben's comedy career.

Career Highlights

Ben Bailey is best known as the host of the American version of Cash Cab. This unique game show takes place inside a taxicab. Ben drives the taxi around New York City. Passengers become contestants and answer trivia questions to win money. The show was shown on the Discovery Channel and Bravo.

Besides Cash Cab, Ben has appeared on other TV shows. He narrated the Discovery Channel series Smash Lab. From 2011 to 2012, he hosted Who's Still Standing? on NBC. He has also appeared in TV commercials for companies like DTE Energy and ALDI.

Personal Life

Ben Bailey lives in Morristown, New Jersey. He met his ex-wife, Laurence, in a pub there in the 1990s. They got married in 1997 and have two children together.

It might surprise you, but Ben Bailey is a real licensed taxi driver in New York City! This helps him with his role on Cash Cab.

Awards and Recognition

Ben Bailey has won several awards for his work on Cash Cab. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for "Outstanding Game Show Host" many times. He won this award in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

The show Cash Cab also won awards itself. It was named "Best Game Show" at the Daytime Emmy awards in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Notable TV Appearances

Ben Bailey has appeared in many TV shows and films. Here are some of his notable appearances:

  • 30 Rock (2010)
  • Blue Bloods (2021)
  • Brain Games (National Geographic)
  • Cash Cab - host (2005–2012, 2017–2020)
  • Comedy Central Presents
  • Delivery Man (2013)
  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
  • MADtv
  • Smash Lab - narrator (2nd season)
  • The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
  • The Today Show (2008)
  • Who's Still Standing? - host
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