In the world of entertainment, a handful of names have managed to create an indelible mark through their diverse talents and relentless determination. One such name is Steve Harvey, a man who has donned multiple hats throughout his illustrious career. An accomplished comedian, an engaging television host, a successful producer, and a best-selling author, Harvey’s journey from humble beginnings to achieving a net worth over $200 million is nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we delve into the life and career of Steve Harvey, uncovering the secrets behind his phenomenal success.
A Glimpse into Steve Harvey’s Early Life
Steve Harvey, born as Broderick Stephen Harvey on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, had quite a modest upbringing. His father, Jesse Harvey, was a coal miner, while his mother, Elaine, served as a Sunday school teacher. The family later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Harvey graduated from Glenville High School. Harvey’s initial foray into higher education led him to Kent State University and subsequently to West Virginia University, though he didn’t graduate from either institution.
Instead of pursuing academia, Harvey embarked on a journey through various jobs including stints as a mail carrier, a boxer, a car salesman, an auto mechanic, and even a carpet cleaner. However, his life took a significant turn when he ventured into the realm of stand-up comedy on October 8, 1985, performing at the Hilarities Comedy Club in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Birth of a Comedian
Harvey’s initial performance at the comedy club was a resounding success, earning him a prize of $50. Encouraged by the response, Harvey decided to pursue comedy full-time, leaving behind his job as an insurance salesman. Despite the promise of a successful future in comedy, the initial years were fraught with financial difficulties. Harvey, who was a father to twin daughters at the time, had to split his limited income with his first wife, Marcia, from whom he eventually divorced in 1994.
Harvey’s income from his comedy gigs was so meager that he had to live out of his 1976 Ford car for three years. During this difficult phase, a couple from Orlando named Rich and Becky Liss provided him with substantial support, both emotionally and financially. They awarded his carpet-cleaning company its first contract and even funded his travel expenses related to his comedy gigs.
Steve Harvey’s Big Break
Harvey’s breakthrough moment arrived when he secured a spot as a finalist in the Second Annual Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search in 1990. This led to him landing the role of a host in the television show, “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”. He continued to perform stand-up comedy and in 1997, he joined the Kings of Comedy tour alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. This tour went on to become one of the highest-grossing comedy tours of all time, raking in a whopping $37 million.
The Rise of a Television Star
In 1994, Harvey scored his first official acting role in the TV series, “Me and the Boys”. His charismatic presence on the small screen paved the way for more opportunities, leading him to star in shows like “The Proud Family”, “My Wife and Kids”, and his eponymous show, “The Steve Harvey Show”, which aired from 1996 to 2002. Harvey also made his mark in films such as “The Fighting Temptations” and “Love Don’t Cost a Thing”.
In August 2012, Harvey bid adieu to his 27-year-long stand-up comedy career with his final show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. However, his departure from stand-up comedy marked the beginning of his successful journey as a dynamic and engaging host.
Family Feud and Hosting Success
Harvey’s fame as a television host skyrocketed when he began hosting the game show “Family Feud” in 2010. His tenure as a host has been the longest compared to any previous hosts of the show. Harvey’s unique style and humorous interactions with the participants endeared him to the audience, making the show a massive hit. For his outstanding hosting skills, Harvey was nominated for both the Outstanding Talk Show Host and Outstanding Game Show Host Daytime Emmy Awards in 2013.
In addition to “Family Feud”, Harvey also hosted “Celebrity Family Feud”, a spin-off of the original show. He reportedly earns at least $10 million per year from his hosting duties on Family Feud.
Steve Harvey’s Earnings as a Radio Host
Apart from his successful career in television, Harvey has also made a name for himself in the radio industry. He hosts the nationally syndicated radio show, “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”, which reportedly contributes $20 million to his annual income.
The Miss Universe Pageant
Harvey’s hosting prowess extends beyond game shows. He has also hosted the Miss Universe pageant multiple times, starting from 2015. Despite a major goof-up in the 2015 edition, where he mistakenly announced the runner-up as the winner, Harvey has continued to host the pageant, winning hearts with his charm and wit.
Steve Harvey’s Ventures in Writing
Harvey’s talent isn’t confined to the realm of comedy and hosting. He has also penned several best-selling books, with his 2009 release, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” spending 64 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Other popular books authored by Harvey include “Straight Talk, No Chaser”, “Act Like A Success”, and “Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance”.
Steve Harvey’s Real Estate and Car Collection
Steve Harvey’s Net Worth is not only a result of his successful career in the entertainment industry but also due to his smart investments in real estate. He owns a mansion in Atlanta, which he purchased in 2010 for $3.4 million, and another equally lavish mansion outside of Dallas, Texas. In 2018, he leased a large mansion in Beverly Park, California, for a whopping $110,000 per month. And in 2020, he paid $15 million to acquire Tyler Perry’s former mansion in Atlanta.
Harvey also boasts an enviable car collection, which includes a Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari GTC4, Aston Martin DB11, Rolls-Royce Dawn, and Lincoln Aviator, contributing over $2 million to his net worth.
Conclusion: The Man Behind the Millions
Steve Harvey’s journey from rags to riches serves as an inspiration for many. Despite facing numerous hardships in his early life, Harvey persevered and built a successful career through his talent, charm, and relentless determination. Today, with a net worth exceeding $200 million, he stands as a testament to the fact that with hard work and dedication, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve their dreams. Steve Harvey’s story is not just about the accumulation of wealth; it’s a tale of resilience, grit, and the indomitable spirit of a man who refused to give up on his dreams.
Read More :
