Steve Harvey, as he is widely known, is the face of the world despite the name being Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. He was an entertainer who showed his way up to the top of the world through his simple origins. This article creates a clear image of his identity, his origin and his exploits. Facts, stories and charts make the information easily traced even by the younger ones and those who are just getting to know him.
You will get to know about his early life, career, personal life, and his awards, and what makes him more than a comedian or a TV host. Let’s begin.
Who Is Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr.?
By Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr, I mean that man commonly known as Steve Harvey. He was born on the 17 th of January 1957 in Welch, West Virginia in the United States.
His parents Jesse Harvey, a coal-miner, and Eloise (Vera) Harvey, a Sunday-school teacher. He was the fifth child in a family.
His real name of Broderick was influenced by the actor Broderick Crawford of the TV show Highway Patrol.
Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. is a man of many positions and that is why his most known role is that of an entertainer, yet other positions included TV and radio host, actor, author, producer, and philanthropist.
Early Life and Challenges
Childhood and Education
The family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio when Harvey was young. He studied at Glenville High School where he graduated approximately in 1974.
He attended Kent State University and West Virginia University later but failed to graduate with a degree.
Since childhood, he had a stutter. In the course of time, he struggled to overcome it.
Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. |
| Stage Name | Steve Harvey |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1957 |
| Age (2025) | 68 years |
| Birthplace | Welch, West Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Comedian, TV & Radio Host, Actor, Author, Producer |
| Years Active | 1985 – Present |
| Famous For | Family Feud, The Steve Harvey Show, The Steve Harvey Morning Show |
| Company | Steve Harvey Global (founded 2017) |
| Top Books | Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man; Jump |
| Major Awards | 7 Daytime Emmys, 2 Marconi Awards, 14 NAACP Image Awards |
| Net Worth (2025) | $200–220 million USD |
| Spouse | Marjorie Bridges Harvey (m. 2007–present) |
| Children | 7 (including Lori, Jason, Morgan, Karli, Brandi, Broderick Jr., Wynton) |
| Residence | Atlanta, Georgia & Los Angeles, California |
| Philanthropy | Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation – youth mentoring & scholarships |
| Quote | “Your gift is the thing you do best with the least amount of effort.” |
Early Struggles
Prior to fame, Harvey had a lot of jobs to make an end meet, he worked as a boxer, insurance salesman, carpet cleaner, auto worker, and even a mailman.
In certain years of late 1980s, he lacked a place to call in a home. At times, he slept in his 1976 Ford car and took shower in gas stations or swimming pools.
In 1990, he made it to the finals of the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search where he scored a breakthrough. This chance brought him into television.
Career and Achievements
This sub-section outlines the career development of Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. in the fields of comedy, radio, television and business.
1989-1990 Combination of Stand-Up Comedy and Television.
However, Harvy started his stand-up comedy when he played in October of 1985 in Cleveland, Ohio. His tenacity led to getting a job as host of Showtime at the Apollo as a replacement of Mark Curry.
He then moved into sitcoms. Among his famous programs was The Steve Harvey Show on WB which was running roughly in 1996 and 2002.
In 1997, he participated in the tour Kings of Comedy Tour together with D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer and Bernie Mac. It was later adapted into a film of the same title, The Original Kings of Comedy.
Then, he eventually did his final stand-up show in 2012, more towards hosting and producing.
Radio, Game Shows, and Hosting
The Steve Harvey Morning Show was a radio show which started in the early 2000s and was part of the expansion of Harvey into radio. In 2010, he also made the host of Family Feud, and then Celebrity Family Feud.
Other productions that he has hosted include Little Big Shots, Steve Harvey his Funderdome, and the court-style productions, Judge Steve Harvey. Miss Universe was also hosted by him in a few years.
In 2017, he established Steve Harvey Global, an enterprise that accommodates his production projects (e.g. East 112).
Authorship and Writing
Harvey is also an author to the published work. Some of his books include:
Name Year of publication Thematic area.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man 2009 Dating, relationships.
Straight Talk, No Chaser 2010 Life lessons, advice.
Act Like a Success 2014 Self-development.
Jump: Make the Leap of Faith to Live Your Abundant Life, 2016 Inspiration, faith.
His works have touched the lives of numerous readers and have taken him past the television and comedy.
Reward, Recognition, and Effect.
Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. has won several awards:
Daytime Emmy Awards: 7
Marconi Awards: 2 NAACP Image Awards: 14.
