From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

This boy came from a poor family but always dreamed big. He believed in his dreams and pursued them relentlessly, overcoming countless obstacles along the way. Today, he stands as a famous comedian, celebrated TV host, accomplished author, and successful businessman.

Early Life and Dreams

Born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, to Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera Harvey, a Sunday school teacher, this African-American boy grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Despite his humble beginnings, he knew from a young age that he wanted to be on TV. His philosophy in life was simple: dream big and believe you will succeed. Even as a stutterer, he held on to his dreams of appearing on television.

Pursuing Dreams Relentlessly

The road to success wasn’t easy. At the age of ten, he wrote on a piece of paper that he would be on TV one day, but that dream didn’t come true until he was 38. Despite his hardships, he never gave up. He eventually became a New York Times best-selling author, Emmy Award-winning entertainer, businessman, philanthropist, motivational speaker, and radio personality.

Overcoming Adversity

Born to parents with little to their name, he faced many challenges. His father, who had five children, earned just $5 a day as a coal miner. This boy also worked on his uncle and grandfather’s farm in West Virginia until he was 16. He said, “I grew up very poor, I flunked out of school, and I’ve been homeless. I lived in a car for three years. The first car in my name was used, and I got it at 38.”

He grew up so poor that he didn’t see a proper toilet until he was five. Despite these struggles, he made it big. He promised God that if he succeeded, he would thank Him and praise His name. Now, as a global figure, he honors that promise by expressing gratitude to God at the end of every show.

Learning from Hardships

While homeless, he once hid in a hotel washroom to wash up, realizing he was at his lowest point. He learned to embrace God from his mother, who also taught him the importance of dressing up and maintaining one’s image. His siblings say he is like his dad, while his mom was a sweet, non-judgmental angel.

He has become an inspiration to others with speech impediments. He used to stutter badly but now encourages others, saying it is curable with the right care. From being a stuttering boy to living in poverty, he is now a millionaire and famous entertainer.

The Rise of Steve Harvey

The boy who rose from rags to riches is Steve Harvey. Steve’s comedy journey began in 1985 when he performed at an open mic comedy night and stunned the audience. The next day, he quit his job to become a comedian, leading to a separation from his wife. With no wife, job, or more than $50 a week, Steve persevered.

He didn’t enter professional comedy until he was 27. Homeless from ages 30 to 33, Steve lived in his car, given to him by his father. When Steve finally got on TV, he used his earnings to buy a car at 38. He went from having nothing to achieving great success.

Achieving Success

Steve always hoped to rise above poverty, but his success exceeded his wildest dreams. He confessed, “My imagination didn’t even go this big.” Though he almost gave up at his lowest point, he felt God’s voice telling him to persevere.

After this moment, opportunities began to open for Steve. He won a national comedy competition in 1990, leading to a high-profile job on “Showtime at the Apollo” in 1993 and a sitcom. His hard work and determination paid off, making him a television mainstay, known as the busiest man in Hollywood.

Family Life and Inspiration

Steve is happily married to Marjorie Harvey, whom he met in 1987 at a Memphis comedy club. When Marjorie walked in late, Steve told her, “I don’t know who you are, but I’m going to marry you one day.” Although they lost touch, they reconnected through a mutual friend and have been inseparable since. They dated for a year before Steve proposed, and they exchanged vows on June 25, 2007.

On their 15th wedding anniversary, Steve expressed his love for Marjorie, saying she made him happy and gave him peace. He praised her for being an amazing mother and said, “You are the single biggest reason outside of God’s grace that I am where I am today. You’re the one.”

Building a Legacy

Steve’s greatest accomplishment is his family, consisting of seven children and seven grandchildren. He is devoted to them and once shared on Facebook that his grandchildren are why he wakes up every morning. With Marjorie, he has built a home and family life he cherishes.