Steve Harvey is an American actor, comedian, television host, and author. He is best known for hosting the television show Family Feud and The Steve Harvey Show. Harvey began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. He later starred in the sitcom "Me and the Boys" from 1994 to 1995. In 1996, he began hosting the game show "Family Feud." Harvey has also hosted several other television shows, including "The Steve Harvey Show" (1996-2002), "Steve Harvey's Big Time Challenge" (2003-2005), and "Celebrity Family Feud" (2015-present).

Harvey's early life was marked by poverty and struggle. He was born in Welch, West Virginia, in 1957. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Harvey had six siblings. The family lived in a small, two-bedroom house. Harvey's father died when he was 10 years old. His mother remarried a few years later, but the marriage was abusive. Harvey left home at the age of 16 and moved to Cleveland, Ohio.

In Cleveland, Harvey worked a variety of odd jobs. He was a janitor, a carpet cleaner, and a mailman. He also performed stand-up comedy at local clubs. In 1985, Harvey won the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This led to a job as a writer for the television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo." Harvey's career began to take off in the early 1990s. He starred in the sitcom "Me and the Boys" from 1994 to 1995. In 1996, he began hosting the game show "Family Feud."

Steve Harvey When Young

Steve Harveys early life was marked by poverty and struggle. Despite these challenges, he persevered and went on to become a successful comedian, actor, and television host.

Childhood: Harvey was born in Welch, West Virginia, in 1957. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Harvey had six siblings. The family lived in a small, two-bedroom house.
Father's Death: Harvey's father died when he was 10 years old. His mother remarried a few years later, but the marriage was abusive.
Leaving Home: Harvey left home at the age of 16 and moved to Cleveland, Ohio.
Odd Jobs: In Cleveland, Harvey worked a variety of odd jobs. He was a janitor, a carpet cleaner, and a mailman.
Stand-Up Comedy: Harvey also performed stand-up comedy at local clubs.
Breakthrough: In 1985, Harvey won the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This led to a job as a writer for the television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo."

These key aspects of Steve Harvey's early life helped to shape the man he is today. Despite the challenges he faced, Harvey never gave up on his dreams. He persevered and went on to achieve great success.

1. Childhood

Steve Harvey's childhood was marked by poverty and struggle. He grew up in a small, two-bedroom house with six siblings. His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. Harvey's father died when he was 10 years old, and his mother remarried a few years later. However, the marriage was abusive, and Harvey left home at the age of 16.

Economic Hardship: Harvey's family was poor, and they often struggled to make ends meet. Harvey's father worked long hours in the coal mines, and his mother worked as a homemaker. Despite their hard work, the family lived in a small, two-bedroom house and often had to rely on government assistance.
Family Structure: Harvey's family was close-knit, but they also had their share of problems. Harvey's father was an alcoholic, and his mother was often depressed. Harvey's parents divorced when he was 10 years old, and his mother remarried a few years later. However, the marriage was abusive, and Harvey left home at the age of 16.
Education: Harvey attended public schools in Welch, West Virginia. He was a good student, but he also got into trouble from time to time. Harvey was suspended from school several times for fighting. Despite his struggles, Harvey graduated from high school in 1974.
Adolescence: Harvey's adolescence was a time of great change and growth. He left home at the age of 16 and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. He worked a variety of odd jobs and performed stand-up comedy at local clubs. In 1985, Harvey won the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This led to a job as a writer for the television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo."

Harvey's childhood experiences had a profound impact on his life. He learned the value of hard work and perseverance. He also learned the importance of family and community. Harvey's childhood experiences helped to shape the man he is today.

2. Father's Death

The death of Steve Harvey's father and his mother's subsequent remarriage had a profound impact on his life. These events shaped his childhood and adolescence, and they continued to influence him as an adult.

Grief and Loss: The death of his father was a devastating loss for Harvey. He was only 10 years old at the time, and he struggled to cope with his grief. Harvey's mother remarried a few years later, but the marriage was abusive. This made it difficult for Harvey to adjust to his new family situation.
Instability and Trauma: The death of his father and his mother's remarriage created a sense of instability and trauma in Harvey's life. He felt like he was constantly being uprooted and that he didn't have a stable home. This made it difficult for him to focus on school and other activities.
Resilience and Determination: Despite the challenges he faced, Harvey was able to overcome them and achieve great success. He learned to rely on his own strength and determination, and he developed a strong work ethic. Harvey's childhood experiences taught him the importance of perseverance and resilience.

