The Sad Truth Of Steve Harvey Is Out
The Many Layers of Steve Harvey: Beyond the Talk Show Host Persona
Steve Harvey. The name alone conjures images of impeccable suits, a quick wit, and that signature mustache. He’s more than just a comedian; he’s a true American institution, a talk show titan, actor, and game show host who has built an empire despite not breaking into the industry until after turning 30. Much like his well-known friend Dr. Phil, Harvey has amassed a significant fortune, becoming a cornerstone of American television. But behind the polished exterior and booming laugh lies a complex individual with surprising struggles and fascinating quirks.
The Kimmel Quip: A Lingering Grudge
While both Steve Harvey and Jimmy Kimmel occupy similar comedic circles and have even appeared on each other’s shows, it seems there’s no love lost between the two. The root of the tension dates back to Harvey’s infamous blunder at the 2015 Miss Universe pageant. In a cringe-worthy live television moment, Harvey mistakenly announced the wrong winner, leading to a brief but agonizing period where the crown was placed on the wrong contestant before his mortifying correction.
Two years later, when Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars in 2017, he seized the opportunity to playfully, yet pointedly, mock Harvey. After the infamous “La La Land” / “Moonlight” Best Picture mix-up, Kimmel jokingly blamed Harvey for the error. For Harvey, who was undoubtedly eager to move past his Miss Universe gaffe, Kimmel’s jab struck a raw nerve. It’s a reminder that even for seasoned comedians, some jokes hit too close to home.
Overcoming a Childhood Stutter
Before becoming the confident showman we know today, Steve Harvey faced a significant challenge: a speech impediment. As a child, he struggled with a stutter, enduring teasing from schoolmates who cruelly nicknamed him “Vava Voom” because he couldn’t pronounce words like “Volk.”
Refusing to be defeated, a determined young Steve was resolved to overcome his speech issues. His breakthrough came thanks to an unlikely mentor – a man who worked at a local deli. This individual coached Harvey on techniques to slow down his speech and repeat difficult words to himself three times before speaking them aloud. It’s a powerful testament to perseverance and the transformative power of dedication.
A Lawsuit and a “Silly” Segment
In 2018, Steve Harvey’s show found itself embroiled in a lawsuit filed by fitness model and single mom Dominique Collier. Collier alleged that “The Steve Harvey Show” producers promised to portray her in a positive light, but instead, she was subjected to a humiliating on-air segment.
According to the lawsuit, Collier, who arrived dressed conservatively, was allegedly forced to change into a halter top and tight skirt. During the show, the audience voted on her “looks,” with some reportedly making disparaging comments and suggesting she had “daddy issues.” Collier claimed the segment caused her immense humiliation and embarrassment. Adding insult to injury, she also alleged that Harvey approached her backstage to return the underwear she had arrived in. Collier sought $2 million from Harvey and NBC for the ordeal. Harvey has, so far, remained silent on the matter.
A Large and Blended Family
Beyond his professional life, Steve Harvey is a proud father to seven children from three marriages. His first marriage to Marcia Harvey lasted 14 years, producing two daughters, Brandi and Karli, and a son, Broderick Harvey Jr. After their divorce in 1994, he married Mary Shackelford and had another son, Wynton, before their separation in 2005.
In 2007, Steve married his third wife, Marjorie. While they didn’t have biological children together, Marjorie came with three children of her own, whom Steve embraced and raised as his own, bringing his total to seven. The large family balances their time between Atlanta, where “Family Feud” is filmed, and Chicago, where Harvey’s talk show was previously based. It’s clear that despite his demanding career, family remains a central pillar of his life.
The Controversial “Asian Men” Joke
In 2017, Steve Harvey faced significant backlash for a segment on his show where he made highly offensive jokes targeting Asian men. In the now-infamous clip, Harvey essentially suggested that Asian men were unattractive and undesirable to women.
His comments immediately sparked outrage within the Asian community, drawing condemnation from New York politicians and author Eddie Huang. Faced with widespread criticism, Harvey was compelled to issue a public apology on his show and via Twitter, stating: “I offer my humblest apologies for offending anyone, particularly those in the Asian community. It was not my intention as the humor was not meant with any malice or disrespect whatsoever.” The incident served as a stark reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with a public platform.
From Homelessness to Hollywood Stardom
Steve Harvey’s journey to fame is a true rags-to-riches story. Unlike many who pursue entertainment from a young age, Harvey didn’t even consider comedy until he was 27. The road was far from easy. Between the ages of 30 and 33, Harvey was homeless, living in his car. On the rare occasions he landed paying gigs, a hotel room might be provided. Otherwise, he relied on gas stations and public swimming pools for showers.
His faith, he says, was his anchor during these tough times. By the early 90s, his talent began to gain traction, catching the attention of ABC, which led to a starring role in the sitcom “Me and the Boys.” Reflecting on his struggles, Harvey often credits God for guiding him through, trusting that his path was divinely orchestrated. The rest, as they say, is history.
“Pretty Gross” at Home?
While Steve Harvey is impeccably styled and groomed on screen – always “suited and booted” – his wife, Marjorie, has playfully revealed a less polished side of him at home. According to Marjorie, she was the one who banished his “dated 80s style get-ups,” humorously telling him she “didn’t want to be married to a pimp anymore.”
Beyond his wardrobe, Marjorie also let slip that Harvey can be “pretty gross around the house.” She joked that you never have to wonder where he is because he leaves a trail – from his briefcase to food remnants scattered throughout the house. While Harvey’s response was that he has a housekeeper, it offers a humorous glimpse into the private life of a public figure who, despite his on-screen perfection, enjoys the luxury of living in his own “mess.”
Owning the Miss Universe Mistake
Returning to the Miss Universe gaffe, it’s a surprising fact that Steve Harvey wasn’t required to go back on stage to correct his mistake. Producers reportedly told him they would handle the correction in the papers the next day, allowing him to avoid further public humiliation.
However, in an honorable display of integrity, Harvey made the difficult decision to walk back out and own his error. He later recounted that he felt his late mother and father urging him to “be a man and take responsibility for his own mistake.” While the moment remains indelibly etched in public memory – “it’s been almost four years and here we are talking about it,” as the source states – Harvey’s choice to face the music earned him respect, proving that few celebrities in his position would have had the courage to do the same.
Steve Harvey’s journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, ambition, and the human experience. From battling a stutter and homelessness to navigating public controversies and raising a large blended family, his story is far richer and more nuanced than his on-screen persona might suggest. He truly is a national institution, with a life story as engaging as the shows he hosts.
