Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr., widely known as Steve Harvey, has become a household name in the realm of American entertainment. Born on January 17, 1957, Harvey has carved a niche for himself as a television host, producer, actor, and comedian, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His journey from a small town in West Virginia to the dazzling lights of Hollywood is a tale of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to his dreams.
Early Years and Education
Steve Harvey’s story begins in Welch, West Virginia, where he was born to Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera. Named Broderick after actor Broderick Crawford, Harvey faced early challenges with a severe stuttering problem. In sixth grade, he boldly declared his desire to be on TV, only to face skepticism from a teacher who thought it was an unrealistic dream due to his stutter.
Undeterred, Harvey’s family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from Glenville High School in 1974. Despite starting college at Kent State University and West Virginia University and becoming a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, Harvey never completed his degree, a decision he later admitted regretting.
A Journey of Many Hats
Before gracing our screens, Harvey navigated through a series of diverse jobs, including boxing, autowork, insurance sales, carpet cleaning, and mail delivery. However, his true calling emerged when he took the stage as a stand-up comedian on October 8, 1985, at Hilarities Comedy Club in Cleveland.
The late 1980s saw Harvey facing homelessness for three years. Sleeping in his 1976 Ford and showering at gas stations or swimming pool showers, Harvey’s resilience was put to the test. Rich and Becky Liss came to his aid, providing a contract for carpet cleaning and credit at a travel agency, proving that even in the darkest times, a helping hand can make all the difference.
Television Triumphs
Harvey’s breakthrough came in 1990 when he became the host of It’s Showtime at the Apollo. This marked the morning of a string of successful gambles, including the short- lived ABC series Me and the Boys and the long- handling The Steve Harvey Show on The WB. The pinnacle of his early television success was the Kings of Comedy tour in 1997, featuring Harvey alongside comedy legends Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac.
In 2000, Harvey stepped into the role that would solidify his place in television history – hosting Family Feud. His attractive hosting style fitted new life into the show, performing in advanced conditions and making him the longest- tenured host in the show’s history.
The comedy tour’s success led to the creation of The Original Kings of Comedy film, directed by Spike Lee. Harvey’s foray into film continued with roles in The Fighting Temptations (2003), Love Don’t Cost a Thing (2003), Johnson Family Vacation (2004), and You Got Served (2004). In 2005, he lent his voice to the animated film Racing Stripes.
In 2006, Harvey released the stand-up special Steve Harvey: Don’t Trip… He Ain’t Through with Me Yet, showcasing his comedic prowess without the use of profanity. This was followed by hosting the Disney Dreamers Academy, an event focused on teen personal and professional development.
Author and Philanthropist
Beyond the screen, Harvey’s influence extended to the literary world with the release of his book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man in 2009.The book explores men’s perspectives on women and connections and served as the base for the 2012 film suppose Like a Man.
In 2017, Harvey innovated Steve Harvey Global, an entertainment company housing his product company East 112 and colorful gambles. This move allowed him to expand his reach encyclopedically, launching an African interpretation of Family Feud and sharing in the HDNet preemption. Alongside his woman Marjorie, Harvey established The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, anon-profit association concentrated on youth education.
Family Feud Reign and Diversification
From 2010 onwards, Harvey continued his hosting reign with Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, breaking records and bringing laughter to households across the nation.His versatility shone through with fresh hosting duties on shows like Little Big Shots, Little Big Shots ever Young, and Steve Harvey’s Funderdome.
In 2016, Steve Harvey made a significant move by hosting two revival specials of Showtime at the Apollo for Fox. The same year, his self-titled syndicated talk show premiered, showcasing a celebrity- and comedy-oriented format. The show, named Steve, marked a new chapter in Harvey’s career, pressing his increased creative control.
Despite a few bumps along the way, including a canceled talk show and a notable blunder at the Miss Universe pageant in 2015, where he mistakenly announced the wrong winner, Harvey remained resilient. His justifications and capability to laugh at himself endeared him to numerous, showcasing a mortal side frequently absent in the world of celebrities.
Steve Harvey Global and Recent Ventures
In 2017, Harvey consolidated his businesses under Steve Harvey Global (SHG), including East One Twelve, his in-house production company. SHG owns international rights to Family Feud, leading to the announcement of an African version in 2020. Harvey also ventured into event product with Harvey Events, showcasing his commitment to creating different entertainment gests .
His philanthropic efforts continued with the launch of Vault in 2019, a learning hub, and an investment in the takeover of HDNet along with Anthem Sports & Entertainment. Harvey’s knack for hosting extended to special events, including his New Year’s Eve special from Times Square for Fox, which came the network’s most- watched New Year’s Eve broadcast to date.
In January 2022, Harvey took on a new role as the host of the arbitration-based court comedy Judge Steve Harvey on ABC. This adventure showcased his capability to seamlessly transition between different stripes, keeping his followership engaged and entertained.
The Man Behind the Laughter
Away from the spotlight, Harvey’s personal life is a testament to resilience and redemption. He has been married three times and is a father to seven children – four biological and three stepchildren. He got married to Marjorie Bridges in 2007, and the union they have now is a source of transformation and strength.
Harvey, a devout Christian, attributes his success to his faith in God. He has embraced a vegan diet for health reasons and often shares insights into his lifestyle on his shows. Despite the glitz and glamour, Harvey remains grounded in his values, with his family at the center of his world.
Philanthropy and Recognition
Beyond the laughs and entertainment, Harvey’s impact on society is evident through his philanthropic endeavors. The Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, founded by the couple, focuses on providing youth outreach services. From yearly camps for fatherless children to scholarships in partnership with Kent State University, Harvey’s commitment to making a difference is tangible.
In recent years, Harvey’s influence has been recognized with awards like the “Man in The Mirror” Award during the 2022 Halloween Thriller Night hosted by the Heal Los Angeles Foundation. The award honors influential individuals using their platforms for good, reflecting Harvey’s dedication to positive impact.
Recent Ventures
In 2022, Steve Harvey took on a new challenge as the host of the arbitration-based court comedy, Judge Steve Harvey, on ABC. He continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, hosting the annual NFL Honors and delivering a talk on the relationship between happiness and religion during Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Harvey’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. His impact extends beyond the stage, reflecting in his philanthropic efforts and commitment to inspiring others. As Harvey continues to evolve and diversify his career, his influence remains a constant in the world of entertainment.
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