Brief Introduction of Steve Howey
Steven Michael Robert Howey is a versatile American actor who has successfully carved a niche for himself in both television and film. He is widely recognized for his charismatic and often comedic portrayals of endearing characters. Howey first gained significant popularity as the lovable and goofy son-in-law, Van Montgomery, on the long-running sitcom Reba. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments made him a fan favorite. Following this success, he took on a dramatically different yet equally iconic role as Kevin Ball, the loyal and often shirtless bartender, in the critically acclaimed Showtime series Shameless. This role allowed him to showcase a more complex and dramatic side to his acting, solidifying his reputation as a talented and adaptable performer. Beyond his television success, Steve Howey has also appeared in a variety of films, demonstrating his range across different genres, including comedies like Bride Wars and action films such as Day Shift.
Steve Howey Overview
| Full Name | Steven Michael Robert Howey |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1977 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 48 |
| Birthplace | San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Profession | Actor |
| Husband/Wife | Sarah Shahi (m. 2009; div. 2021) |
| Family | Father: Bill Howey, Mother: Carla Novinger, Children: William Wolf Howey, Violet Moon Howey, Knox Blue Howey |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Approximately $4 million |
Early Life and Education of Steve Howey
Steve Howey was born Steven Michael Robert Howey on July 12, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas. His upbringing was unconventional; he spent a significant portion of his childhood living on a 67-foot yacht with his parents, sailing along the Pacific Coast. This experience instilled in him a sense of adventure from a young age. His father, Bill Howey, is a well-respected acting coach, which exposed Steve to the world of performance early on. The family eventually settled in a suburb of Los Angeles, where he attended junior high and the beginning of high school. He later moved to Lakewood, Colorado, where he graduated from Green Mountain High School. A talented athlete, Howey earned a basketball scholarship to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, where he played for two years. However, his interest in basketball began to wane, and he found himself drawn to acting, ultimately deciding to pursue it as a career by joining his father’s acting workshop.
Steve Howey’s Career
Steve Howey’s acting career began in the late 1990s with guest appearances on various television shows, including ER, The Drew Carey Show, and Pacific Blue. His first significant project was the independent film Class (1998), which he not only starred in but also produced. The film was written and directed by his father, Bill Howey, and was an official selection at the Denver International Film Festival. Howey’s major breakthrough came in 2001 when he was cast as Van Montgomery in the sitcom Reba, starring alongside country music superstar Reba Mcentire. His portrayal of the dim-witted but well-meaning high school football player who marries Reba’s pregnant daughter made him a household name. The show ran for six successful seasons until 2007. During his time on Reba, he also appeared in Reba McEntire’s music video for “Every Other Weekend” with co-star JoAnna Garcia Swisher.
After Reba concluded, Howey transitioned to film, appearing in movies such as the action film Supercross (2005) and DOA: Dead or Alive (2006). He landed a prominent role in the 2009 romantic comedy Bride Wars, starring alongside Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, and also played the lead in the horror-comedy parody Stan Helsing (2009). In 2011, he re-teamed with Kate Hudson in the film Something Borrowed. However, it was his return to television that brought him his next iconic role. In 2011, Howey joined the cast of the Showtime dramedy Shameless as Kevin “Kev” Ball. For eleven seasons, he portrayed the Gallaghers’ kind-hearted neighbor and proprietor of the Alibi Room, a role that allowed him to explore both comedic and dramatic storylines. The series was a critical and commercial success, further cementing his place in television. Following Shameless, Howey has continued to work in both film and television, starring in the Netflix action-comedy Day Shift (2022) with Jamie Foxx and headlining the CBS action-comedy series True Lies (2023), based on the 1994 film. He has also made guest appearances on shows like Sons of Anarchy and New Girl. Most recently, he is set to reunite with Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman in an episode of the new series Happy’s Place.
Steve Howey Personal Life & Family
Steve Howey’s personal life has often been in the public eye, largely due to his long-term relationship with actress Sarah Shahi. The couple met in 2004 when Shahi guest-starred on an episode of Reba. They became engaged in June 2007 while on vacation in Hawaii and married on February 7, 2009, in Las Vegas. Together, they have three children. Their first child, a son named William Wolf Howey, was born in July 2009. In March 2015, they welcomed fraternal twins, a daughter named Violet Moon and a son named Knox Blue. Shahi opted for home water births for all three of their children. After eleven years of marriage, Howey and Shahi filed for divorce in May 2020, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in January 2021. In a joint statement, they expressed their commitment to co-parenting their children with love and mutual respect. Howey has spoken about the challenges of balancing a demanding acting career with fatherhood but has always emphasized that his children are his priority. He is the son of acting coach Bill Howey and his mother is Carla Novinger.
Awards and Achievements of Steve Howey
- Information not publicly available
Steve Howey Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Steve Howey’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. His primary source of income is his successful career as an actor in both film and television, which spans over two decades. His long-running roles on the popular television series Reba and Shameless have undoubtedly been significant contributors to his wealth. In addition to his series regular salaries, Howey earns from his roles in various feature films. Following his divorce from Sarah Shahi, court documents indicated a division of assets, with Howey retaining a $1.8 million home and paying Shahi $305,000 to equalize the property division, while both retained their respective residuals and retirement accounts.
Legacy and Influence
Steve Howey has built a career on his ability to portray characters that are both humorous and relatable. His legacy is most prominently defined by his two iconic television roles: Van Montgomery in Reba and Kevin Ball in Shameless. With Van, he created a memorable, lovable goofball who evolved over the course of the series, becoming a fan favorite for his comedic timing and surprising depth. As Kevin Ball, he demonstrated his versatility by tackling more mature and complex themes, portraying a character who was fiercely loyal and the moral center of his chaotic neighborhood. Through these roles, Howey has shown an ability to connect with audiences on a personal level. He is also seen as a dedicated father and has been open about the realities of co-parenting after divorce, emphasizing a continued family unit for his children. In his work, he has also been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, taking on roles that challenge traditional masculinity.
Interesting Facts about Steve Howey
- Before becoming an actor, he was a talented basketball player and received a scholarship to play at the collegiate level.
- He grew up on a sailboat and traveled extensively with his parents.
- His father, Bill Howey, is a renowned acting coach who has worked with various celebrities.
- He is an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoys riding his Harley in his free time.
- Steve Howey is a supporter of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organization that helps seriously ill children and their families.
- He is also an advocate for ocean conservation, an interest that stems from his childhood on a boat.
- He is a talented juggler.
Controversies
In 2016, Steve Howey and his then-wife Sarah Shahi were sued by a former nanny for alleged sexual harassment and religious discrimination. The lawsuit included claims that Shahi mocked the nanny’s Islamic customs. The case was dismissed in 2017 at the request of the former nanny.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Steve Howey
Steve Howey’s career is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. From the lighthearted comedy of Reba to the gritty drama of Shameless, he has consistently delivered memorable performances that have resonated with audiences. His ability to bring warmth and humanity to his characters has made him a beloved figure in television. As he moves forward in his career, he continues to take on new and challenging roles, such as his lead in the True Lies series and his recent reunion with his Reba castmates on Happy’s Place, demonstrating his enduring appeal and passion for his craft. Beyond his professional achievements, Howey remains a devoted father to his three children, navigating the complexities of co-parenting and family life with grace. With a solid body of work behind him and promising projects on the horizon, Steve Howey’s journey in the entertainment industry is far from over.
