Steve Harvey was married to Marcia Harvey for 13 years, from 1981 to 1994. Their relationship, which began before Steve’s rise to fame, weathered numerous challenges and ultimately ended in divorce.
This article explores the question: How long was Steve Harvey married to Marcia Harvey? We’ll delve into their marriage timeline, family life, and the lasting impact of their union.
How Long Was Steve Harvey Married to Marcia Harvey?
Steve Harvey and Marcia Harvey married in 1981, a time when Steve was still working as an insurance salesman in Ohio and striving to break into comedy. The couple shared three children: twin daughters Brandi and Karli (born in 1982) and a son, Broderick Jr. (born in 1991).
However, by the early 1990s, the marriage began to deteriorate due to Steve’s growing absence from home as he pursued his career. They officially divorced in 1994 after separating in 1990 while Marcia was pregnant with their youngest child.
The Timeline of Steve and Marcia Harvey’s Marriage
1981: Wedding and Early Struggles
Steve and Marcia tied the knot in 1981 while he was working as an insurance salesman in Ohio At the time, Steve had yet to break into comedy, and financial instability plagued their early years.
1982–1991: Building a Family
The couple welcomed three children:
- Brandi and Karli (twin daughters, born 1982).
- Broderick Harvey Jr. (son, born 1991).
Steve’s career began gaining traction in the late 1980s as he transitioned into stand-up comedy, but his growing absence from home created friction.
1990–1994: Separation and Divorce
- 1990: The couple separated while Marcia was pregnant with Broderick.
- 1994: Their divorce was finalized after Marcia filed in 1993, citing Steve’s alleged infidelity and neglect. Court records later revealed Steve initially refused to pay child support, leading to a legal battle.
Reasons Behind the Divorce
The Couple’s Divorce Stemmed from Several Factors:
- Career Demands: Steve’s budding career as a stand-up comedian kept him away from home for long periods, creating a rift between him and Marcia.
- Infidelity Allegations: Reports suggest that Steve began a relationship with his second wife, Mary Lee Shackelford, before his divorce from Marcia was finalized.
- Financial Struggles: After their separation, Marcia had to take legal action to secure child support for their three children, as Steve initially refused to pay
Marcia Harvey’s Life Post-Divorce
After the split, Marcia:
- Built a career as an author, releasing books like Marcia: Eyes to the Soul (2011) and Marcia: Poems From The Heart.
- Founded a fashion business and maintained a low-profile life in Cleveland.
- Reconciled with Steve years later, repairing their relationship for their children’s sake.
Steve Harvey’s Reflections
Steve has acknowledged his failures during this marriage, admitting he prioritized career over family. In a 2019 interview, he stated:
“I made bad decisions back then. I wasn’t the man I needed to be for my family.”
The Legacy of Their Marriage
Despite its tumultuous end, Steve and Marcia’s marriage played a significant role in shaping both their lives:
Their three children have gone on to achieve personal success:
- Brandi and Karli are entrepreneurs and public speakers.
- Broderick Jr. works in fashion and entertainment.
Marcia’s strength as a single mother has been widely admired, while Steve’s journey from struggling comedian to global entertainer began during this period.
Takeaways
How long was Steve Harvey married to Marcia Harvey? Their marriage lasted for 13 years, from 1981 to 1994—a period marked by both love and challenges.
While their relationship ended in divorce due to career pressures and personal conflicts, it remains an important chapter in both their lives. Today, both have moved forward successfully, with Marcia focusing on her writing and family life while Steve continues his career as a television icon.