He has made it into prominent lists, was celebrated in the media and he has done notable contributions in television and culture.
He does not limit his impact to entertainment because he can talk about purpose, faith, responsibility, and leadership. His brand and his voice to the world touch the hearts of a great number of people around the world.
Family and Personal Life
Marriages and Children
Harvey is a three-time married man.
Marcia Whitman (m. 1981 -div. 1994) – children: Karli, Brandi (twins, b.1982),Broderick Jr. (b.1991)
Mary Lee Shackelford (m. 1996 -div. 2005) -child Wynton (born 1997).
Marjorie Bridges (Harvey) (m. 2007 – present) It was Harvey who adopted her three children, Morgan, Jason and Lori.
Harvey has publicly admitted that it is not easy to blend a family and he and Marjorie have made efforts to make sure that each child is loved and accommodated.
Personal Traits and Passions.
Harvey has faith at the center of his life. He frequently thanks God in front of people and thanks him.
He has talked publicly on errors, development, perseverance and the need to contribute.
In spite of his success, Harvey occasionally is criticized or controversial, though he does not keep silent on what he believes and attempts to be transparent.
Philanthropy and Influence
Charity work is one of the other prominent undertakings by Harvey, not related to entertainment.
The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation: This foundation deals with the education of young people where it gives scholarship opportunities, mentoring, and children camping services to the children in underprivileged or fatherless homes.
Its partners include the Kent State University in terms of scholarships.
Harvey is also involved in Disney Dreamers Academy where selected students are given an opportunity in a leadership and personal development program.
He is also able to inspire other aspiring entertainers, motivational speakers, authors and personalities in the society. His story of having to overcome his adversity, persistence, and faith is cited by many as a way to be motivated.
Current Focus and Recent Years.
In recent years, Harvey has:
New programs like Judge Steve Harvey and Little Big Shots: Forever Young that are hosted and produced.
Remained on Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud.
Expanded his business using Steve Harvey Global, producing content, collaborations and projects in media. Further speaking engagements in the community, offering guidance, preaching on faith and purpose.
Had managed to stay popular in the world of popular culture, and interacted with social media, and reacted to the interest of people in his personal life.
Recently, there was a fake news of the death of Steve Harvey. It was fake due to AI or fake news. He was living and he dealt with rumors on his posts.
Legacy and Influence
Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. has a legacy in a number of different fields:
Entertainment: He has been a perennial TV, radio and on-stage guest over the decades.
Cultural Impact: Laughs are not the only thing that comes across in his books, image, and commentary.
Inspiration: Hard work, homelessness, to success — lots of people think that he is an example of how persistence is important.
Philanthropy: His foundation and youth programs bring his influence to communities and the future generations.
Role Model: Harvey is a role model to many African Americans and entertainers on how to move out of struggle to influence.
Summary
Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. or Steve Harvey to the rest of the world is far more than a host or a comedian. He is a narrator, a persuader, a writer, a coach and a man who has gone through all the hurdles to achieve the top of success.
Since he was born in West Virginia and faced hardships as a child, to becoming an entertainer through stand up comedy, television, radio, writing, and business, Harvey has a lot to share about his life on how one should persevere and remain faithful in life and his responsibilities. This is indicated in his family life, where he has married three times and has had seven children, who indicates that he is ready to compromise and work towards coexistence. He uses his influence in real practice in his philanthropic work to serve the youth and poor communities.
National and international acclaim, recognition, and his awards all attest to the fact that Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. is not merely a product of the media world, but a driving force. His life gives hope to the reader: that we can have extraordinary impact whenever we have ordinary beginnings and vision, discipline, humility and service.
FAQs
Who is Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr.?
Steve Harvey is a philanthropist, producer, actor, writer, radio/television host, producer, and comedian whose full name is Steve Harvey, born January 17, 1957.
What are the significant productions of Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr.?
Among his famous projects are hosting Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, Judge Steve Harvey, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, writing books such as the Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, and the Steve Harvey Global.
What is the number of children of Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr.?
With his wife Marjorie, Steve Harvey has seven children four of them (Karli, Brandi, Broderick Jr., Wynton) are biological children and three children (through adoption) Morgan, Jason and Lori.
What is the foundation of Steve Harvey? what is its purpose?
He and his wife Marjorie operate The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation to education of the youth, scholarships, mentoring and camps to children of underserved or fatherless family.
Does Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. continue hosting shows?
Yes – since his hosting of Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, and years of Judge Steve Harvey shows among other appearances, he runs and divides his media company and other things.