Well, he was a phony, but now he’s less of one, I guess.  Let me explain.

Former Marine Drew Carey (the signature crew cut hair style is from his Marine days), at some point, had refractive surgery to correct his eyesight.  His signature glasses worn in public are a prop used so people recognize him.  Though, the joke is on him because as he is getting older, he really does need bifocals.

Other Drew-trivia:
The Drew Carey Show was on for 9 seasons / 233 episodes.
He hosted the American version of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” for 215 episodes.
He is fiscally conservative and considers himself a libertarian.
He is a minor owner in a Seattle Major League Soccer team.
He is a fan of The Sims and had a cameo in the House Party expansion
pack… if you threw a successful party, Drew would arrive to the party
in a limo.  And April Fools episode of The Drew Carey Show had a scene
that takes place completely within The Sims.
He is not as good as Bob Barker.

Source:  Good ole wiki