Broderick Stephen “Steve” Harvey is a multifaceted American entertainer, excelling as a comedian, television host, actor, author, and businessman. He is widely recognized for hosting “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” “Family Feud,” and “Celebrity Family Feud.” His journey from a struggling stand-up comedian to a global media personality is a testament to his relentless work ethic and charismatic presence. Harvey has authored several best-selling books and is the founder of Steve Harvey Global, a company that encompasses his various business ventures. His influence extends beyond entertainment, as he is also a dedicated philanthropist through the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.
Steve Harvey Overview
| Full Name | Broderick Stephen Harvey |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1957 |
| Age | 68 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Welch, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Family | Spouse: Marjorie Bridges (m. 2007), Children: 7 (including adopted children) |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Profession | Comedian, Television Host, Actor, Author, Businessman |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Steve Harvey
Broderick Stephen Harvey was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, to Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera Harvey. His family later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he grew up. Harvey is the youngest of five children. From a young age, Harvey dreamed of being on television, a goal he held onto despite facing challenges, including a severe stutter as a child which he eventually overcame. He graduated from Glenville High School in 1974. Following high school, he attended Kent State University and later West Virginia University but did not graduate. Before finding his calling in comedy, Harvey worked a series of jobs, including as a boxer, autoworker, insurance salesman, carpet cleaner, and mailman.
Steve Harvey’s Career
Stand-Up Comedy Beginnings
Steve Harvey first took the stage to perform stand-up comedy on October 8, 1985, at the Hilarities Comedy Club in Cleveland, Ohio. The road to success was not easy; in the late 1980s, Harvey was homeless for three years, living out of his 1976 Ford when he didn’t have a gig that provided a hotel. His persistence paid off, and in 1990, he was a finalist in the Second Annual Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This led to a significant break as the host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” succeeding Mark Curry.
Breakthrough and Television Stardom
Harvey’s success as a stand-up comedian and host of “Showtime at the Apollo” from 1993 to 2000 paved the way for his own television sitcoms. He starred in the short-lived ABC series “Me and the Boys” in 1994. This was followed by the more successful “The Steve Harvey Show,” which aired on The WB network from 1996 to 2002 and became a beloved show, particularly within the African-American community. In 1997, he joined Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac on the “Kings of Comedy” tour, which became the highest-grossing comedy tour in history at the time. The tour’s success was captured in the 2000 Spike Lee documentary “The Original Kings of Comedy.”
Hosting and Radio Dominance
In 2000, Harvey launched his weekday morning radio program, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.” The show, which focuses on comedy and current events, became nationally syndicated and has been a massive success, reaching millions of listeners weekly. He has hosted the popular game show “Family Feud” since 2010, significantly boosting its ratings and becoming the longest-tenured host of the franchise. He also hosts “Celebrity Family Feud,” which began in 2015. His other hosting credits include “Little Big Shots,” “Steve Harvey’s Funderdome,” and the Miss Universe pageant.
Author and Entrepreneur
As an author, Harvey has penned several books, including the 2009 bestseller “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” which was adapted into a successful film. In 2017, he founded Steve Harvey Global, an entertainment company that houses his production company, East 112, and other ventures. This company also holds the rights for international versions of “Family Feud,” including an African version launched in 2020.
Steve Harvey Personal Life & Family
Steve Harvey has been married three times and has a total of seven children, a blended family he cherishes. His first marriage was to Marcia Harvey from 1981 to 1994, with whom he has twin daughters, Brandi and Karli, and a son, Broderick Harvey Jr. His second marriage was to Mary Shackelford from 1996 to 2005, and they have a son named Wynton. In 2007, Harvey married Marjorie Bridges, whom he credits with changing his life for the better. He adopted Marjorie’s three children from her previous marriage: Morgan, Jason, and Lori. The couple has several grandchildren.
Awards and Achievements of Steve Harvey
Throughout his extensive career, Steve Harvey has received numerous awards and accolades. Here are some of his notable honors:
- Daytime Emmy Awards: He has won seven Daytime Emmy Awards, including multiple wins for Outstanding Game Show Host for “Family Feud” and Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host for “Steve Harvey.”
- NAACP Image Awards: Harvey has won fourteen NAACP Image Awards, including multiple awards for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for “The Steve Harvey Show.”
- Marconi Awards: He has received two Marconi Awards for his work in radio.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2013, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- BET Humanitarian Award: He received this award in 2011 for his philanthropic work.
Steve Harvey Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Steve Harvey’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. His annual income is reported to be in the range of $40 to $50 million. His primary sources of income include his hosting duties on “Family Feud” and “Celebrity Family Feud,” for which he earns a substantial salary. His nationally syndicated radio show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” is another major contributor to his wealth, with a reported annual salary of $20 million. Other income streams include his production company, book sales, and various business ventures under Steve Harvey Global.
Legacy and Influence
Steve Harvey’s legacy is multifaceted, encompassing his contributions to comedy, television, and radio, as well as his philanthropic efforts. He has broken barriers in the entertainment industry and serves as an inspiration to many. Through the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, founded in 2010, he is dedicated to youth outreach and mentorship. The foundation runs programs like the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men and Girls Who Rule the World, which aim to provide educational enrichment and life skills to underserved youth. His public image is that of a charismatic and often humorous figure who also offers motivational advice based on his own life experiences.
Interesting Facts about Steve Harvey
- He had a severe stuttering problem as a child that he worked to overcome.
- Before his career took off, he was homeless for three years and lived in his car.
- He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
- In 2013, he became The first person to be nominated for two Daytime Emmy Awards in the same year as both Outstanding Talk Show Host and Outstanding Game Show Host.
- He is a devout Christian and often speaks about his faith.
Controversies
Like many public figures, Steve Harvey has faced some controversies. In 2011, he was criticized for comments he made on his radio show about Cornel West and Tavis Smiley, for which he later apologized. His second divorce, from Mary Shackelford, was also public and contentious. The most widely publicized incident was when he mistakenly announced the wrong winner at the 2015 Miss Universe pageant. He immediately took responsibility for the error and has since hosted the pageant multiple times.
Social Media Presence
Steve Harvey maintains a significant presence on social media, where he engages with a large audience. He uses these platforms to promote his shows, share motivational content, and offer glimpses into his personal life. His follower counts on major platforms are substantial, reflecting his widespread popularity.
Final Words about Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey’s journey from humble and challenging beginnings to becoming a global entertainment icon is a powerful story of perseverance and talent. He continues to be a dominant force in television and radio, with “Family Feud” and “The Steve Harvey Morning Show” remaining highly popular. His future plans likely involve further expansion of his Steve Harvey Global brand, including more international ventures and continued philanthropic work. His enduring legacy will be that of a versatile entertainer who used his platform not only to make people laugh but also to inspire and uplift them.
