Steve Harvey is 69 years old, born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia. As a fixture of American television, radio, and comedy for decades, his exact age frequently sparks curiosity as fans look back across his long-running career in entertainment.
From his early days as a struggling stand-up comic living out of his car to heading global franchises like Family Feud, Harvey's personal timeline reflects a story of resilience. Let's break down his age, milestones, and how he built an enduring media empire.
Early Life and Background
Broderick Stephen Harvey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, after moving from West Virginia where his father worked as a coal miner. Born in the mid-1950s, he experienced a childhood defined by tight finances and strong family values. He attended Glenville High School before spending time at Kent State University and West Virginia University.
Before finding his footing on stage, Harvey tried his hand at several different professions. He worked as an insurance salesman, an autoworker, a mail carrier, and even spent a brief period trying to box professionally. These diverse jobs formed the observational humor that later fueled his stand-up acts.
The Jump to Comedy and Breakthrough Years
Harvey didn't step onto a comedy stage for the first time until 1985, when he was nearly 28 years old. He performed at an open mic night in Cleveland, won the spot, and quit his day job almost immediately.
- The Homeless Years: Success didn't happen overnight. Harvey spent several years living out of his 1976 Ford Tempo while traveling across the country for low-paying comedy gigs.
- Apollo Success: His big break arrived in 1993 when he took over hosting duties for It's Showtime at the Apollo, a role he held until 2000.
- The Kings of Comedy: In 2000, he starred alongside Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, and D.L. Hughley in Spike Lee's concert film The Original Kings of Comedy, cementing his status comedy royalty.
Television and Hosting Legacy
As Harvey entered his 40s and 50s, his career shifted from traditional stand-up into mainstream television and radio hosting. He starred in the hit sitcom The Steve Harvey Show on The WB from 1996 to 2002.
In 2000, he launched The Steve Harvey Morning Show, a nationally syndicated radio program that remains a major fixture of his brand. However, his cultural footprint expanded dramatically in 2010 when he began hosting Family Feud. His expressive reactions, dramatic pauses, and comedic disbelief revitalized the classic game show, turning clips into viral internet sensations.
Over the years, his accomplishments have accumulated into a long list of accolades, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and NAACP Image Awards.
Personal Life and Family
Harvey has been married three times and is the father of seven children (including biological children, stepchildren from his current marriage to Marjorie Harvey, and children from previous relationships). His family frequently features in his comedy routines and social media presence, showcasing a tight-knit dynamic.
Alongside his entertainment career, he runs Steve Harvey Global, an umbrella company overseeing his production ventures, digital content, and international versions of Family Feud. He and his wife also operate The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which provides mentoring and educational enrichment programs to youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Steve Harvey's birthday?
Steve Harvey was born on January 17, 1957.
How long has Steve Harvey hosted Family Feud?
Harvey has hosted the popular game show since 2010, making his tenure one of the longest in the show's history.
Does Steve Harvey still do stand-up comedy?
No. He officially retired from stand-up comedy in 2012, choosing to focus entirely on television hosting, radio, business ventures, and global media production.
How many children does Steve Harvey have?
He has a blended family totaling seven children with his wife Marjorie, including model and entrepreneur Lori Harvey.