The death of Steve Harvey's father and his mother's subsequent remarriage were significant events in his life. These events shaped his childhood and adolescence, and they continued to influence him as an adult. However, Harvey was able to overcome the challenges he faced and achieve great success. His story is an inspiration to others who have faced similar challenges.

3. Leaving Home

Steve Harvey's decision to leave home at the age of 16 and move to Cleveland, Ohio, was a significant event in his life. It was a bold and courageous move that set him on the path to success. Harvey's decision to leave home was motivated by a number of factors, including his desire for independence, his ambition to pursue a career in comedy, and his difficult family situation.

Independence and Autonomy: Harvey's decision to leave home was a declaration of independence. He was tired of living under his mother's roof and being subject to her rules. He wanted to be his own man and make his own decisions.
Pursuit of Dreams: Harvey had always dreamed of becoming a comedian. He knew that he could not achieve his dreams if he stayed in his hometown. Cleveland was a bigger city with more opportunities for aspiring comedians.
Difficult Family Situation: Harvey's home life was difficult. His mother had remarried, and his stepfather was abusive. Harvey felt like he was living in a war zone. He needed to get away from the violence and chaos.

Harvey's decision to leave home was not easy. He was only 16 years old, and he had no money or job prospects. However, he was determined to make it on his own. He packed his bags and hitchhiked to Cleveland. Harvey's journey to Cleveland was long and difficult, but he eventually made it. He arrived in the city with nothing but the clothes on his back and a dream in his heart. Harvey's decision to leave home was a turning point in his life. It was a brave and courageous move that set him on the path to success.

4. Odd Jobs

Steve Harvey's experience working odd jobs in Cleveland was a significant part of his journey to success. It taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and humility. Harvey worked long hours and often had to do physically demanding tasks. However, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a comedian. He continued to perform stand-up comedy at local clubs, and eventually, he achieved his goal.

Harvey's experience working odd jobs also helped him to develop a strong work ethic. He learned the importance of being on time, working hard, and taking pride in his work. This work ethic served him well in his career as a comedian and television host. Harvey is known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft.

In addition, Harvey's experience working odd jobs helped him to develop a sense of humility. He learned that success is not easy, and that it takes hard work and determination to achieve your goals. Harvey never forgot his roots, and he often speaks about the importance of giving back to the community.

Harvey's experience working odd jobs is an important part of his story. It taught him valuable lessons about hard work, perseverance, and humility. These lessons helped him to achieve success in his career, and they continue to guide him today.

5. Stand-Up Comedy

Steve Harvey's early experiences in stand-up comedy were a crucial component of his development as a young entertainer. It provided him with a platform to hone his comedic skills, build a following, and ultimately launch his successful career in television and film.

As a young man growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, Harvey faced numerous challenges and setbacks. He worked a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet, including stints as a janitor, carpet cleaner, and mailman. Despite these hardships, Harvey remained committed to his dream of becoming a comedian. He spent countless hours writing and practicing his stand-up routines, and he performed at local clubs whenever he could.

Harvey's perseverance and dedication eventually paid off. In 1985, he won the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search, a prestigious competition that launched the careers of many successful comedians. This victory led to a job as a writer for the television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo," which gave Harvey a national platform to showcase his comedic talents.

Harvey's early experiences in stand-up comedy were essential to his success. They taught him the importance of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. They also helped him to develop a unique comedic voice and style that would eventually make him one of the most popular and successful comedians in the world.

6. Breakthrough

Steve Harvey's victory in the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search was a pivotal moment in his career. This prestigious competition served as a launchpad for many successful comedians, and Harvey's triumph brought him national recognition and opened doors to new opportunities.

As a young comedian, Harvey had faced numerous challenges and setbacks. He worked odd jobs to make ends meet and honed his comedic skills at local clubs. Winning the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search was a testament to his perseverance and talent. The competition not only provided Harvey with a platform to showcase his abilities but also led to a job as a writer for the television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo." This was a significant step forward in Harvey's career, as it gave him a national platform to reach a wider audience and further develop his comedic voice.

