Steve Harvey: Family Feud Host — Age, Career, Wife, Kids, and Net Worth

Steve Harvey is one of the most recognizable faces on American television. Born Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, he’s built a career that stretches from stand-up comedy stages to daytime TV dominance. He’s best known as the host of Family Feud, where his exaggerated reactions and quick wit have turned a classic game show into a viral content machine. But Harvey’s reach goes well beyond one program — he’s a producer, bestselling author, radio personality, and philanthropist whose influence touches multiple corners of the entertainment industry. At 69 years old, he shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to expand his media empire while remaining a fixture in American pop culture.

Who Is Steve Harvey?

Steve Harvey is a television host, comedian, producer, and author who’s spent more than three decades entertaining audiences. He first gained national attention as a stand-up comic in the 1990s before transitioning into television with The Steve Harvey Show, a sitcom that ran for six seasons on The WB. From there, he took on hosting duties for Family Feud in 2010 and turned the show into a ratings powerhouse. He’s also hosted Celebrity Family Feud, Judge Steve Harvey on ABC, and the long-running Steve Harvey Morning Show on radio. His 2009 book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man became a number-one New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a hit film. Harvey’s combination of humor, relatability, and business savvy has made him one of the highest-paid entertainers in the country.

Early Life in West Virginia

Harvey grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, after his family moved from Welch, West Virginia, when he was a child. His father, Jesse Harvey, was a coal miner, and the family lived modestly. Harvey has spoken openly about his upbringing and the values his parents instilled in him — hard work, faith, and persistence. He attended Glenville High School and later briefly attended Kent State University, though he didn’t finish his degree.

After leaving college, Harvey bounced between jobs. He worked as a boxer, an autoworker, a carpet cleaner, an insurance salesman, and a mail carrier, among other gigs. None of them stuck. When he decided to pursue stand-up comedy full-time in the mid-1980s, the financial reality was brutal. Harvey has been candid about a period of homelessness in the late 1980s, when he lived out of his 1976 Ford Tempo, sleeping in the car and washing up in gas station restrooms and hotel bathrooms. It was a low point that he’s referenced many times as the foundation of his drive. He’s said that those years taught him what he was willing to endure to make his dream work.

Stand-Up Comedy Career

Harvey’s break in comedy came in 1990 when he reached the finals of the Second Annual Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. That exposure led to a string of stand-up specials and club dates that raised his profile. Throughout the 1990s, he became a regular on the comedy circuit and earned a reputation for clean, relatable humor rooted in everyday life, relationships, and faith.

His biggest moment on the stand-up stage came with The Original Kings of Comedy tour in 2000, alongside Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. The tour was a massive commercial success and was filmed by Spike Lee for a concert documentary of the same name. It grossed over $37 million at the box office and cemented Harvey’s status as one of the top comedians in the country. While he’s moved away from touring in recent years, that era of stand-up remains a defining chapter of his career.

Television Career

Harvey’s television career kicked off with Me and the Boys, a short-lived ABC sitcom in 1994. But it was The Steve Harvey Show (1996–2002) on The WB that made him a household name. He played Steve Hightower, a former funk musician turned high school music teacher, and the show became one of the network’s most popular comedies.

After the sitcom ended, Harvey shifted toward hosting. He took over Family Feud in 2010 and the show’s ratings exploded. His unscripted reactions to contestants’ answers — the jaw drops, the long pauses, the barely concealed disbelief — became the show’s signature and generated billions of views on YouTube. He’s hosted the show for over 15 years now, making him its longest-tenured and arguably most popular host.

Beyond Family Feud, Harvey hosted the syndicated daytime talk show Steve Harvey (later rebranded as Steve) from 2012 to 2017, before it was replaced by The Kelly Clarkson Show. He launched Judge Steve Harvey on ABC in 2022, a courtroom comedy show where he presides over real small-claims disputes with his own brand of common-sense rulings. On radio, The Steve Harvey Morning Show ran for years as one of the most listened-to programs in the country before he stepped away from it.

