How many times have you wished to be in a celebrity’s shoes, imagining their life to be flawless? Many people do, forgetting that most famous individuals didn’t receive their success on a silver platter. Steve Harvey, one of America’s most beloved comedians and TV hosts, is a perfect example of this.

Today Harvey seems to have it all, but his beginnings were far from glamorous. His father was a coal miner, and Harvey himself worked various odd jobs, including mailman, carpet cleaner, and even boxer. When he began booking stand-up comedy gigs, he sent all his money to support his children, leaving him broke and eventually homeless. For three years he lived out of his car, showering at gas stations and pool facilities.

Things changed after Harvey entered the “Johnnie Walker National Comedy Search” in 1990 and became a finalist. Soon afterward, he began hosting “Showtime at the Apollo,” which marked the start of his rise to fame.

Harvey has been married three times and has seven children, including those he adopted from his wife Marjorie Bridges. His children consider him their role model and best dad. On his show, they expressed their gratitude, with his son Jason tearfully thanking Harvey for stepping in as a father figure. His wife also praised him for loving her children as his own and for his devotion to their family.

Overwhelmed, Harvey told them, “I got four full-time jobs for you. I want you to remember that somebody cared more about you than himself.” It was one of the most emotional moments of his life.