Early Life
Steve Harvey was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia. He grew up in a low-income household with his mother and father, Eloise and Jesse Harvey. Steve's early life was marked by poverty and hardship, but it also instilled in him the importance of education and hard work.
Steve attended Cleveland East Technical High School, where he developed an interest in sports and comedy. He was a talented basketball player and even earned a scholarship to play at Glenville State College. However, he dropped out of college after one year to pursue a career in comedy.
Career
Steve Harvey began his career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He performed at various comedy clubs and venues, honing his skills and developing his unique style. In the 1990s, he started to gain recognition for his work on television, appearing on shows such as The Arsenio Hall Show and Def Comedy Jam.
In 2000, Steve landed his own talk show, The Steve Harvey Show, which ran for five seasons. The show was a huge success, earning him multiple awards and nominations, including four NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.
Breakthrough
Steve's breakthrough moment came in 2007 when he launched his self-titled syndicated talk show. The show was an instant hit, attracting millions of viewers and becoming one of the highest-rated daytime shows on television. Steve's charisma, humor, and relatability made him a household name, and he quickly became one of the most popular and influential figures in entertainment.
Steve has also had success with his game show Family Feud, which he hosts and executive produces. The show has been on the air since 1976 but was revamped and relaunched in 2007, becoming a huge hit and running for over a decade.
Awards and Recognition
Steve Harvey has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. He has won multiple NAACP Image Awards, including four Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series awards and three Outstanding Comedy Series awards as executive producer/star of The Steve Harvey Show.
In 2013, Steve was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, solidifying his status as a beloved entertainer. He has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, including receiving the BET Humanitarian Award in 2011.
Personal Life
Steve Harvey is married to Marjorie Bridges, whom he met in 2007 and married later that year. He has seven children from previous relationships, including four biological children and three stepchildren. Steve is a devoted husband and father, often sharing stories about his family on his talk show.
Steve is also an advocate for education and entrepreneurship, frequently speaking at events and conferences about the importance of these topics. He has written several books, including Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, which became a bestseller in 2009.