Broderick Stephen Harvey Sr.[2][3] (born January 17, 1957) is an American comedian, television host, actor, writer, and producer.

Harvey launched an African version of Family Feud and also invested in the HDNet takeover along with Anthem Sports and Entertainment.

[8] When he was in the sixth grade, Harvey wrote that he wanted to be on TV when he grew up, after his teacher asked the class to record their personal dreams.

[10] Shortly after high school, Harvey attended Kent State University, where he was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity, but never graduated from college.

[15] He slept in his 1976 Ford when not performing gigs that provided a hotel, and showered at gas stations and swimming pools.

[16] Rich and Becky Liss helped Harvey during this time with a contract for carpet cleaning and credit at a travel agency.

[17] Harvey was a finalist in the Second Annual Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search performing on April 16, 1990, eventually leading to a long stint as host of It's Showtime at the Apollo, succeeding Mark Curry in that role.

Harvey's success as a stand-up comedian led to a starring role on the short-lived ABC series Me and the Boys in 1994.

[23] Harvey appeared in the 2003 movie The Fighting Temptations alongside Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé Knowles.

[25] In 2004, Harvey had roles in the films Johnson Family Vacation and You Got Served;[26] in 2005, he co-starred in the movie Racing Stripes as the voice of Buzz.

[6][33] The show has seen improved ratings under him,[34] and Harvey holds the longest tenure of any Family Feud host.

[36] In August 2011, on his radio show, Harvey called Cornel West and Tavis Smiley "Uncle Toms" because of their criticism of President Barack Obama.

[54] In January 2016, Harvey gave a motivational speech to audience members after the taping of an episode of Family Feud.

[55] The speech was the motivation for the book Jump: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance, published by Harvey in 2016.

[61] In 2016, during a commencement ceremony at Alabama State University, President Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd awarded Harvey an honorary doctorate.

[62] Brands under SHG include East One Twelve, Harvey's in-house production company that is used to develop digital content, films, and television.

The event has been held yearly and features live music, comedy, and a question and answers session with Harvey and his wife Marjorie.

[66] In 2017, Harvey began hosting a New Year's Eve special from Times Square for Fox (which, like his talk show, would be produced in partnership with IMG).

[67] Two days before the broadcast, Harvey was ordained in the state of New York so he could officiate an on-air wedding between Keven Undergaro and Maria Menounos during the special.

"[70] The remarks brought criticism from Asian Americans, including New York politicians and Fresh Off the Boat author Eddie Huang.

[71][72] Huang called Harvey "hypocritical" for speaking about issues facing the black community while denigrating Asians.

The joke was criticized by, among others, Amariyanna Copeny and Flint Mayor Karen Weaver, who demanded a public apology.

So much so that I devoted a full hour on my daytime talk show to raising awareness for the Flint water crisis … The caller laughed, as my joke was taken in the context it was offered.

[85] It hosts a yearly camp for fatherless children[86] and also partnered with Kent State University to provide scholarships to the school.

[88] During the 2022 Halloween Thriller Night hosted by the Heal Los Angeles Foundation, Harvey and Chris Tucker received the inaugural "Man in The Mirror" Award, given to influential individuals who use their platforms for good.

[96][97] In June 2007, Harvey married Marjorie Bridges, who he says is responsible for making him a better man and changing his life.

[100] In January 2017, Harvey was met with criticism from both within and outside of the black community for his decision to meet with then-President-elect Donald Trump.

[103] Harvey is an advocate for religious harmony, expressing reverence especially to Islam, and the belief that "to get to heaven, there's gotta be more than one route.