Steve Harvey is an American television host, producer, actor and comedian known for hosting shows like The Steve Harvey Morning Show, Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud.
He overcame a childhood stutter, experienced homelessness, and found success through stand-up comedy, radio and television.
Harvey’s career includes hosting iconic shows like Showtime at the Apollo and The Steve Harvey Show, as well as being part of The Original Kings of Comedy tour.
He is also an author, with books like Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.
Harvey’s philanthropic efforts include founding The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.
Net worth | $200 million |
Profession | TV host, producer, actor, comedian |
Date of birth | January 17, 1957 |
Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Harvey, born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, is a multifaceted American entertainer known for his work as a comedian, television host, producer and actor.
Raised by his parents Jesse and Eloise Harvey, he faced challenges early in life, including a stutter that he overcame to pursue a career in comedy.
After graduating from Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ohio, Harvey ventured into various jobs like boxing, insurance sales, and even experienced homelessness for three years before finding success in stand-up comedy at the Hilarities Comedy Club in the early 1980s.
His breakthrough came with the Kings of Comedy tour in 1997 alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and Bernie Mac.
Harvey’s career expanded to include hosting television shows like The Steve Harvey Show, radio hosting with The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and becoming the first African American host of Family Feud in 2010.
Net worth
Harvey’s estimated net worth is $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest entertainers in America.
His income sources include hosting shows like Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, and his radio programs, with an annual salary of $45 million.
Additionally, Harvey founded Steven Harvey Global (SHG) in 2017, consolidating his business ventures.
His net worth is a result of his successful career as a stand-up comedian, TV presenter, author and entrepreneur.
Annual income
Harvey’s annual income is quite substantial, with estimates ranging from $40 to $50 million.
His earnings come from various sources, including hosting Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, as well as his radio hosting salary.
Specifically, he makes around $20 million per year from his radio gig and $10 million per year from hosting, Family Feud.
These figures contribute significantly to his overall annual income, reflecting his success and prominence in the entertainment industry.
How much does Steve Harvey make on Family Feud?
Harvey’s involvement in hosting Family Feud has been financially rewarding.
He reportedly earns between $20,000 and $100,000 per episode of the show, with estimates suggesting that he makes at least $10 million per season.
This hosting gig on Family Feud contributes significantly to his overall income, with a substantial portion of his reported average annual salary of over $45 million coming from this show.
Family Feud is an American television game show created by Mark Goodson.
It features two families competing to name the most popular answers to survey questions to win cash and prizes.
The show has had multiple runs, starting in 1976 with Richard Dawson as host.
Over the years, it has been revived with different hosts, including Ray Combs, Louie Anderson, Richard Karn, John O’Hurley and Steve Harvey since 2010.
Harvey’s tenure as host has significantly boosted the show’s ratings, placing it among the top game shows on television.
The program has been adapted in over 50 international markets outside the United States, showcasing its global popularity and enduring success.
Steven Harvey Global
Steve Harvey Global, founded by Harvey in 2017, is an entertainment company that focuses on creating and delivering entertaining, motivational content, products and television shows.
This company unites Harvey’s various businesses under one roof with a vision to provide engaging and inspiring experiences to audiences worldwide.
Steve Harvey Global is home to East 112, Harvey’s production company that develops content across various formats like digital, documentary and feature films, animation and scripted and unscripted TV.
Notably, the company has produced successful shows like Think Like a Man, Little Big Shots and Little Big Shots: Forever Young.
Additionally, through his personal digital platform managed by Steve Harvey Global, Harvey aims to uplift spirits by sharing comedy, inspiration and highlighting emerging talents in the entertainment industry.
The company also includes Steve Harvey Products, which offers accessories and apparel, as well as Vault Empowers, a platform for personal and professional development.
Furthermore, Harvey Ventures under Steve Harvey Global invests in technology, education and entertainment companies to enhance communities and individual lives through strategic partnerships and investments.
Car collection
Harvey’s car collection is a fascinating mix of vintage classics and high-end supercars.
Some notable cars in his collection include a 1941 Cadillac Convertible, a Bentley Mulsanne, a Rolls-Royce Phantom, a Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible, a Ferrari 458, a Ford F-150 Raptor and a Ford Edge.
These vehicles range from luxurious classics to powerful modern supercars, showcasing Harvey’s diverse taste in automobiles.
His collection reflects a blend of style, performance, and nostalgia, with each car holding its unique appeal and significance within his impressive garage.
Real estate properties
Harvey’s real estate portfolio includes several impressive properties across the United States.
In Atlanta, he purchased a 34,688-square-foot mansion on 17 acres for $15 million, previously owned by Tyler Perry.
This estate features seven bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, a 70,000-gallon infinity-edge pool, a tennis court.and luxurious amenities like a home theater and spa.
