Steve Harvey is a well-known personality in the entertainment industry, having made a name for himself as a comedian, television host, author, actor, and philanthropist. Here are some facts about his life and career:
Early Life and Career
Steve Harvey was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Glenville High School and went on to attend Kent State University, but dropped out after three years. He began his career as a stand-up comedian in the late 1980s, performing at comedy clubs across the country.
In 1993, Harvey landed his first television gig as the host of the short-lived show “Me and the Boys.” However, it wasn’t until he landed the lead role on the WB sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show” in 1996 that he became a household name. The show ran for six seasons and earned Harvey three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series.
Family and Personal Life
Harvey has been married three times and has seven children. He married his first wife, Marcia Harvey, in 1980, but they divorced in 1994. He then married Mary Shackelford in 1996, but they divorced in 2005. In 2007, he married Marjorie Bridges, and they have remained together ever since.
Harvey has been open about his past struggles with drug addiction and infidelity in his relationships. In his 2017 book “Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance,” he wrote about his journey to overcome these issues and find success.
Radio Career
In 2000, Harvey began hosting his own radio show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” which became one of the most popular morning shows in the country. The show aired on over 100 radio stations and reached millions of listeners. In addition to music and entertainment, the show also featured Harvey’s signature humor and commentary on current events.
Book Author
Harvey is also a successful author, having written several bestselling books. His most popular book is “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” which was first published in 2009 and later adapted into a film in 2012. The book offers relationship advice to women based on Harvey’s own experiences and observations.
Harvey has also written other books, including “Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Find, Keep, and Understand a Man,” “Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance,” and “Act Like Success, Think Like Success: Discovering Your Gift and the Way to Life’s Riches.”
Television Hosting
Harvey has hosted several television shows throughout his career. He first hosted “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” in the 1990s, and later hosted his own talk show, “The Steve Harvey Show.” He has also hosted several game shows, including “Family Feud,” “Little Big Shots,” and “Celebrity Family Feud.”
In addition to hosting shows, Harvey has also been a frequent guest on other talk shows and news programs, offering his commentary and humor on current events.
Controversy
In 2015, Harvey made headlines for announcing the wrong winner of the Miss Universe pageant. He mistakenly announced Miss Colombia as the winner, when in fact it was Miss Philippines who had won the crown. The incident caused widespread criticism and ridicule, but Harvey took responsibility for the mistake and apologized to the contestants and the audience.
Philanthropy
Harvey is known for his philanthropic work, particularly through his Steve Harvey Foundation. The foundation provides mentoring and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth, with a focus on helping young men achieve their full potential.
Awards and Recognition
Harvey has received numerous awards for his work throughout his career. He has won several NAACP Image Awards, including the Entertainer of the Year Award in 2011. He has also won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host for his work on “Family Feud.” In 2013, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Business Ventures
In addition to his entertainment career, Harvey has also ventured into business. In 2016, he launched a clothing line called “The Steve Harvey Collection,” which features men’s suits, dress shirts, and accessories. He also launched a fragrance line called “Steve Harvey Original,” which includes cologne and body spray.
In 2014, Harvey launched a dating website called “Delightful,” which was aimed at helping people find love and build long-term relationships. The site offered advice on dating and relationships, as well as matchmaking services.
Inspirational Speaker
In addition to his entertainment and business ventures, Harvey is also known for his motivational and inspirational speeches. He often speaks about his own journey to success and encourages others to pursue their dreams and overcome obstacles. He has spoken at several conferences and events, including the MegaFest and the Essence Festival.
Political Views
Harvey has been vocal about his political views over the years. He supported Barack Obama in both of his presidential campaigns and has spoken out against Donald Trump. In 2017, Harvey met with Trump to discuss issues affecting inner cities and received criticism from some in the African American community for doing so.
Criticism
Despite his success, Harvey has also faced criticism throughout his career. In addition to the Miss Universe incident, he has been criticized for making controversial comments about women and the LGBTQ+ community. He has also faced criticism for his support of Donald Trump and his meeting with him in 2017.
Conclusion
Steve Harvey is a multifaceted personality with a successful career in comedy, television, writing, business, and philanthropy. While he has faced controversy and criticism at times, he has remained a popular and influential figure in the entertainment industry. His motivational speeches and advocacy for underprivileged youth have also made a positive impact on many people’s lives.