Survey says… he’s loaded! The name Steve Harvey conjures images of quick wit, uproarious laughter, and, of course, those iconic Family Feud surveys. But beyond the booming voice and flamboyant suits lies a financial empire that would make even the most competitive Kardashian sweat. So, just how rich is the comedian? In this article, we’ll be exploring his hosting gigs, business ventures, and other income streams. So by the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of the man behind the microphone and a newfound respect for the hustle that got him there.
Who is the Steve Harvey?
Steve Harvey is a multifaceted American entertainer who wears many hats, including:
Comedian: He first rose to fame in the 1980s with his stand-up comedy, known for his observational humor and energetic delivery.
Television host: He’s best known for hosting iconic shows like Family Feud, Celebrity Family Feud, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, and even taking a stint as the host of Miss Universe for a few years.
Actor: He’s dabbled in acting, appearing in films like The Fighting Temptations and Think Like a Man, and even having his own sitcom, The Steve Harvey Show.
Author and motivational speaker: He’s also a bestselling author and motivational speaker, sharing his success principles and life lessons through books and speaking engagements.
Entrepreneur: Beyond entertainment, He has built a business empire, investing in real estate, clothing lines, and other ventures.
Steve Harvey net worth in 2023: How much is the comedian worth?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Steve Harvey has an estimated net worth of 200 million USD, as of September 2023. The website also notes that he has an annual salary of 45 million USD. Continue reading below to discover his most notable sources of income.
Steve Harvey as Family Feud host
Steve Harvey has become synonymous with Family Feud, injecting his vibrant personality, infectious laughter, and signature catchphrases into the classic game show. He’s been at the helm since 2010, revitalizing the program and turning it into a pop culture phenomenon once again.
But how much does this comedic kingpin bank from his “survey says” gig? Estimates vary, but it’s safe to say Harvey is handsomely compensated for his hosting duties on the show. Sources suggest he earns at least 10 million USD per season of Family Feud. With each season typically comprising around 200 episodes, that translates to a potential salary of 50,000 USD per 30-minute episode, not too shabby!
Harvey has hosted over 800 episodes of the original Family Feud show and has won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host for his performance on the show. He has also hosted the Family Feud spinoffs Celebrity Family Feud and Family Feud Africa.
Steve Harvey as the Miss Universe pageant host
While Steve Harvey’s tenure as Miss Universe host ended in 2021, his stint was certainly memorable and not only for the infamous announcement misfire in 2015,
Harvey hosted the pageant from 2015 to 2021, bringing his signature humor and energy to the global stage. His initial contract, signed just before the 2015 pageant, was reportedly the highest the organization had ever paid a host. Despite the 2015 mistake, Harvey remained popular with the audience and the organization, and his contract was renewed for several years, with his salary reportedly increasing each time.
While exact figures haven’t been publicly disclosed, various sources offer insights into Harvey’s Miss Universe paychecks:
- 2015-2016: Estimated to be at least 1 million USD based on reports about his initial high-value contract.
- 2017-2018: Likely increased, possibly reaching the 1.5 million USD range given rumors of raises.
- 2019-2020: Estimates suggest potential earnings of 2 million USD or more.
- 2021: Culminated in a reported 2 million USD payday for his final year as host.
While the exact numbers remain behind closed doors, it’s safe to say Harvey received significant compensation for his Miss Universe hosting. Based on available information, his total earnings from the pageant could be somewhere in the range of 8-10 million USD over the six years he hosted.
Steve Harvey as the host of Judge Steve Harvey
Judge Steve Harvey premiered in 2022, offering a unique blend of courtroom drama and Steve Harvey’s comedic touch. Unlike traditional daytime court shows, it airs in prime time and features real-life cases that are settled through binding arbitration.
While his exact Judge Steve Harvey salary remains under wraps, reports suggest Harvey commands a hefty sum for his hosting duties. Some sources estimate his per-episode pay could fall anywhere between 250,000 and 400,000 USD making him one of the highest-paid court show hosts.
Of course, Family Feud, the Miss Universe pageant, and Judge Steve Harvey are just three of the several shows he has hosted. His other hosting gigs that have contributed to his net worth include the radio program The Steve Harvey Morning Show, the talent show Little Big Shots, and the talk show Steve on Watch, among many others.
Steve Harvey as an actor
While Steve Harvey’s comedic charm and hosting prowess are undeniable, his acting career, though less prominent, still boasts some notable works and financial gains. Let’s take a look at his journey through the silver screen and uncover the potential earnings it brings him.
