50 Facts About Steve Harvey

Early Life and Family

Steve Harvey's journey to stardom began with humble beginnings. His early life was filled with challenges that shaped his character and determination.

1. Steve Harvey was born Broderick Stephen Harvey on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia.
2. His father, Jesse Harvey, worked as a coal miner, while his mother, Eloise Vera Harvey, was a Sunday school teacher.
3. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when Steve was a young boy, where he spent most of his childhood.

Overcoming Adversity

Steve Harvey faced significant challenges growing up, including a speech impediment that could have hindered his dreams.

4. Steve Harvey was born with a pronounced stutter, making his childhood difficult.
5. He overcame his stutter with determination and the help of a local deli worker who taught him a unique technique to manage it.

Career in Comedy

Steve Harvey's career in comedy began in the mid-1980s and quickly gained momentum.

6. He started performing at open mic nights and eventually quit his job to pursue comedy full-time.
7. His big break came in 1985 when he performed at an open mic comedy night and received a standing ovation.
8. In 1990, he won a national comedy competition, leading to his big break on Showtime at the Apollo.

The Original Kings of Comedy

Steve Harvey's role in The Original Kings of Comedy solidified his status as a comedy icon.

9. In 1997, he toured as one of the Kings of Comedy alongside Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley.
10. The tour's success led to the taping of one of the most successful comedy specials in history — The Original Kings of Comedy.

Radio and Television Hosting

Steve Harvey's talents extend beyond comedy, making him a beloved radio and television host.

11. In 2000, he began his radio career with The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which became nationally syndicated.
12. He gained immense popularity as the host of Family Feud, bringing his unique style to the game show.
13. He has also hosted other popular shows like Little Big Shots and The Steve Harvey Show.

Philanthropy and Mentoring

Steve Harvey is dedicated to giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives.

14. He founded The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, supporting education, family, and youth development programs.
15. The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men provides guidance and support to boys and men from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Best-Selling Author

Steve Harvey's wisdom and humor extend to his writing, making him a best-selling author.

16. His books include “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” “Straight Talk, No Chaser,” and “Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success.”
17. These books have been translated into 30 languages and inspired the 2012 movie Think Like a Man, in which he starred.

Miss Universe Hosting Mishap

Steve Harvey's career hasn't been without its hiccups, but he handles them with grace.

18. In 2015, he accidentally announced the wrong winner during the Miss Universe pageant, causing a media frenzy.
19. Despite the mistake, he professionally apologized and continued to host the event in subsequent years.

Awards and Recognition

Steve Harvey's talent has been recognized with numerous awards.

20. He has received 14 Daytime Emmy nominations and won six Daytime Emmy Awards.
21. He was also nominated for one Primetime Emmy as the host of Little Big Shots.

Fashion Line

Steve Harvey's sense of style is well-known, leading to the creation of his own fashion line.

22. He launched The Steve Harvey Collection, offering stylish and sophisticated clothing options for men.

Personal Life

Steve Harvey values family and often speaks about the importance of strong relationships.

23. He is married to Marjorie Harvey, and they have three children together.
24. Despite his meticulous appearance, Steve is known to be a messy guy, according to his wife, Marjorie.

Impact on Media

Steve Harvey's influence on media is significant, making him one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment.

25. He welcomes 178 million US viewers into their homes yearly, over 55% of the total U.S. population.
26. His relatable, honest, and inspiring personality has made him one of the most trusted personalities in media.

Interesting Facts and Anecdotes

Steve Harvey's life is filled with interesting stories and experiences that showcase his resilience and humor.

27. For three years, he lived in his Ford Tempo, using a cooler as a fridge and cleaning himself in gas station and hotel bathrooms.
28. He began his comedy career relatively late, performing for a crowd for the first time at 27.
29. Before becoming a comedian, he worked various jobs, including delivering mail, selling insurance, and working at a Ford auto plant.
30. He attended Kent State University, where he met another famous comedian, Arsenio Hall.

Philanthropic Efforts

Steve Harvey's dedication to philanthropy extends beyond his foundation.

31. He has supported various charitable initiatives, including education and youth development programs.
32. His mentoring program for young men provides guidance and support to boys and men from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Motivational Speaking

Steve Harvey is known for his inspiring and empowering speeches.

33. He motivates audiences to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles, sharing his wisdom through motivational speeches and self-help books.

Fashion Sense

Steve Harvey's fashion sense is often highlighted by his stylish clothing line.

34. The Steve Harvey Collection showcases his ability to blend style with substance, making him a respected figure in both entertainment and fashion.

Authoritative Voice

Steve Harvey's authoritative voice connects with audiences across various platforms.

35. Whether hosting a game show, radio show, or talk show, he brings a unique style and charisma that captivates viewers and listeners alike.

Heartwarming Talent Show

Steve Harvey's talent for connecting with young performers shines through as the host of Little Big Shots.

36. This show highlights his ability to inspire and uplift others through his work.

Compassionate Host

Steve Harvey is known for his compassionate and empathetic approach as a host.

37. He connects with contestants and guests on a personal level, making them feel valued and respected.

Emmy Award Winner

Steve Harvey's exceptional talent has been acknowledged with numerous awards.

38. He has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.

Fashion Line Success

Steve Harvey's fashion line has been successful in offering stylish clothing options for men.

39. The Steve Harvey Collection blends style with substance, making him a respected figure in both entertainment and fashion.

Best-Selling Books

Steve Harvey's books have inspired millions and become best-sellers.

40. His book “Jump” was inspired by a viral video of him talking about taking risks to realize your dream.
41. The book became a New York Times best-seller, further solidifying his status as a best-selling author.

Family Man

Steve Harvey values family and often speaks about the importance of building strong relationships.

42. He is married to Marjorie Harvey, and they have three children together.

Talk Show Success

Steve Harvey's talk show, Steve, explored diverse topics and interviewed fascinating guests.

43. The show was a success and further cemented his status as a versatile entertainer.

Facebook Watch Show

Steve Harvey moved his daytime talk show to Facebook Watch, launching Steve on Watch in January 2020.

44. The show continues to entertain audiences across the Facebook platform.

Africa Show Success

Steve Harvey's decision to take Family Feud to Africa was a success.

45. The show is filmed in South Africa and welcomes families from South Africa to play.
46. It quickly became the number 1 show in South Africa and is now one of the most popular shows airing in Africa.

Courtroom Comedy Series

Steve Harvey's new courtroom comedy series for ABC showcases his ability to adapt and innovate.

47. The show features real-life people in his courtroom to rule on conflicts ranging from family disputes to small claims.

Media Impact

Steve Harvey's impact on media is significant.

48. He welcomes 178 million US viewers into their homes yearly, over 55% of the total U.S. population.
49. His relatable, honest, and inspiring personality has made him one of the most trusted personalities in media.

Philanthropic Impact

Steve Harvey's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on the community.

50. His foundation supports various charitable initiatives, including education, family, and youth development programs.

Steve Harvey's Lasting Impact

Steve Harvey's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming a stutter, living in a car, and working various odd jobs, he never gave up on his dreams. His success spans stand-up comedy, radio, television, and even fashion. Harvey's influence isn't just limited to entertainment; his philanthropic efforts, especially through The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, have made a significant difference in many lives. His mentoring programs and motivational speeches continue to inspire countless individuals. Despite a few bumps along the way, like the Miss Universe mishap, Harvey's resilience and authenticity have endeared him to millions. His legacy is one of hard work, determination, and a commitment to giving back. Steve Harvey's story reminds us that with perseverance and a bit of humor, anything is possible.