Steve Harvey, born Broderick Stephen Harvey, has established himself as a household name through his remarkable career in comedy, television hosting, and business. As of May 2024, Steve Harvey’s net worth is estimated at $200 million, with an annual salary of around $45 million, placing him among the highest-earning entertainers in the industry.
This article takes a detailed look at Steve Harvey’s journey, his net worth, income sources, and how he has managed to build a multimillion-dollar empire. Additionally, it explores his early life, notable projects, and personal ventures that have contributed to his immense financial success.
Early Life and Comedy Career
Born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, Steve Harvey moved to Cleveland, Ohio, during his childhood. He graduated from Glenville High School in 1974 and briefly attended Kent State University and West Virginia University before venturing into various jobs, including working as a boxer, autoworker, insurance salesman, and carpet cleaner. Harvey’s early life was marked by a diverse range of experiences, and it was not until 1985 that he took a significant step toward his career in comedy.
Steve Harvey’s first performance was at Hilarities Comedy Club in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1985. However, his path to success was not easy. Harvey faced significant challenges, including homelessness for three years in the late 1980s, during which he lived out of his 1976 Ford. Despite these hardships, he continued to pursue his passion for comedy, performing at clubs and steadily building his reputation.
Harvey’s big break came in 1990 when he was a finalist in the Second Annual Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This led to him hosting the popular show “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”, which helped solidify his presence in the entertainment world. Harvey’s stand-up career soared, and in 1997, he joined Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac for the Kings of Comedy Tour, which grossed $37 million and remains one of the most successful comedy tours in history.
Transition to Television and Family Feud
Steve Harvey’s career took a significant turn when he transitioned from stand-up comedy to television. From 1996 to 2002, he starred in “The Steve Harvey Show”, a sitcom on the WB network that aired for six seasons. The show was not only a hit with viewers but also demonstrated Harvey’s versatility as both an actor and producer.
However, it was his role as the host of Family Feud in 2010 that truly made him a household name. Harvey’s charismatic and humorous style made the show incredibly popular, and his reactions to contestants’ answers have gone viral on platforms like YouTube. As of 2024, Harvey has the longest consecutive tenure as the host of Family Feud, which has significantly contributed to his net worth.
Family Feud Earnings
A large portion of Steve Harvey’s income comes from his hosting duties on Family Feud. Of his roughly $45 million annual salary, $10 million is directly attributed to Family Feud, both the regular and Celebrity Family Feud versions. The show’s popularity, particularly among younger audiences, has boosted Harvey’s profile, not just as a comedian but as one of the most recognized TV personalities.
The Steve Harvey Morning Show and Other Ventures
In addition to his television work, Harvey is also a successful radio host. Since 2000, he has hosted “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”, a nationally syndicated radio show. The radio program has been highly successful, earning Harvey approximately $20 million per year. This show covers a variety of topics, from current events to relationship advice, and often showcases Harvey’s comedic flair.
Publishing Success and Business Ventures
Beyond radio and television, Harvey has proven to be a savvy businessman. In 2009, he published “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” a self-help book that became a massive success, spending 64 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book inspired the hit film “Think Like a Man” in 2012, further increasing Harvey’s influence in the entertainment world.
Following this success, Harvey published several other books, including “Straight Talk, No Chaser” (2010) and “Act Like a Success” (2014). These works have added to his wealth while establishing him as an authority on relationships and personal development.
In 2014, Harvey ventured into online business by co-founding the dating site Delightful, a joint project with IAC. He also co-created the hit TV show “Little Big Shots” in 2016, which he hosted until 2019. In 2022, Harvey expanded his hosting portfolio by launching “Judge Steve Harvey,” an arbitration-based comedy show on ABC.
Steve Harvey Global
In 2017, Harvey consolidated all his ventures under Steve Harvey Global (SHG), a company that houses his production company East One Twelve and Harvey Events, which is run by his daughter Morgan and her husband. Under SHG, Harvey has expanded his brand to international markets, including producing a version of Family Feud in Africa.
One of the standout events Harvey has launched through SHG is the Sand and Soul Festival, a yearly event featuring live music, comedy, and personal Q&A sessions with Harvey himself. These business ventures have not only diversified Harvey’s income streams but also ensured his lasting presence in the entertainment industry.
Steve Harvey’s Personal Life and Philanthropy
Steve Harvey has been married three times and has seven children. His current wife, Marjorie Elaine Harvey, whom he married in 2007, has been a significant influence in his life and career. Together, they have founded The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which focuses on youth outreach and educational initiatives.
The foundation has provided scholarships in partnership with Kent State University and organized programs like the Disney Dreamers Academy in collaboration with Walt Disney World Resort. These efforts underscore Harvey’s commitment to giving back to the community and helping the next generation achieve their dreams.
In 2022, Harvey was honored with the “Man in the Mirror” Award alongside comedian Chris Tucker. This award recognizes individuals who use their public platforms for positive change, further cementing Harvey’s role as not only an entertainer but also a philanthropist.
Steve Harvey’s Real Estate Holdings
Steve Harvey’s wealth extends into his impressive real estate portfolio. He and Marjorie have made several high-profile property purchases, including a 35,000-square-foot mansion in Atlanta, which he bought from Tyler Perry for $15 million in 2020. The sprawling estate sits on 17 acres of land and is one of Harvey’s most valuable assets.
In addition to the Atlanta mansion, Harvey owns a 9,000-square-foot home in Atlanta, purchased for $3.4 million in 2010, as well as a property in Dallas, Texas, sitting on four acres. He also owned a luxurious penthouse in Chicago, located on the 88th floor of Trump International Tower, which he sold for $7.7 million in 2018.
Harvey’s Los Angeles home, located in the exclusive Beverly Park neighborhood, was leased for $110,000 per month, amounting to around $1.3 million per year in rent. The mansion was previously listed for sale at $23.5 million in 2007.
Conclusion
Steve Harvey’s rise from humble beginnings to a multimillion-dollar empire is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and business acumen. His net worth of $200 million is the result of decades of hard work across various industries, including stand-up comedy, television, radio, publishing, and business ventures. Whether through his hosting of Family Feud, his best-selling books, or his philanthropic efforts, Steve Harvey has cemented himself as one of the most influential figures in entertainment today. With a diverse portfolio of projects and a robust business empire, it is clear that Steve Harvey’s success will continue to grow in the years to come.
