Born on January 17, 1957, in the small coal-mining town of Welch, West Virginia, Broderick Stephen “Steve” Harvey grew up in an environment defined by poverty, limited opportunity, and resilience. Raised by his father, Jesse Harvey, a hardworking coal miner, and his mother, Eloise, a devoted Sunday school teacher, Steve’s early years were steeped in strong family values, deep religious faith, and the unwavering belief that better days lay ahead. Though the Harveys didn’t have much in terms of material wealth, they were rich in principles, instilling in Steve the importance of discipline, humility, and perseverance.
When Steve was still a young boy, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in search of better prospects. But even in the city, life wasn’t easy. The Harveys lived modestly, and Steve’s childhood was marked by struggle and sacrifice. He didn’t experience common household amenities like a flushing toilet until he was five years old. For many children, that might seem unimaginable, but for Steve, it was simply part of life—a life that taught him gratitude early on.
Despite the challenges, Steve harbored big dreams. From a young age, he would tell anyone who’d listen that he was going to be on television one day. His teacher once scoffed at this dream, and Steve remembers the sting of embarrassment when the class laughed. But deep down, that only made him more determined to prove everyone wrong.
Yet the road to success was anything but smooth. Steve struggled with a stammer that made speaking in front of people difficult, especially for a boy dreaming of being on stage and on television. He worked tirelessly to overcome it, often practicing his speech patterns and listening to smooth speakers like radio announcers and preachers.
In his early adult years, Steve faced some of his darkest moments. He pursued a variety of jobs—boxer, carpet cleaner, insurance salesman, even mailman—but none brought him real fulfillment. After divorcing his first wife and losing his home, he found himself living out of his car, a 1976 Ford Tempo, for three years in the late 1980s. He showered in gas stations and swam in hotel pools just to stay clean. Sometimes he didn’t eat for days. Despite the unimaginable hardship, he refused to give up on his dream of making people laugh.
Then, in 1985, Steve’s life took a dramatic turn. He performed at an open mic night at a comedy club—and something clicked. His humor resonated with the audience, and he realized he’d found his calling. The laughs gave him something he hadn’t felt in years: hope. From there, he committed himself to stand-up comedy full-time. He hustled relentlessly, driving hours between cities for gigs, often sleeping in his car afterward.
His big break came when he became the host of “Showtime at the Apollo,” a role that introduced him to a national audience and paved the way for more television appearances. In the mid-1990s, he starred in his own sitcom, “The Steve Harvey Show,” which aired for six seasons and earned him a loyal fan base. That success blossomed into a multi-faceted career that now includes being a bestselling author, motivational speaker, businessman, and award-winning TV host of shows like Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, and Steve on Watch.
Throughout his rise, Steve never forgot the struggles he endured. His gratitude is evident every time he talks about his past. “I’m so grateful that God let me go through it,” he often says. “If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t appreciate the life I have now.” His deep faith continues to guide his personal and professional life. He has openly credited his success to divine guidance and is passionate about inspiring others to follow their dreams, no matter how distant they may seem.
In his personal life, Steve has also found profound happiness. His marriage to Marjorie Bridges, whom he calls the love of his life, has brought him stability, peace, and joy. Marjorie has been a consistent pillar of support, and together, they’ve blended their families and raised seven children. Today, Steve proudly embraces his role as a grandfather to seven grandchildren, a role he cherishes deeply.
Steve Harvey’s story is a testament to the power of belief, faith, and persistence. From sleeping in his car and battling self-doubt to becoming one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment, Steve’s journey reminds us that no dream is too big and no struggle too great if you keep your faith and never stop pushing forward. He continues to uplift and entertain millions—not just with his humor, but with his hard-won wisdom, reminding us that greatness often rises from the most humble beginnings.