<P> The show was created by Carey, who had both stand - up comedy and writing experience, and Bruce Helford, who was once a writer for Roseanne . It was the first television show to have an episode simulcast on the Internet . </P> <P> Produced by Mohawk Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, it debuted on September 13, 1995, and ranked among the Top 30 programs for four seasons before sliding in popularity . Ratings declined sharply during the final two seasons, and the last two episodes aired on September 8, 2004 . </P> <P> Drew Carey is a fictionalized version of himself, a self - proclaimed "everyman". Drew Carey (the actor) has been quoted as saying his character is what the actor would have been if he had not become an actor . He has a "gang" of friends who embark with him on his everyday trials and tribulations . Drew's friends include erudite but unambitious Lewis (Ryan Stiles), excitable dimwitted Oswald (Diedrich Bader) and his friend (later on - off girlfriend) Kate (Christa Miller). In the final two seasons, Kate gets married and moves to Guam, in the same two - part episode that introduces and develops Drew's relationship with Kellie (Cynthia Watros), which carries on over the final two seasons . </P> <P> For its first seven seasons, Drew's workplace is the office of fictional Cleveland department store Winfred - Louder, where he has worked for years and still works as Assistant Director of Personnel . One of his coworkers is Mimi Bobeck (Kathy Kinney), a large woman with a clownish wardrobe, a lot of make - up (including her trademark bright blue eye shadow), and a foul mutual dislike for Drew . The two eventually become closer (although still maintaining a less heated rivalry), primarily because Mimi fell in love with and married Drew's cross-dressing heterosexual brother Steve (John Carroll Lynch), a frequently recurring character . </P>

Who plays kate on the drew carey show