Fans know Steve Harvey for being in the spotlight, whether it's acting in various projects or serving as the longtime host of Family Feud. And who better to be by his side through it all than his wife of almost two decades, Marjorie Harvey (née Bridges)?
While the two are not afraid to show their love in public, Steve and Marjorie's road to romance wasn't always a clear path. The couple first crossed paths back in 1990, in a Memphis nightclub where Steve was performing. At the time, Marjorie was concerned she'd be late to the show and interrupt Steve's set. Turns out she did make an impression — and it was one that would have a lasting effect.
"I was late, and I thought he was gonna give me the business because he got real quiet. He was just staring at me," she stated during a 2018 appearance on The Steve Harvey Show. "I thought I was going to become part of the show. He finally realized, 'Oh, I gotta say something.' He was, like, 'Oh, I'm sorry. I don't know who this is, but I'm gonna marry her.'"
Even though Marjorie and Steve's first meeting appeared to be kismet, there were some things standing in their way. Steve was married to his first wife Marcia Harvey (with whom he had daughters Brandi and Karli and son Broderick Stephen Jr.), while Marjorie was also in a relationship. The two eventually lost touch, and Steve later divorced and wed his second wife, Mary Shackelford (with whom he had son Wynton), in 1996.
Flash forward to 2005, and Steve happened to be single once again. At the suggestion of his bodyguard, he decided to reunite with Marjorie (who at this time had daughters Lori and Morgan, along with son Jason, from a previous marriage). And as he told People in 2016, everything made sense to him after reconnecting with her.
"It was like being reborn," he stated at the time. "I messed up so many times in my life. She made all the difference. When you're happy at home, you can make a lot of things happen."
The couple eventually wed in June 2007, and Steve later adopted Marjorie's children as his own. While the twosome continue to enjoy being a blended family, they've also managed to mix in a little bit of business as well.
In 2010, the married duo started the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation that "helps under-resourced communities receive the tools for success," per Steve's official website. But even more so, Marjorie has been a support system for Steve as he continues to celebrate new achievements in his career. What's more, he is well aware of everything Marjorie has done to be by his side over the years.
"That woman right there, she's been down with me like four flat tires," he emotionally shared while being honored at TheGrio Awards in November 2023. "That woman right there has been faithful to me, loyal to me. 85% of what y'all up here talking to me about happened after I married that girl right there
Even though it took Steve and Marjorie some time before finally being together, it's clear the comedian holds so much love for his wife. And as he shared in a love letter to her written for Good Housekeeping in June 2022, Steve wouldn't know where he'd be without Marjorie in his life.
"When we reconnected, I still wasn't where I wanted to be," he wrote at the time. "Even though I was making moves, I had nothing. I was in a dark space for quite some time, and I think all the stars aligned for us at the right moment."
"You are the single biggest reason outside of God's grace that I am where I am today," he added. "You're the one. I feel like if I lost everything, you'd stay with me and we'd build it up again. As a matter of fact, I know you would."
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
