Marjorie Harvey has been the wife of television host and comedian Steve Harvey since June 25, 2007 . Their relationship is a story of a second chance at love that began decades before they walked down the aisle. The couple first crossed paths in 1990 at a Memphis comedy club where Steve was performing, and he famously declared he would one day marry her .
The beloved Family Feud host has been married three times, but his union with Marjorie Elaine Harvey, whose maiden name is Bridges, has proven to be his longest and most transformative relationship . Steve has repeatedly credited his wife as the driving force behind his personal and professional success. During a 2014 Essence interview, he stated, “Everything I have is because of this girl right here” .
A Love Story Decades in the Making
Their first meeting at the Memphis comedy club in 1990 remains one of the most memorable moments in their relationship . When Marjorie arrived late to his performance, Steve stopped the show and stared at her. He announced to the crowd, “I don’t know who this is, but I’m gonna marry her” . Marjorie later recalled being afraid he would call her out on stage for being late, but instead, he made a prediction that would take 17 years to come true .
Despite the instant connection, the relationship did not immediately blossom into romance . They dated briefly in 1990, but Steve disappeared from her life shortly after. Marjorie later told Essence, “I knew he was The One shortly after I started dating him, but then he just left. Disappeared” . Steve explained that he was not financially or emotionally ready for a serious commitment at that time. He told the outlet, “Before a man can be of use to a woman, he’s got to know who he is, what he does and how much he’s going to make” .
The couple went their separate ways, and both married other people. Steve married his first wife, Marcia Harvey, with whom he had twin daughters Brandi and Karli and a son named Broderick Stephen Jr. . He later married his second wife, Mary Shackelford, and they had a son named Wynton . Marjorie also had three children, Morgan, Jason, and Lori, from previous relationships .
Fate brought them back together in 2005, after both had gone through divorces . Steve’s bodyguard played a pivotal role in the reunion, encouraging him to reach out to Marjorie . When Steve heard her voice on the phone, he immediately recognized it and considered it the best day of his life. They met for lunch in Memphis the following day, and Steve knew he had to make things work. He later said, “I finally had somebody I could start over with” .
Steve proposed to Marjorie in Mexico during a romantic dinner in a wine cellar . He had planned the proposal for two weeks, and when two waiters entered with silver domes, Marjorie discovered a diamond ring under hers. Steve got down on one knee, and she said yes . On June 25, 2007, they officially tied the knot, fulfilling the promise he made to a stranger in a comedy club nearly two decades earlier .
How Marjorie Changed Steve’s Life
Steve has been remarkably open about the profound impact Marjorie has had on his life . In a 2012 interview with People, he said, “Marjorie changed the way I existed. I’d never been in a healthy adult relationship. I’d never been loyal, I’d never been fully respected” . He has also acknowledged that he was “the problem” in his earlier marriages and described Marjorie as a “game changer” who reshaped his outlook on family and stability .
The comedian reflected on his journey in a love letter to Marjorie published in Good Housekeeping in June 2022 . He wrote, “When we reconnected, I still wasn’t where I wanted to be. 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” . He added, “You are the single biggest reason outside of God’s grace that I am where I am today” .
During a speech at theGrio Awards in November 2023, Steve emotionally acknowledged Marjorie’s unwavering support throughout his career . He told the audience, “That woman right there, she’s been down with me like four flat tires. 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” . He later gave her his award in honor of their love.
When rumors of infidelity surfaced in 2023, Steve quickly shut down the speculation during an appearance at InvestFest . He told fans, “I’m fine. Marjorie’s fine. Find something else to do ’cause we fine” . Marjorie has also publicly defended her husband, including after his infamous 2015 Miss Universe flub, when she praised him on Instagram for taking full responsibility on live television . She wrote, “You are a Stand Up Man and A True Class Act the way you went back out on the stage on live TV and took full responsibility alone. I am so proud to be your wife! I love you” .Quick Bio: Marjorie Harvey
A Blended Family of Seven Children
Steve and Marjorie have built a large blended family that includes seven children . Steve legally adopted Marjorie’s three children from her previous relationships: Morgan, Jason, and Lori . He also brought four children from his previous marriages into the family: twin daughters Brandi and Karli, son Broderick Stephen Jr., and son Wynton .
The children have established successful careers in various fields . Lori Harvey has become a major public figure through modeling and beauty ventures. Jason Harvey founded the luxury footwear brand Yevrah, while Morgan Harvey has built a following through her food and lifestyle platform . Steve’s children from his first marriage, Brandi and Karli, have also pursued their own professional paths, and Broderick serves as president of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation .
Steve has been fiercely protective of his family, especially his wife and daughters . During an appearance on the One on One with Kris Fade podcast, he revealed that he has personally tracked down people who made derogatory comments about Marjorie or his daughters online . He stated, “You can say whatever you want to say to me. I don’t care. But once you talk about Marjorie or them girls of mine… I’ll find you” . He also described his daughters as having “gatekeepers” in their three brothers, adding, “They got a daddy” .
Marjorie’s Career and Philanthropy
Marjorie is more than just the wife of a famous comedian. She is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist . In 2014, she launched The Lady Loves Couture, a fashion and lifestyle blog where she curates fashion moments and showcases her own unique wardrobe . During an appearance on her husband’s talk show that same year, she said, “As you know, you and I, that’s one of the things we have in common, we both love fashion. I’ve been passionate about it all my life” .
Marjorie was honored as a 2019 Woman of Excellence at the Ladylike Foundation Luncheon in recognition of her philanthropic work . The couple has also enjoyed travels together, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, crossing the Mediterranean Sea by ferry, and making a pilgrimage to Ghana in 2019 . Steve has credited his wife with giving him peace and stability, and their relationship continues to inspire fans worldwide .Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Steve and Marjorie Harvey been married?
Steve and Marjorie Harvey have been married since June 25, 2007, which means they have been together for over 19 years. Their marriage is Steve’s third and longest, and he has frequently credited Marjorie as the primary reason for his personal and professional transformation.
Did Steve Harvey and Marjorie meet before they got married?
Yes, they first met in 1990 at a Memphis comedy club where Steve was performing. He famously stopped the show and declared he would marry her one day. They dated briefly but parted ways, reconnecting in 2005 after both had gone through divorces.
How many children do Steve and Marjorie Harvey have together?
They have a blended family of seven children. Steve legally adopted Marjorie’s three children, Morgan, Jason, and Lori. He also has four children from previous marriages: twin daughters Brandi and Karli, son Broderick Stephen Jr., and son Wynton.
What is Marjorie Harvey’s profession outside of being Steve Harvey’s wife?
Marjorie is a businesswoman and philanthropist. She runs a fashion and lifestyle blog called The Lady Loves Couture. She also co-founded The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation with her husband, which provides mentoring and educational support to under-resourced communities.
What is The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation?
The foundation is a nonprofit organization co-founded in 2010 that supports under-resourced communities through mentoring and education. Its programs include the Steve Harvey Mentoring Program for Young Men and Marjorie’s Girls Who Rule the World Mentoring Weekend. In 2023, the foundation reported total revenues of approximately $1.29 million.
