Some success stories seem almost too incredible to be true. One such story belongs to Steve Harvey—a boy who once struggled with poverty and a severe stutter but would go on to become one of the most recognizable faces in television. His journey from hardship to triumph is a testament to perseverance, faith, and relentless determination.

A Childhood Marked by Struggle and Big Dreams

Steve Harvey was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia. His father, Jesse Harvey, was a coal miner, and his mother, Eloise Vera Harvey, was a devoted Sunday school teacher. Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, young Steve faced challenges that could have easily discouraged him.

• His family struggled financially, often living with the bare minimum.
• He had a severe stutter, which made communication difficult.
• He did not see a toilet flush until he was five years old, highlighting his early poverty.

Yet, even in these circumstances, Harvey had a dream—to be on television. He wrote it down on a piece of paper when he was just 10 years old, vowing that one day, he would make it. It would take nearly three decades for that dream to come true, but Harvey never gave up.

Video: STEVE HARVEY – Before They Were Famous – BIOGRAPHY

Overcoming Stuttering and Finding His Voice

For many years, Harvey’s stuttering problem seemed like an insurmountable barrier. It made him self-conscious, and he often avoided speaking in front of others. However, his mother encouraged him to believe in himself, reinforcing the idea that faith and determination could change his life.

As he grew older, Harvey worked tirelessly to control his speech. He credits his improvement to breathing techniques and relentless practice, which eventually allowed him to speak confidently. Today, he uses his voice as one of his greatest assets—whether as a comedian, motivational speaker, or talk show host.

Homeless and Struggling: The Darkest Years

Harvey’s road to success was anything but easy. Before he made it big, he faced unimaginable hardship.

• He struggled to make ends meet and lived in his car for three years.
• He worked odd jobs, including boxing, carpet cleaning, and insurance sales, just to survive.
• He pursued stand-up comedy but barely made enough money to eat.

One of his lowest moments came when he had to wash up in a hotel restroom, realizing just how far he had fallen. In that moment of despair, he considered giving up—but a voice inside told him to keep going.

The Breakthrough: Comedy Opens the Door

Harvey’s big break came in 1985 when he performed at an open mic comedy night. His raw talent and natural charisma left the audience in stitches. Encouraged by his performance, he decided to quit his job the very next day to pursue comedy full-time.

This bold decision came at a cost. His wife at the time did not support his dreams, leading to their separation. Left with almost nothing, Harvey threw himself into comedy, willing to endure hardship for his passion.

His persistence paid off when he won a national comedy competition in 1990, catching the attention of television producers. This led to a major opportunity—hosting Showtime at the Apollo in 1993—which became the launchpad for his television career.

Becoming a TV Icon and Business Mogul

Once Harvey made it to television, his career skyrocketed. Over the next two decades, he became a household name through:

✔️ The Steve Harvey Show – A hit sitcom that ran from 1996 to 2002.
✔️ Family Feud – His energetic hosting made the show one of the most-watched game shows in America.
✔️ The Steve Harvey Morning Show – A nationally syndicated radio show with millions of listeners.
✔️ Steve Harvey Talk Show – A daytime TV hit that combined humor, motivation, and relationship advice.
✔️ Best-Selling Author – His book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man became a massive success.

Today, Harvey is not just an entertainer—he is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and motivational speaker. His Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation helps underprivileged youth, proving that success is even sweeter when shared with others.

Faith and Gratitude: The Pillars of His Life

Despite his wealth and fame, Harvey never forgets where he came from. He often speaks about his faith in God, which he believes guided him through his darkest times.

Every time he finishes a show, he thanks God, fulfilling a promise he made during his struggles. He once said:

“I told God that if He ever let me make it, I would tell everyone it was Him. So now, I praise His name every chance I get.”

His story is not just about personal success—it’s about faith, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself.

A Love Story That Stood the Test of Time

While his career soared, Harvey also found happiness in his personal life. His love story with Marjorie Harvey is nothing short of a fairy tale.

• He first saw Marjorie in 1987 at a Memphis comedy club and was instantly captivated.
• When she walked in late to his show, he stopped mid-sentence and said: “I don’t know who you are, but I’m going to marry you one day.”
• Life took them in different directions, but fate brought them back together years later.
• They reconnected through a mutual friend and married on June 25, 2007.

Harvey often credits Marjorie with helping him become the man he is today. On their 15th anniversary, he publicly expressed his gratitude, saying:

“You are the single biggest reason outside of God’s grace that I am where I am today. You’re the one.”

Together, they have built a loving family, raising seven children and embracing the joys of grandparenthood.

The Power of Resilience and Self-Belief

Harvey’s journey from a stuttering, impoverished boy to a millionaire TV host is proof that no dream is too big. He overcame:

✔️ Severe poverty
✔️ Speech impediments
✔️ Years of homelessness
✔️ Doubt and failure

Yet, through hard work, faith, and relentless determination, he built a life beyond his wildest dreams.

He now uses his platform to inspire others—reminding people that setbacks are temporary, but quitting makes them permanent.

Conclusion: A Life of Purpose and Success

Steve Harvey’s story is one of grit, faith, and resilience. From the boy who once struggled to speak without stuttering to the busiest man in Hollywood, he has shown the world that anything is possible.

His message? Dream big, work hard, and never give up. Because as he often says, “Your setback is just a setup for a comeback.”