Steve Harvey, a well-known comedian, television host, and author, has built a remarkable success story that inspires many around the world. Harvey’s journey began in the mid-1980s when he started doing stand-up comedy after winning an amateur night contest at a local comedy club. Deciding to focus on a career in stand-up comedy, Harvey drew from his own life experiences and used observational humor, which resonated well with his audiences. He spent the next few years honing his craft and performing in clubs willing to book him.
As an entertainer, Harvey’s persistence and hard work eventually paid off, leading to a successful career in show business. He has since authored several best-selling books, including Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success; Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man; and Straight Talk, No Chaser. Harvey’s story demonstrates a strong belief in himself and the power of perseverance and resilience, which has not only helped him achieve fame but also impacted the lives of many who look up to him.
In his own words, “The Dream Is Free. The Hustle is Sold Separately.” Steve Harvey’s journey is a testament to the fact that success leaves clues and is a result of unwavering dedication, relentless determination, and constant growth.
Early Life and Struggles
Steve Harvey was born as Broderick Stephen Harvey on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, to his mother, Eloise Harvey, and father, Jesse Harvey. His family eventually moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where Steve would grow up and attend Glenville High School. Despite facing a severe stutter during his early years, Harvey displayed a strong affinity for humor and sought to make people laugh.
After high school, Harvey took on various jobs to make ends meet, including working as an autoworker, carpet cleaner, and insurance salesman. These experiences proved valuable as Harvey continued to hone his wit and observational humor, which would become hallmarks of his later comedy career.
In the years that followed, Steve Harvey persisted through struggles and setbacks in his pursuit of a career in entertainment. His determination and unwavering belief in his talents eventually led to his breakthrough in the world of comedy, paving the way for Harvey’s lasting success and impact as a comedian, television personality, and self-help expert.
Comedy Career
Steve Harvey began his journey as a comedian in 1985 when he won an amateur night contest at a local comedy club. He decided to focus on becoming successful in stand-up comedy, using observational humor drawn from situations in his own life. For the next several years, Harvey primarily performed on the road, playing at any club willing to book him.
His hard work and dedication eventually led to a hosting gig on the iconic television show, “Showtime at the Apollo.” This opportunity further established Harvey’s presence in the comedy world and opened doors for more success.
In 1997, Steve Harvey joined forces with fellow comedians Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley to form the “Kings of Comedy” tour. The tour showcased a unique blend of humor from the four comedians, and it quickly gained nationwide popularity, selling out arenas and making them household names in the world of comedy.
Their success as the Kings of Comedy caught the attention of filmmaker Spike Lee, who later directed a 2000 documentary titled “The Original Kings of Comedy.” The film captured the essence of the tour while providing a closer look at the four comedians’ individual styles and their approach to stand-up comedy. Although Steve Harvey and his fellow comedians had already achieved individual successes, the Kings of Comedy elevated their careers to new heights.
Around the same time, Harvey was starring in his own television show, “The Steve Harvey Show,” which aired from 1996 until 2002. The sitcom focused on Harvey’s life as a former 1970s funk legend who becomes a music teacher at an inner-city high school. While the show received modest ratings and was for the most part, popular within the African-American community, it helped to solidify Harvey’s status as a multi-talented entertainer within the industry.
Overall, Steve Harvey’s comedy career exemplifies the power of persistence, determination, and talent. His rise from a struggling stand-up comedian to an accomplished television host, actor, and founding member of the Kings of Comedy is a true testament to what hard work and dedication can achieve.
Television and Film Success
Steve Harvey found success as an actor across various television shows and movies. He first appeared in TV sitcoms, such as Me and the Boys, where he took on a lead role. This marked the beginning of his journey in the acting world, eventually establishing him as one of the most beloved actors and comedians in the entertainment industry.
Moving forward, Harvey joined forces with Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac to form The Kings of Comedy, a stand-up comedy tour that took the country by storm between 1997 and 2000. This immensely popular show has been credited with increasing Harvey’s fame, making him a household name.
On the big screen, Steve Harvey appeared in several popular films, including You Got Served, a 2004 dance movie, and Johnson Family Vacation, a comedy film released that same year. In the film Madea Goes to Jail, Harvey took on a cameo role, showcasing his versatile acting abilities. His skills are further demonstrated with appearances in The Fighting Temptations and Racing Stripes, where he lent his voice to a character in the latter.
