Steve Harvey

Steve Harvey – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Explore the life, career, and inspiring words of Steve Harvey (born January 17, 1957), the American comedian, actor, television host, author, and motivational voice known for Family Feud, The Steve Harvey Show, and more.

Introduction

Steve Harvey is one of the most recognizable and multifaceted figures in American entertainment. Though often described first as a comedian or television host, his journey spans acting, writing, radio, and motivational speaking. His life—from struggles with stuttering, financial hardship, and reinvention—to his ascent to hosting major TV shows offers inspiration to millions. His quotes reflect his views on faith, success, relationships, and resilience.

Early Life and Family

Broderick Stephen “Steve” Harvey Sr. was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia. Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera. stutter, a challenge he would later overcome and that shaped his perseverance.

The Harvey family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where Steve grew up on East 112th Street. “Steve Harvey Way” in his honor. Glenville High School in 1974.

Post high school, Harvey attended Kent State University (and was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity), but he left before graduating.

Career & Achievements

From Stand-Up to Television

Steve’s entertainment career began as a stand-up comedian in the mid-1980s. Showtime at the Apollo, which helped increase his visibility.

He starred in the sitcom The Steve Harvey Show (1996–2002) on The WB, which solidified his identity as a TV figure. Me and the Boys earlier.

In 2000, Harvey was part of The Original Kings of Comedy, a stand-up film directed by Spike Lee, alongside other prominent comedians.

Major Hosting Roles & Media Expansion

One of his most prominent roles is as host of Family Feud (starting 2010) and its celebrity edition.

He also hosted his own talk show Steve Harvey, and has been involved in radio with The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Judge Steve Harvey, Little Big Shots, and other projects under his media umbrella.

As an author, Harvey published Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man (2009), which became a bestseller and spawned the Think Like a Man film adaptation.

He also built Steve Harvey Global (SHG) to oversee his production, business, and entertainment ventures.

Themes & Style

• Resilience & Reinvention: Harvey’s journey from humble beginnings, overcoming a speech impediment, and periods of financial instability to success in multiple entertainment domains is central to his narrative.

• Faith & Personal Growth: He often speaks about faith, spiritual grounding, and continual self-improvement.

• Practical Wisdom: His public persona combines humor with life lessons—often delivered in plainspoken, direct language.

• Relationships & Identity: In his books and media, Harvey discusses the dynamics between men, women, expectations, and accountability.

• Giving Back & Leadership: Through his foundation and mentoring, he promotes upliftment, especially in youth and underserved communities.

Famous Quotes of Steve Harvey

Here are several of his noteworthy quotes, reflecting his perspective on life, faith, success, and purpose:

“Do not ignore your gift. Your gift is the thing you do the absolute best with the least amount of effort.” “Don’t hate the player. Change the game.” “You’re never too old to reinvent yourself. The older you get, the more you can become the person you dreamed of being.” “If you’re not willing to look stupid, nothing great is ever going to happen to you.” “Your past is not your potential. In any hour you can choose to liberate the future.” “Life is a garden — dig it.” “You represent, every day, who you are before the world. Be great.” “A lot of us are afraid to face change, but in the long run, it’s what makes us grow.” “Your success is determined by your own confidence and fortitude.” “I’m living proof you can reinvent yourself.”

These are just a sample—he is known for many more quotes shared in interviews, books, and speeches.

Lessons from Steve Harvey

1. Embrace your gift
   Use what you naturally do well. Don’t let fear or doubt suppress your talents.

2. Change the rules, don’t resent them
   If circumstances don’t favor you, reframe or redefine the game rather than blame external forces.

3. Be willing to look foolish
   Growth often begins when you take risks, even if others don’t understand.

4. Your past doesn’t equal your future
   You can shift directions, start anew, and define what lies ahead based on intention, not history.

5. Confidence and consistency matter
   Success isn’t just talent—it’s maintaining belief in yourself over long stretches of time.

6. Faith is a component, not a crutch
   While many of his messages invoke spiritual grounding, he also stresses work, responsibility, and action.