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Harvey has made significant strides in his professional journey, yet he still holds fond memories of his early days in the classroom and the lessons from his teacher.
Before taking the reins of "Family Feud," Steve Harvey had already made a name for himself as one of television's most beloved comedians, known for hosting significant events. His journey in the entertainment industry began in the 1980s, and he has achieved remarkable success since then. However, there were moments of doubt along the way, particularly from one of his teachers who thought his aspirations of being on television were unrealistic. Once he finally reached that milestone, the legendary host found a heartfelt way to repay his teacher's skepticism. Renowned for his deadpan expressions and moments that have gone viral, Harvey began presenting television sets as gifts to the very teacher who doubted him.
Harvey narrated the story from his school days on Oprah Winfrey's Masterclass. He was given an assignment by his teacher to "write down what you want to be when you grow up," and the future comedian knew that he wanted to be on TV, so he wrote that on the piece of paper. After collecting the assignments, Harvey’s teacher read everyone's names and dreams but saved Harvey's paper for last. In the end, the teacher called Harvey to the front to discuss what he had written, but the intention was just to humiliate him in front of the class.
Convinced that Harvey was not taking the assignment to heart, the teacher ridiculed him for his stutter and questioned the reasoning behind his writing. She further commented that no one from his family or community had ever appeared on television, implying that he would never have that opportunity either. Additionally, she contacted Harvey's parents, labeling him a "smart aleck."
Although Harvey's mother was displeased with his actions, his father was on his side. "Put your paper in your drawer," he advised. "Each morning when you wake up, read it. And then again at night before you sleep, read it once more. That paper belongs to you," Harvey remembered his father saying. He emphasized that this was his formula for success and encouraged Harvey to write it down and visualize it.
Harvey dedicated himself to conquering his stutter and the numerous obstacles that stood in his way as he pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He began his journey as a comedian, performing stand-up in the early 1980s. His big break came when he hosted "Showtime" at the Apollo, followed by "The Steve Harvey Show" on The WB network. His success continued as he appeared in "The Original Kings of Comedy" after participating in the "Kings of Comedy Tour".
In 2010, Harvey assumed the role of host for both "Family Feud" and "Celebrity Family Feud." Additionally, he hosted a variety of other shows and events, and authored four books, among which his popular title "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man" achieved bestseller status.
He established Steve Harvey Global, an entertainment enterprise that includes his production firm East 112, along with several other initiatives. Together with his wife Marjorie, he created 'The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation', a nonprofit dedicated to promoting youth education.
Despite achieving great success, Harvey always held onto the faith his sixth-grade teacher had in him. Even after making a name for himself in the entertainment world, he often reflected on the teacher and the cherished note he kept hidden for many years. “Each Christmas, while she was alive, I would send her a television,” Harvey recounted during an interview with OWN. He expressed that he wanted her to be able to watch him on screen.
Harvey shared that the original paper remained a constant presence in his life, serving as a reminder of the immense dedication, sacrifices, and the long period of homelessness he experienced throughout his career.
