In the heart of West Virginia, a young boy was born into a humble family on January 17, 1957. Despite the modest beginnings and the challenges he faced, he dreamed big. This child was determined to change his path and worked relentlessly to turn his dreams into reality.
Today, he stands as a celebrated comedian, a beloved TV host, and a successful author and entrepreneur. His journey from a stuttering young boy to a millionaire TV host is an inspiring tale.
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, he dreamed of being on television. Despite his speech impediment, he was determined to follow his ambitions. At just ten years old, he wrote on paper that he would appear on TV one day. Little did he know, it would take years of hard work and perseverance before his dreams came true at the age of 38. Today, he holds titles such as New York Times best-selling author and Emmy Award-winning entertainer.
Raised in a large family with limited means, his father, Jesse Harvey, worked as a coal miner, earning just five dollars a day. Despite these hardships, the boy, Steve Harvey, kept his dream alive, working on a farm until he was 16. He would later share about his challenging upbringing, failures at school, and the period of homelessness he experienced.
At one point, his living conditions were so poor that he didn’t encounter a toilet with a flush until he was five years old. But his faith and determination remained unwavering. Before each show now, he keeps a promise he made to God during those difficult times, sharing his gratitude and acknowledging his blessings with his audience.
Steve’s mother, Eloise Vera Harvey, imparted valuable life lessons to him about faith, presentation, and embracing one’s self. Despite the challenges, his family’s love and morals remained a guiding force in his life.
Overcoming his stutter to become an eloquent speaker, Steve is now a beacon of hope for others facing similar speech struggles. He encourages others to seek help and strive towards their potential, just as he did.
Steve’s journey into comedy began with an unexpected triumph at an open mic night in 1985. Fueled by this success, he quit his job to pursue his passion full-time, despite the personal and financial difficulties that followed. From homelessness and living out of a car to becoming a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, Steve’s story is one of resilience and perseverance.
Despite the odds, Steve believed in the power of hard work and faith. He noted that his current success was beyond his wildest dreams, often reflecting on the moment he nearly gave up while hiding in a hotel restroom, overwhelmed by his circumstances. It was then he felt a divine presence encouraging him to persevere, a moment he attributes to his faith in God.
His breakthrough came in 1990 when he won a national comedy competition, paving the way for future opportunities, including a spot on “Showtime at the Apollo” and later his sitcom.
Today, Steve Harvey is a television powerhouse, known as one of the busiest men in Hollywood. His personal life is equally fulfilling, shared with his wife, Marjorie Harvey, whom he first met in 1987.
Though their initial encounter was brief, they reconnected years later, leading to marriage in 2007. Steve credits Marjorie with bringing joy and stability to his life and sees her as an incredible mother and partner.
His family, comprising seven children and seven grandchildren, is his greatest achievement. Steve cherishes his role as a family man and often shares heartfelt gratitude for his loved ones. Together with Marjorie, he has created a nurturing and loving environment that he deeply values.