On the television front, Harvey served as producer and host of various shows such as Steve Harvey’s Big Time Challenge and The Family Feud, both of which highlighted his incredible talent in engaging with audiences. His hosting skills gained international recognition when he was chosen as the host for the Miss Universe pageant.
Steve Harvey’s success in television and film can be attributed to his incredible talent as an actor, producer, and comedian. His ability to captivate audiences with his wit and charm has made him a staple in the world of entertainment.
Hosting Career
Steve Harvey’s hosting career began when he served as a finalist in the Second Annual Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search in 1990. This accomplishment led to a long stint as the host of “It’s Showtime at the Apollo,” where he succeeded Mark Curry.
In 2010, Harvey was chosen to host “Family Feud,” a popular American game show. As the host, he earned widespread acclaim for his humorous interactions with contestants and engaging personality. His tenure in this role helped to revive the show and led to a significant increase in the show’s ratings. Harvey has also hosted “Celebrity Family Feud,” a spin-off featuring teams composed of celebrities and their families.
In addition to his game show hosting career, Harvey has found success with daytime talk shows. In 2012, he launched “Steve Harvey,” a talk show that featured interviews with celebrities, comedy, and advice segments. This show aired for six seasons, until 2017. Following the end of that series, he started another daytime talk show called “Steve,” which ran for two seasons from 2017 to 2019.
Harvey’s experience with hosting extends beyond talk shows and game shows. In 2016, he began hosting “Little Big Shots,” a talent show focused on showcasing talented kids from around the world. He continued with the spin-off series “Little Big Shots: Forever Young” in 2017, showcasing talented seniors.
Aside from the aforementioned shows, Harvey has also hosted special events, such as the NFL Honors, an award ceremony celebrating professional football players’ achievements. Harvey’s latest hosting venture is “Steve on Watch,” a digital talk show that premiered on Facebook Watch in 2020, giving fans access to new episodes with their favorite host.
Throughout his hosting career, Steve Harvey has demonstrated a confident, knowledgeable, and clear approach to presenting content while maintaining a neutral yet engaging demeanor.
Radio and Writing Success
Steve Harvey’s career in radio began when he landed a job as a radio personality, which ultimately led to the creation of The Steve Harvey Morning Show. This nationally syndicated radio show became a staple for listeners, garnering a large following and showcasing Harvey’s wit and humor.
As a radio personality, Steve’s popularity grew, and he became not only a successful comedian but also an influential figure in the entertainment industry. Apart from his radio tenure, Harvey’s expertise expanded to other areas, including writing.
Steve Harvey is a successful author with several best-selling books to his name. One of his most popular works is Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man. In this book, he gives relationship advice and offers insights into a man’s mindset to help women navigate the complexities of dating and relationships.
Another influential book Steve wrote is Act Like a Success, Think Like a Success. In this self-help book, Harvey shares his journey and personal experiences, offering valuable lessons and strategies for achieving success in both life and career.
In addition to these two bestsellers, Harvey authored Straight Talk, No Chaser, where he continues to provide readers with relationship advice and tips for building a strong foundation in their love lives.
Steve Harvey’s accomplishments as a radio personality and author have contributed significantly to his success story. Through his work, he has become a prominent figure and a source of inspiration for many people, demonstrating that hard work, perseverance, and dedication are key to achieving one’s dreams.
Awards and Recognition
Steve Harvey has received numerous awards during his illustrious career. As a versatile entertainer, he has made significant contributions to various industries—ranging from comedy and television to radio and literature.
His expertise in comedy led Harvey to garner the prestigious title of King of Comedy. Over the years, he has managed to captivate audiences by blending observational humor with a knack for self-help advice, gaining further recognition in the field of comedy.
Harvey’s accomplishments extend to the realm of television where he has been recognized with multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. In 2014, he won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host for his work on “Family Feud” and Outstanding Talk Show/Informative for his talk show “Steve Harvey.” In 2017, he triumphed again as the Outstanding Game Show Host for “Family Feud.”
