WINNING: AMAZING STORIES OF SUCCESS, ON "20/20," FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16
What do the rich, famous and successful have in common? From some amazing young people who have reached huge goals at an early age to funnyman Drew Carey -- an average Joe who hit it big in Hollywood -- to others who have turned failure into success, "20/20" unleashes the secret to success and examines what makes a winner. The report also looks at the new rich, winners living the American dream and enjoying their self-made wealth in their own ways, as well as at America, the land of opportunity. "20/20" airs FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16 (10:02-11:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. Reports include:
* Funnyman Drew Carey: With his thick-rimmed glasses and goofy demeanor, Drew Carey doesn't fit the stereotype of a winner. But with two hit TV shows under his belt and a new gig hosting "The Price is Right," Carey reminds us that even average Joes can make it big in Hollywood by just being themselves. John Stossel reports on how this funnyman who battled depression at an early age and was a self-described "loser" in his teen years became a winner.
* Living Large: Imagine a place full of private jets, giant yachts and larger than life mansions. At the snap of your fingers, everyone from butlers to world class chefs can be at your service. This is the world of truly wealthy Americans whose lifestyle is so different from ours that it's as if they live in their own country -- a place author Robert Frank calls "Richistan." And the population is exploding � it's now nine million strong. Connelly takes viewers inside this elite society.
* Turning Failure into Success: Some successful adults say it was their early failures, not successes, that shaped their lives. "Failure is nothing more than life's way of nudging you and letting you know that you're a little bit off course," says entrepreneur Sara Blakely, the creator Spanx, a line of women's undergarments. Seven years ago Blakely turned her $5000 in savings into a formidable apparel company with $150 million in retail sales. She tells "20/20" that it was all because she failed her law school entrance exam. Chris Connelly also profiles Jake Burton, the undisputed king of snowboards, who credits his early mistakes to becoming the successful businessman he is today.
* Land Of Opportunity: For centuries the U.S. has been the land of opportunity for immigrants, and many entrepreneurs from around the world are still living out their American dreams. Andrew Cherng came to the U.S. from China in 1966 to attend college. After graduation he went into the restaurant business and eventually opened the elegant Panda Inn in California. After years of success, Cherng opened a spin-off at a nearby mall and called it Panda Express, making Chinese cuisine available to everyone. Today he and his wife, Peggy, have over 1000 restaurants in 37 states. Andrew is proud to say, "I'm living American dream. It is beyond my wildest dream." John Stossel reports.
* Young Entrepreneurs: Elizabeth Vargas introduces viewers to some amazing young people who've gone beyond expectations and reached huge goals at an early age, including Ephren Taylor, who started his first business at age 12 and, at 25, is now a CEO; and Ben Canocha, author of "My Start Up Life," who founded a company at the age of 14 that now earns almost a million dollars a year. What's the secret of these young entrepreneurs' success?
"20/20" is anchored by Elizabeth Vargas and John Stossel. David Sloan is executive producer.
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