Harvey also served as host of the Miss Universe pageant from 2015 to 2021, a role that started with one of the most talked-about live TV moments of the decade.

The Miss Universe Gaffe (2015)

In December 2015, Harvey hosted the Miss Universe pageant for the first time — and accidentally announced the wrong winner. He read Miss Colombia, Ariadna Gutiérrez, as the winner when the actual titleholder was Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach. The confusion played out live on international television as the crown was removed from Gutiérrez’s head and placed on Wurtzbach’s.

Harvey immediately took responsibility, calling it a genuine mistake caused by misreading the cue card. The moment went viral instantly and became one of the most memed events of the year. Rather than ending his association with the pageant, the incident arguably raised his profile even further. He continued hosting Miss Universe for several more years, often joking about the blunder himself. It’s become one of those rare TV moments that’s embarrassing and career-boosting at the same time.

Personal Life and Family

Harvey has been married three times and is the father of seven children — four biological and three stepchildren.

His first marriage was to Marcia Harvey, lasting from 1980 to 1994. Together they have three children: twin daughters Brandi Harvey and Karli Harvey, and a son, Broderick Harvey Jr. Brandi has become known for her wellness and lifestyle work, while Broderick Jr. has pursued photography and creative ventures.

Harvey’s second marriage was to Mary Shackelford (also known as Mary Lee), from 1996 to 2005. They have one son together, Wynton Harvey, who’s built a following as a photographer and social media personality.

In 2007, Harvey married Marjorie Bridges, and the two have been together since. Marjorie brought three children from a previous relationship — Morgan, Jason, and Lori Harvey — all of whom Steve adopted. Lori Harvey has become one of the most prominent names in fashion and entertainment, known for her modeling career and high-profile relationships. The blended Harvey family frequently appears together publicly, and Steve has often spoken about the importance of family unity and his role as a father and stepfather.

Harvey is also vocal about his Christian faith, which he credits as a guiding force in both his personal and professional life.

Steve Harvey’s Net Worth

Steve Harvey’s net worth is estimated at around $200 million. The bulk of his wealth comes from his long-running hosting duties on Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, which reportedly earn him tens of millions annually. His radio show, television production deals, book royalties, and various endorsement partnerships have all contributed significantly.

Harvey also has business interests beyond entertainment. He’s invested in real estate, and his production company, Steve Harvey Global, oversees much of his content output. His annual Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men and other philanthropic efforts reflect a commitment to giving back, particularly to underserved communities.

Where Is Steve Harvey Now?

As of 2026, Steve Harvey remains firmly planted in the spotlight. He continues to host Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, both of which consistently perform well in ratings. Judge Steve Harvey added another dimension to his TV presence, showcasing his ability to carry yet another format.

Harvey splits his time between Atlanta and other residences, and he’s frequently seen with Marjorie and their extended family. He remains active on social media, where clips from Family Feud regularly go viral, introducing him to new generations of viewers. At 69, he’s in a rare position — a comedian who successfully reinvented himself as a media mogul without losing the everyman appeal that made audiences connect with him in the first place.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Steve Harvey?

Steve Harvey is 69 years old. He was born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia.

How many times has Steve Harvey been married?

Steve Harvey has been married three times — to Marcia Harvey (1980–1994), Mary Shackelford (1996–2005), and Marjorie Bridges-Harvey (2007–present).

Is Lori Harvey Steve Harvey’s biological daughter?

No. Lori Harvey is Steve Harvey’s stepdaughter. She’s the biological daughter of Marjorie Harvey from a previous relationship. Steve adopted Lori, along with her siblings Morgan and Jason, after marrying Marjorie in 2007.

What is Steve Harvey’s net worth?

Steve Harvey’s net worth is estimated at approximately $200 million, earned through his hosting roles, production deals, book sales, and business ventures.