Harvey began his acting career in the 1990s with smaller roles in films like The King of Comedy and The Nutty Professor. He gradually transitioned to bigger projects, taking on leading roles in comedies like The Fighting Temptations (2003) and Think Like a Man (2012).
Harvey has also ventured into television acting, appearing in sitcoms like The Proud Family and The Bernie Mac Show. He even starred in the short-lived sitcom, The Steve Harvey Show, in the 1990s.
Harvey hasn’t completely abandoned acting. He recently voiced a character in the animated film Rumble (2022) and continues to explore acting opportunities in both film and television.
Determining Harvey’s exact earnings from acting is tricky, as actors’ salaries can vary depending on budget, film popularity, and individual contracts. However, some sources estimate his per-film salary to be in the range of 2-5 million USD.
Steve Harvey isn’t just a comedy king and game show host; he’s also a pen-wielding powerhouse, crafting words that resonate with millions and lining his pockets with royalties.
Harvey’s foray into authorship began in 2009 with the release of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, a self-help book aimed at relationships and gender dynamics. It became a smashing success, topping the New York Times bestseller list and selling over 6 million copies.
He didn’t stop there. Harvey went on to pen several more bestsellers, including Straight Talk, No Chaser: How to Get Men to Be Men, Women to Be Women, and Relationships to Get Real (2014) and Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Dream (2016).
While exact figures remain elusive, Harvey reportedly earns handsomely from his books. Estimates suggest he could rake in around 2 million USD per year in royalties alone. This doesn’t include advances, audiobook deals, or potential movie adaptations (remember the film Think Like a Man)
Harvey’s impact extends beyond the written word. He frequently lectures and holds workshops based on his books, further monetizing his message and building a loyal community.
Steve Harvey’s business ventures
Beyond the bright lights and booming voice, Steve Harvey has built an impressive empire through diverse business ventures. Let’s dive into some of his key moves and explore how these ventures contribute to his substantial net worth:
Harvey Ventures
This investment arm of his empire focuses on supporting Black-owned businesses across various sectors, including technology, consumer goods, and entertainment.
Notable investments include Coinbase, Stripe, SpaceX, and Acorns, demonstrating his strong interest in tech and innovation.
Harvey Ventures aims to bridge the digital and financial divide for Black communities, aligning with his philanthropic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Real Estate
Harvey owns a luxurious portfolio of properties, including a massive mansion in Atlanta, Georgia, and a sprawling estate in Malibu, California.
These investments not only provide personal enjoyment but also contribute to his long-term financial security and potential return on investment.
Fashion and Lifestyle
Harvey launched his own line of men’s clothing, reflecting his signature style and catering to his loyal fanbase.
He also partnered with other brands to develop colognes, eyewear, and home goods, further expanding his entrepreneurial reach.
Media and Entertainment
Aside from his hosting gigs, Harvey established East 112 Productions, a film and television production company with projects like the documentary I Can’t Breathe and the sketch comedy show All About the Washingtons.
He also launched Vault Empowers, a personal and professional development platform offering motivational content and conferences, leveraging his expertise and brand for additional streams of income.
Steve Harvey’s early life
Roots
Born Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr. in Welch, West Virginia on January 17, 1957, Harvey’s early life was far from the stage lights he’d later conquer. His father, Jesse, was a coal miner, and his mother, Evelyn, a homemaker. They moved to Cleveland, Ohio, when Steve was young, seeking better opportunities. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, Harve faced financial hardships and racial discrimination.
He discovered his comedic talent early, using humor to navigate difficult situations and bring laughter to his family. Despite his natural wit, Steve struggled academically, transferring schools several times and eventually dropping out of Kent State University. However, his determination wouldn’t be deterred.
Education and Early Struggles
While formal education wasn’t Harvey’s strong suit, he pursued knowledge through life experiences. He worked various odd jobs, from boxing to insurance sales, all the while honing his comedic skills at open mic nights. His big break came in 1985 when he won the $50,000 grand prize at the Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search. This victory propelled him into the national spotlight, launching his career as a stand-up comedian.
Relationships
Harvey has been married three times and has seven children. His first marriage to Marcia Harvey in 1980 produced twin daughters, Brandi and Karli, and a son, Broderick Jr. The couple divorced in 1994. In 1996, Steve married Mary Shackelford, with whom he had a son, Wynton. They divorced in 2005. In 2011, Steve married Marjorie Bridges, who already had three children from a previous relationship: Morgan, Jason, and Lori. Steve adopted them soon after, becoming a father to seven.