Steve Harvey has spent decades as one of America’s most versatile entertainers. From comedy stages to radio booths, television studios to business boardrooms, Harvey’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and charisma. Today, his net worth stands at an impressive $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest personalities in the entertainment world.
Let’s dive deep into how Steve Harvey made his fortune—from humble beginnings and early struggles to becoming a globally recognized host, entrepreneur, and media empire builder.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Humble Roots in West Virginia and Ohio
Broderick Stephen Harvey was born on January 17, 1957, in the small coal-mining town of Welch, West Virginia. The Harveys later relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Steve attended Glenville High School, graduating in 1974. His early adult life was far from glamorous. He attended Kent State University and West Virginia University, but didn’t graduate. Instead, he worked a string of blue-collar jobs—mailman, carpet cleaner, autoworker, insurance salesman, and even boxer.
Struggling Comedian with a Dream
Harvey’s entry into comedy began on October 8, 1985, when he took the stage at Hilarities Comedy Club in Cleveland. His comedic style—relatable, down-to-earth, and sharply observational—quickly found fans. But success didn’t come overnight. During the late 1980s, Harvey was homeless for three years, often sleeping in his 1976 Ford when gigs didn’t include hotel accommodations.
Breakthrough: From Apollo to Kings of Comedy
Showtime at the Apollo and TV Stardom
His big break came in 1990 when he became the host of the legendary variety show “It’s Showtime at the Apollo.” That exposure launched his national profile and opened doors to more mainstream success.
In 1994, Harvey starred in “Me and the Boys” on ABC, but it was his namesake sitcom, “The Steve Harvey Show” (1996–2002), that cemented him as a household name. Co-starring Cedric the Entertainer, the show ran for 122 episodes over six seasons and developed a loyal fanbase on The WB network.
Kings of Comedy and Touring Triumph
In the late 1990s, Harvey joined Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and the late Bernie Mac for The Kings of Comedy tour. The tour was wildly successful, grossing over $37 million across 1997 and 1998—making it one of the highest-grossing comedy tours in history. It was later immortalized in Spike Lee’s film “The Original Kings of Comedy.”
Photo:Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Steve Harvey as a Host: The Face of Family Feud
Reinventing Game Shows
In 2010, Harvey took over as the host of “Family Feud,” revitalizing the show with his animated personality and hilarious facial expressions. His tenure is the longest-running of any host in the show’s history. He also hosts the spin-off “Celebrity Family Feud,” both of which are syndicated and massively popular, both on TV and through viral clips online.
The Viral Host of a Generation
Harvey’s reactions to absurd contestant answers became a YouTube sensation. His ability to improvise and keep things entertaining helped the show skyrocket in ratings. He’s even credited with attracting a younger demographic to a show once considered old-fashioned.
Miss Universe, Judge Steve Harvey, and Other Hosting Ventures
The Miss Universe Mistake—and Recovery
In 2015, Harvey hosted the Miss Universe Pageant for the first time. His infamous gaffe—announcing the wrong winner—went viral worldwide. But rather than let it destroy his career, Harvey owned up to the mistake with humor and grace, and was invited back to host multiple times (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021).
Judge Steve Harvey
In 2022, Harvey added yet another show to his résumé—“Judge Steve Harvey” on ABC. Unlike traditional courtroom reality shows, this one blends real disputes with comedy, giving Harvey a chance to dispense humorous (but heartfelt) life lessons alongside judgments.
Steve Harvey Salary and Annual Earnings
How Much Does Steve Harvey Make?
Harvey earns about $40 to $45 million annually from his various ventures. Here’s the breakdown:
- $10 million per year from “Family Feud”
- $20 million from “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”
- The remaining income comes from TV hosting gigs, books, speaking engagements, endorsements, and business ventures
Between June 2017 and June 2019, he earned a whopping $90 million across two years.
Steve Harvey’s Business Empire
Books That Became Blockbusters
Steve Harvey is also a best-selling author. His 2009 book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man” inspired the successful 2012 movie “Think Like a Man.” The book was a major hit, spending 64 weeks on The New York Times Best Sellers List.
Other notable books include:
- “Straight Talk, No Chaser” (2010)
- “Act Like A Success” (2014)
- “Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance” (2016)
Delightful and Dating
In 2014, he partnered with IAC to launch the dating platform Delightful, aimed at helping women find love with advice tailored by Harvey’s own principles on relationships.
Steven Harvey Global (SHG)
In 2017, Harvey consolidated all of his brands and ventures under a single umbrella: Steven Harvey Global (SHG).
SHG includes:
- East One Twelve – his in-house production company
- Harvey Events – managed by his daughter Morgan Harvey and her husband
- International rights to Family Feud – launching local versions in Africa and other global markets
- Sand and Soul Festival – an annual lifestyle retreat with music, comedy, and Q&A sessions hosted by Harvey
Collaborations and Media Projects
Steve Harvey also co-created the NBC hit show “Little Big Shots” with Ellen DeGeneres in 2016, hosting it until 2019. The show featured talented children and was an instant success.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Marriages and Family
Steve Harvey has been married three times. He is currently married to Marjorie Bridges Harvey, whom he wed in 2007. Between his marriages and adoption of Marjorie’s children, Harvey is a proud father of seven children.
The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation
The couple co-founded The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which focuses on mentorship, youth education, and scholarships for underprivileged youth. The foundation has also partnered with institutions like Kent State University and Walt Disney World to offer unique opportunities to young dreamers.
Recognition for Philanthropy
In 2022, Harvey was honored with the “Man in the Mirror” Award, alongside Chris Tucker, recognizing public figures using their platforms for social impact.
Real Estate Portfolio
Lavish Homes Coast to Coast
Steve Harvey’s real estate holdings reflect his incredible success:
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Beverly Hills, California: In 2018, Steve and Marjorie leased a 12,000-square-foot mansion in Beverly Park. The rental was initially listed for $125,000/month, but they negotiated down to $110,000/month, totaling $1.3 million/year.
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Atlanta, Georgia: In 2020, Harvey purchased Tyler Perry’s former estate for $15 million. The 35,000-square-foot gated mansion sits on 17 acres and underwent millions in renovations.
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Chicago, Illinois: Harvey owned a 5,500-square-foot penthouse on the 88th floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower, which he bought in 2013 and sold in 2018 for $7.7 million.
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Dallas, Texas: He also owns an estate outside Dallas on 4 acres of land, further showcasing his affinity for privacy and luxury.
Steve Harvey’s Legacy and Cultural Impact
More Than Just a Comedian
While Harvey started in stand-up comedy, his evolution into a respected businessman, media powerhouse, and mentor is nothing short of remarkable. His influence extends beyond entertainment. He has become a symbol of second chances, reinvention, and faith.
From speaking candidly about failure and hardship to inspiring millions with motivational talks, Steve Harvey is more than just a TV personality—he’s a cultural icon.
Final Thoughts: The Billionaire Mindset
Though he’s not quite a billionaire, Steve Harvey’s journey from homeless comedian to multi-millionaire mogul shows that net worth is only one measure of wealth. His story exemplifies grit, grace, and growth—and he’s not done yet.
With continued earnings from television, radio, books, and business ventures, Harvey’s empire is only expanding. Whether behind the mic or in the boardroom, Steve Harvey has mastered the art of turning laughter into legacy—and that’s worth more than money alone.
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