Jan 17, 1957
Capricorn
Welch, WV
68 years old
N/A
N/A
Comedian
Early Life and Education
Broderick Stephen "Steve" Harvey was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, to Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera, a homemaker. As the youngest of five children, Harvey faced challenges early on, including a severe stutter. His family later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he graduated from Glenville High School in 1974. He briefly attended Kent State University and West Virginia University but left without completing a degree .
Early Career and Stand-Up Comedy
Before finding his footing in entertainment, Harvey held various jobs, such as boxer, autoworker, insurance salesman, carpet cleaner, and mail carrier. He began performing stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s, with his first performance at Hilarities Comedy Club in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1985. Despite facing hardships, including periods of homelessness where he lived in his car, Harvey persisted in honing his comedic craft .
Breakthrough and Television Success
Harvey's big break came in 1993 when he became the host of "It's Showtime at the Apollo," a role he held until 2000. He gained further prominence with "The Steve Harvey Show," which aired from 1996 to 2002. In 1997, he joined fellow comedians Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley on the "Kings of Comedy" tour, which was later turned into a successful film directed by Spike Lee .
Hosting and Media Ventures
Harvey's versatility led him to host several television shows, including "Family Feud" and its celebrity edition, "Celebrity Family Feud," starting in 2010. Under his tenure, "Family Feud" achieved record-high ratings and became the first nationally syndicated TV series to increase its ratings for seven consecutive years . He also hosted "Little Big Shots," "Steve Harvey's Funderdome," and the Miss Universe pageant.
Radio and Literary Contributions
In addition to television, Harvey launched "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" in 2000, a nationally syndicated radio program that blends comedy, interviews, and music. As an author, he penned several books, including the bestseller "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man," which was adapted into a successful film franchise .Wikipediacapitaldispatch.blob.core.windows.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Harvey has been married three times and has seven children. He married his current wife, Marjorie Bridges, in 2007. Together, they founded The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which focuses on youth outreach and education. The foundation hosts mentoring programs and camps aimed at fostering leadership skills among young people .
Legacy and Ongoing Projects
Harvey's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name exemplifies resilience and determination. His contributions to comedy, television, radio, and literature have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As of 2025, he continues to engage audiences worldwide through various media platforms, inspiring many with his story and work ethic.