There once was a boy who, despite growing up in poverty, clung tightly to his dreams.

Today, he is a renowned comedian, beloved TV host, and a successful author and businessman.

Though he faced many challenges, this boy’s unwavering determination brought him great success.

This young African-American boy dreamed of one day being on television.

Even as a child with a stutter, he held a deep belief that he was destined for greatness. Born on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia, his parents, Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera Harvey, a devoted Sunday school teacher, taught him the values of hard work and faith.

His childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, left an indelible mark on his heart.

Despite numerous setbacks, this determined boy pursued his dreams. At the age of ten, he boldly wrote on paper his goal of appearing on television.

Though it wasn’t until he turned 38 that his vision was realized, he eventually became a New York Times best-selling author, an Emmy Award-winning entertainer, a philanthropist, and a well-known radio personality.

The odds were against him, yet he persevered. Growing up in a family of limited means—his father earned just $5 a day as a coal miner—he learned resilience.

Working on his uncle and grandfather’s farm until age 16, he later recalled his modest beginnings: “I grew up very poor, I flunked out of school, I’ve been homeless. I lived in a car for three years.”

The boy’s family was so impoverished that he didn’t see a working toilet until he was five. Nevertheless, he promised to give thanks to God if he ever achieved success.

Today, as a global icon, he fulfills that promise by expressing gratitude at the end of each show.

Discovering himself at a low point while homeless, he found solace in faith. His mother instilled in him the importance of maintaining a positive image and embracing faith.

Today, the once-stuttering boy inspires others who face similar challenges, offering them hope and encouragement.

This is the story of Steve Harvey. His journey into comedy began at an open mic night in 1985, and the following day he decided to pursue it full-time.

Despite personal setbacks, including divorce and financial strain, Harvey persevered.

For three years, Steve was homeless, living out of a car his father had given him. At 38, he purchased his first car with his own money—a significant milestone.

Though success seemed uncertain, Harvey’s achievements far surpassed his childhood dreams. “My imagination didn’t even go this big,” he admitted.

Reflecting on his struggles, he recalled crying in a hotel washroom, nearly at the point of giving up, until a voice urged him to continue.

Shortly thereafter, new opportunities arose, including winning a national comedy competition in 1990 and landing a role on “Showtime at the Apollo” in 1993.

From those early breaks, Steve’s career flourished. Today, he is one of the busiest figures in Hollywood with his own show, and enjoys a thriving personal life.

Steve is happily married to Marjorie Harvey, whom he met in a Memphis comedy club in 1987 and later reconnected with through a mutual friend.

After dating for a year, they married on June 25, 2007. On their 15th anniversary, Steve praised Marjorie for her role in making him who he is today.

Family is Steve’s greatest achievement. With seven children and seven grandchildren, his devotion to them is paramount.

He often shares that they are the driving force behind his work and success, and together with Marjorie, they have built a home filled with love and warmth.