Steve Harvey is a well-known comedian, actor, and host who has had a considerable impact on the entertainment business for decades. He is one of the highest-paid game hosts on television with some popular shows under his credit, including Little Big Shots, Judge Steve Harvey and more. He is currently hosting Family Feud season 10.
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Steve Harvey's net worth is estimated to be $200 million. Steve Harvey receives $20,000 to $100,000 per episode. For Family Feud, he reportedly earns at least $10 million per season.
In an interview with People magazine on May 25, 2016, Steve Harvey marveled at his success, saying that what he managed to attain even exceeded his greatest wildest expectations.
“I didn’t. I always hoped I would get somewhere, but this is above and beyond. My imagination didn’t even go this big,” Steve said.
How did Steve Harvey become famous? Fortune explored
Steve was born in Welch on January 17, 1957. His mother's name is Elaine, a Sunday school teacher, and his father is Jesse, a coal miner. As a child, he had a stuttering problem that he overcame by repeating his phrases to himself before speaking aloud. Steve has a diverse career that includes duties as a radio broadcaster, author, and film producer, all of which contribute to his remarkable net worth.
Harvey is today one of the world's most famous comedians, known for his lively demeanor and showy outfits. Before his big break, he lived in his car and survived on $50 per week as he shared during his conversation with People magazine in May 2016.
Harvey's family migrated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Kent State University and West Virginia University before dropping out. He went on to work in a variety of professions, including mail carrier, auto mechanic, car salesperson, and carpet cleaner, before making his debut in stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s.
Harvey opted to pursue comedy full-time, but his decision did not immediately pay off—he spent three years living in his car and separated from his first wife, Marcia Harvey. After competing in a nationwide talent contest, he was cast as the host of It's Showtime at the Apollo, which introduced him to a far larger TV audience.
Then, The Steve Harvey Show, debuted in 1996 and ran for six seasons on The WB. From there, his career skyrocketed, and he's been a multi-hyphenate moneymaker ever since.
Soon after the premiere of his namesake sitcom, he joined D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and the late Bernie Mac on the Kings of Comedy tour. He appeared in Spike Lee's 2000 film titled The Original Kings of Comedy, which was based on their tour.
In an interview with Forbes on December 7, 2016, Harvey described his approach to success:
“ My answer to all of that is, what’s going to happen if you don’t do it? See, what’s going to happen if you don’t do it is always worse."
While some of his fortune comes from his TV hosting roles, he also makes money through his Steve Harvey Global organization. It includes everything from film production to investments and product licensing.