Steve Harvey is a multifaceted man, known as an accomplished comedian, TV host, philanthropist, and author.
Although Harvey boasts a current net worth of about $140 million, his life wasn’t always so perfect. He was born in the winter of 1957, to a coal mining couple in Welch, West Virginia. However, shortly into this childhood, the family moved to Cleveland.
After attending school at Kent State University, Harvey discovered his passion for comedy. He had just split with his first wife Marcia and was struggling to survive financially. What little money he earned was sent to his children, then “one or two gigs fell through, and suddenly I was homeless,” he told PEOPLE. This dark period lasted a long three years.
“It was so disheartening,” he recalled.
“”It was rock bottom. But even in my darkest days, I had faith it would turn around.”
Luckily Harvey’s faith stayed strong— and a few years ago, the man’s family and hometown honored him in a very special way.
For Harvey’s 58th birthday, the producers on The Steve Harvey Show organized a special episode.
“My producers put together a show filled with surprises,” he told the audience.
“Of course, I have no idea what’s happening.”
First, Steve calls out the mysterious MC of the event and is delighted to see his wife Marjorie.
“Dhomonique, are you there?” Marjorie asks— and the screen pans to a live stream showing Dhomonique Ricks from News Channel 5 Cleveland.
“Hi, Steve. Do you recognize this street?” the reporter asks him.
“We are here on the block where you grew up for a very special ceremony.”
After Dhomonique’s introduction, Frank Jackson, the mayor of Cleveland, takes the mic. Before the mayor can say a word, Steve’s eyes are already welling with tears.
First, the mayor tells Harvey that January 17th, 2015, has officially been declared Steve Harvey Day— and the comedian continues to choke up.
He then announces that a section of the street Harvey grew up on has officially been re-named Steve Harvey Way.
Steve’s childhood friends and family had gathered to celebrate the special event.
“We’re here because we love you,” his sister, Mona, tell him.
“If Mom and Dad were here, Dad would be saying, ‘Do you know I’m his daddy?’ and Mama would just be shaking her head!”
“We love you, Steve!”
Harvey is clearly stirred by the event— but now, he can’t hold back the tears.
“I learned everything I know about survival on that block right there, with them dudes you looking at right there,” he says.
Since being uploaded to YouTube, Harvey’s birthday surprise has been viewed over 41.9 MILLION times. People praise the man’s lifestyle and appreciate the public display of emotion:
“Steve Harvey! Man, you really are as real as it gets… Dedicating your life to making others better; what more honorable way to live life?”
“This broke my heart… grown men can cry too.”
“It takes a real man to shed some tears.”
“Dam dude, I cried too! I stayed one street away from there on 111th and superior. Ur legacy is still amazing. Thanks for making the 216 great again.”
See the emotional moment below!
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