The talented entertainer has also been acknowledged by the NAACP Image Awards. With a remarkable record of having won 14 NAACP Image Awards over the course of his career, Harvey has proven time and time again that his talents are not confined to a single genre or industry. Notable wins include Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in “The Steve Harvey Show” and Outstanding Literary Work for his best-selling book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” which also gained immense popularity and acclaim.
In summary, Steve Harvey’s extensive list of accolades and recognitions within the various fields he has ventured into speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for his work. These awards showcase his influential impact on the entertainment industry and undeniably cement his status as a respected and accomplished artist.
Entrepreneurship and Empire
Steve Harvey’s journey to success is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless pursuit of his dreams. His empire, which is estimated to be worth around $100 million, includes a wide range of ventures in various industries such as media, coaching, and production.
One of the pillars of his media career is the nationally syndicated radio show, ‘The Steve Harvey Morning Show.’ It serves as a platform for Harvey to showcase his natural talent as a charismatic host and further extends his reach as an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
His business, Steve Harvey Global, focuses on providing coaching and development services tailored to help individuals achieve personal and professional success. This venture demonstrates Harvey’s dedication to sharing his knowledge and experience with others as he works to empower them with the tools to realize their dreams.
Throughout his career, Harvey has donned the hat of a producer in various capacities. He has been credited with producing his own TV shows and specials, further solidifying his position as a force in the entertainment industry.
In his pursuit of wealth and influence, Steve Harvey has consistently emphasized the importance of setting and visualizing goals. He is a strong advocate for using a vision board to map out one’s aspirations, allowing individuals to see a clear picture of what they want to achieve and motivating them to work tirelessly towards their objectives.
In conclusion, Steve Harvey’s success story is a prime example of how entrepreneurship and the building of an empire can go hand-in-hand. His multifaceted career, along with his unwavering determination and clear goal setting, has allowed him to amass a fortune and make a lasting impact on countless individuals along the way.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Steve Harvey was born as Broderick Steven Harvey on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia. He is a man of faith who attributes much of his success to his relationship with God. Harvey’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, including a period during which he was homeless. Despite these challenges, he has maintained his motivation and integrity, using his imagination and strong work ethic to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry.
Family life plays a significant role in Harvey’s story. He has been married three times and is the father of seven children. His current wife, Marjorie Harvey, has been a source of joy and support throughout their marriage, helping him to become a better man and father.
Steve Harvey is also well known for his philanthropic endeavors. In 2011, he and his wife Marjorie established The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation. This organization focuses on providing beneficial resources to underprivileged youth in the United States. The foundation is committed to various programs, including mentoring camps for boys, girls, and young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to empower them through education and personal development. One such initiative took place on East 112, an area that has been positively impacted by their efforts.
Steve Harvey has come a long way from his humble beginnings, but he never forgets the importance of giving back. His personal life experiences, faith in God, and dedication to philanthropy continue to shape his success story, providing inspiration for others to strive for greatness.
Future Plans and Legacy
Steve Harvey’s success story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. Overcoming numerous obstacles, including periods of homelessness, Harvey’s determination and relentlessness have been crucial to his rise as a multi-faceted entertainer and entrepreneur.
Despite his many accomplishments, Harvey is not one to rest on his laurels. In fact, he has expressed the desire to continue exploring various fields and industries that he finds interesting. For instance, he has expressed interest in science and technology, seeing these domains as potential avenues for expanding his career. Given his innate curiosity and proven adaptability, it is plausible that Harvey will thrive in these areas, too.
In addition to his personal growth, Harvey has consistently been a source of inspiration to others. His success story serves as a reminder that with a strong work ethic, persistence, and a positive attitude, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. In this regard, Harvey’s legacy transcends the realms of entertainment and touches the lives of countless individuals.
One notable example is his collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee on the television show “Steve Harvey’s Big Time”. This partnership enabled the two creative forces to bring their unique perspectives to the project and resulted in a highly successful venture. In projects like these, Harvey demonstrates that he can not only dominate traditional entertainment platforms like radio and television but also thrive in new and innovative formats.
As Steve Harvey continues to forge ahead, his future is likely to be defined by his unyielding pursuit of new challenges and his determination to leave an indelible mark on the various fields he enters. His legacy, therefore, will encompass not only his own success story but also the many lives he has touched and inspired along the way.