The breakthrough that Harvey experienced in 1985 was a direct result of his hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in himself. His victory in the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search and subsequent job on "It's Showtime at the Apollo" were not just lucky breaks but rather the culmination of years of effort and perseverance. This breakthrough served as a catalyst for Harvey's future success, and it remains an inspiring example of the power of determination and self-belief.

FAQs about Steve Harvey When Young

This section addresses commonly asked questions and misconceptions regarding Steve Harvey's early life and career.

Question 1: What were some of the challenges Steve Harvey faced during his childhood and adolescence?

Steve Harvey grew up in poverty and faced numerous challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age, an unstable family environment, and economic hardship. Despite these obstacles, Harvey persevered and developed a strong work ethic and determination.

Question 2: How did Steve Harvey get his start in comedy?

Harvey began performing stand-up comedy at local clubs in Cleveland, Ohio. He honed his skills and eventually won the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search in 1985. This victory led to a job as a writer for the television show "It's Showtime at the Apollo," which gave him a national platform.

Question 3: What was Steve Harvey's breakthrough moment?

Harvey's breakthrough moment came in 1985 when he won the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This victory launched his career and led to a job as a writer for "It's Showtime at the Apollo."

Question 4: How did Steve Harvey's early experiences shape his career?

Harvey's early experiences taught him the value of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. He faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but he never gave up on his dreams. His experiences also helped him develop a strong work ethic and a unique comedic voice.

Question 5: What are some of Steve Harvey's most notable accomplishments?

Harvey is a successful comedian, actor, television host, and author. He is best known for hosting the television shows "Family Feud" and "The Steve Harvey Show." Harvey has also written several books, including "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" and "Straight Talk, No Chaser."

Question 6: What is Steve Harvey's legacy?

Steve Harvey is a pioneer in the entertainment industry. He has broken down barriers and paved the way for other African American comedians and entertainers. Harvey is also known for his philanthropy and his commitment to giving back to the community.

In conclusion, Steve Harvey's early life and career were marked by challenges, perseverance, and determination. He faced numerous obstacles, but he never gave up on his dreams. Harvey's experiences shaped him into the successful comedian, actor, and television host he is today.

Proceed to the next section for further insights into Steve Harvey's life and career.

Tips Inspired by Steve Harvey's Early Life and Career

Steve Harvey's journey to success is an inspiring example of perseverance, hard work, and determination. Here are a few tips that young people can learn from his early life and career:

Tip 1: Believe in Yourself
Harvey faced numerous challenges and setbacks in his early life. However, he never gave up on his dreams. He believed in himself and his ability to succeed.

Tip 2: Work Hard
Harvey worked hard to achieve his goals. He worked odd jobs to make ends meet while honing his comedic skills at local clubs.

Tip 3: Never Give Up
Harvey faced many obstacles, but he never gave up on his dream of becoming a comedian. He persisted and eventually achieved his goals.

Tip 4: Learn from Your Mistakes
Harvey learned from his mistakes and used them as opportunities for growth. He didn't let setbacks discourage him.

Tip 5: Be Humble
Harvey never forgot his roots. He remained humble and grounded despite his success.

Tip 6: Give Back
Harvey is known for his philanthropy and his commitment to giving back to the community. He uses his platform to help others.

Tip 7: Follow Your Dreams
Harvey followed his dream of becoming a comedian, even though it was challenging at times. He encourages others to pursue their dreams and never give up.

Tip 8: Set Goals
Harvey set goals for himself and worked hard to achieve them. He encourages others to set goals and to develop a plan to achieve them.

These tips can help young people overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and live successful and fulfilling lives.

Proceed to the next section for further insights into Steve Harvey's life and career.

Conclusion

Steve Harvey's early life and career provide valuable lessons for young people today. He faced numerous challenges and setbacks, but he never gave up on his dreams. He persevered, worked hard, and eventually achieved great success.

Harvey's story is an inspiration to everyone who has ever faced adversity. It shows that anything is possible if you have the determination to succeed. Harvey's early life and career also provide valuable lessons for parents and educators. They show the importance of providing young people with the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

In conclusion, Steve Harvey's early life and career are a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and determination. His story is an inspiration to us all.