Additionally, Harvey owned a property in Little Elm, Texas, which he sold in 2020.
In California, he rented a lavish home above Beverly Hills for $110,000 per month and previously owned a penthouse in Chicago.
Harvey’s diverse real estate investments reflect his success and taste for luxury living.
Early career
Harvey’s early career was marked by resilience and challenges.
Before his breakthrough, Harvey faced significant struggles, including periods of homelessness and financial hardship.
Starting as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s, he performed at various venues, often living in his car and showering at gas stations due to limited resources.
Despite these difficulties, Harvey persisted in pursuing his passion for comedy, showcasing his dedication and determination.
His commitment to his craft led him to take on multiple jobs to support himself and his family, highlighting his work ethic and perseverance during this formative period of his career.
Breakthrough
Harvey’s breakthrough in the world of comedy came through his participation in the “Kings of Comedy” tour in 1997.
This tour, featuring Harvey alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley and Bernie Mac, was a massive success, propelling Harvey to greater fame and recognition within the entertainment industry.
The tour showcased his comedic talent and charisma, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in stand-up comedy.
Following this breakthrough, Harvey’s career expanded to include hosting television shows like The Steve Harvey Show and Family Feud, as well as acting in various television sitcoms and movies.
His success as a comedian and television host can be attributed to his persistence, determination, and unwavering belief in his talents, which ultimately led to his breakthrough and subsequent rise to stardom.
TV career
Harvey’s TV career is extensive and diverse, showcasing his versatility as a television host and entertainer.
He began hosting shows like Showtime at the Apollo and The Steve Harvey Show on The WB in the 1990s.
Harvey’s pivotal moment came with the Kings of Comedy tour in 1997, which led to his successful comedy and variety television show, later renamed Steve Harvey’s Big Time.
Since 2010, he has been the host of both Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, solidifying his presence in the game show genre.
Additionally, Harvey has hosted shows like Little Big Shots, Little Big Shots Forever Young and Steve Harvey’s Funderdome.
His TV career also includes hosting the Miss Universe competition, Family Feud Africa, and the arbitration-based court comedy Judge Steve Harvey.
With a remarkable track record in television hosting and production, Harvey has become a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Awards and nominations
Harvey has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his illustrious career, including 6 Daytime Emmy Awards out of 14 nominations, NAACP Image Awards such as Entertainer of the Year in 2007 and Outstanding Host in various categories, People’s Choice Awards for Favorite Daytime TV Host.
He also holds a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013, Marconi Award winner for Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year, BET Humanitarian Award in 2011 and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee in 2015.
Harvey is also the recipient of a Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host and Outstanding Informative Talk Show Host, Primetime Emmy Award nominations, Image Awards for Outstanding Host in various categories, MovieGuide Awards nominee and Legionnaires of Laughter Legacy Awards nominee.
These accolades reflect Harvey’s significant contributions to the entertainment industry and his widespread popularity across different platforms.
Philanthropic efforts
Harvey is deeply involved in philanthropy and humanitarian efforts.
In 2010, he and his wife, Marjorie, established The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which focuses on mentoring programs, education, and financial assistance for families in need.
The foundation impacts thousands of families annually and collaborates with like-minded charities to further their cause.
Beyond their foundation, the Harveys are dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives.
Harvey’s philanthropic endeavors extend to empowering communities globally through investments and businesses.
His latest project, L’Evate You, is a self-help program aimed at helping individuals take control of their lives and achieve success.
Through his work, Harvey serves as an inspiration to many and continues to positively influence lives worldwide, embodying a commitment to giving back and making a difference.
Controversies
Harvey has encountered various controversies over the years.
These include incidents such as sending an email to his staff warning them not to open his dressing room door, the Miss Universe pageant mix-up where he announced the wrong winner, making racist comments about Asian men, and facing criticism for perpetuating gender stereotypes and giving relationship advice despite his own marital history.
These controversies have led to a mixed perception of Harvey, with some applauding his success in entertainment while others scrutinize his behavior and comments.
Steve Harvey family
Harvey’s family is a blend of love, challenges, and growth.
He has seven children from different marriages and through adoption.
With his first wife, Marcia Harvey, he shares twins Brandi and Karli, born in 1982, and a son named Broderick Jr., born in 1991.
From his second marriage to Mary Shackelford, he has a son named Wynton, born in 1997.
Harvey’s current wife, Marjorie Harvey, brought three children into the family; Morgan, Jason and Lori.
Despite the complexities of a blended family, Steve and Marjorie have worked to create a strong family unit where everyone feels included and loved.
Their commitment to each other and their children reflects resilience and dedication amidst the challenges that can arise in blended families.