Steve Harvey is 69 years old. Born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, the iconic comedian, author, and television producer has spent more than four decades in the entertainment industry. From his early days headlining stand-up comedy clubs to his current reign as the unmistakable face of Family Feud, his career spans multiple mediums, including morning radio, daytime television, and publishing.
Understanding how old Steve Harvey is offers a lens into a long-lasting career built on reinvention. He didn't achieve overnight stardom; rather, his path involved years of grinding through small comedy venues, enduring a period of homelessness in the late 1980s, and steadily scaling the ranks of American media.
Early Life and Working-Class Beginnings
Broderick Stephen Harvey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, after his family moved from West Virginia. His father worked as a coal miner, instilling a strict work ethic that Harvey often credits in his motivational speeches. Before finding his footing on stage, he worked a series of demanding jobs. He sold insurance, cleaned carpets, boxed professionally, and delivered mail.
These blue-collar roots heavily influenced his observational comedy style. When he performed his first stand-up routine in 1985 at a Cleveland comedy club, he brought everyday working-class struggles directly into his routines. That authenticity resonated with audiences who saw their own lives reflected in his jokes.
The Stand-Up Grind and Breakthrough Years
The transition from local comic to nationally recognized talent didn't happen overnight. Through the late 1980s, financial instability plagued his career, leading to a grueling three-year stretch where he was unhoused, sleeping in his car when comedy gigs didn't provide a hotel.
His persistence paid off in 1993 when he landed the hosting gig for It's Showtime at the Apollo. Stepping onto the stage at the legendary Harlem theater cemented his status as a premier comedic force. That exposure led directly to television acting opportunities, most notably starring in the hit WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show, which ran for 122 episodes from 1996 to 2002.
- 1985: Performed his first official stand-up set in Cleveland.
- 1993: Began his iconic multi-year run hosting It's Showtime at the Apollo.
- 2000: Toured alongside Bernie Mac, D.L. Hughley, and Cedric the Entertainer in The Original Kings of Comedy, capturing one of the highest-grossing comedy tours in history.
Reigning Over Television and Game Shows
Entering his fifties and sixties, Harvey experienced a massive career resurgence. In 2010, he took over hosting duties for Family Feud, injecting fresh energy into the long-running game show through his signature facial expressions and direct interactions with contestants. His tenure turned viral moments into a nightly staple across American households.
Beyond game shows, he expanded his footprint into publishing and daytime talk. His 2009 relationship book, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, became a massive bestseller and was adapted into a major Hollywood feature film in 2012. He also launched The Steve Harvey Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio program that reaches millions of daily listeners. You can read more about his extensive media empire directly on the official Steve Harvey Site.
Personal Life and Family
Harvey has been married three times and shares a blended family with seven children, including biological children and stepchildren with his current wife, Marjorie Harvey, whom he married in 2007. His family life frequently serves as humorous material in his stand-up acts and radio broadcasts, providing an ongoing connection to his audience as both a family man and a seasoned entertainer.
Despite decades in the public eye, he maintains a rigorous daily routine, waking up early to manage his various television projects, radio broadcasts, and entrepreneurial ventures through Steve Harvey Global.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Steve Harvey's birthday?
He celebrates his birthday on January 17. He was born in 1957.
How long has Steve Harvey hosted Family Feud?
He began hosting Family Feud in 2010, making his tenure one of the longest in the history of the franchise.
Did Steve Harvey experience homelessness?
Yes. During the late 1980s, before his big break on television, he faced severe financial hardship and spent roughly three years living out of his car while pursuing stand-up comedy.
How many children does Steve Harvey have?
He has a blended family consisting of seven children from his current and previous marriages.
What was Steve Harvey's first major television role?
While he appeared in various stand-up specials earlier, his major breakthrough as a television actor came with the WB sitcom The Steve Harvey Show in 1996.
