Steve Harvey Wanted to Marry Wife in the 80s Yet 1st Wed Woman Who Lied about Him Leaving Her Destit
Steve Harvey has been married to his wife, Marjorie, for 15 years. However, before Marjorie became his wife, the comedian had two failed marriages. Here is a glimpse of Steve Harvey's marital relationships.
American Television Host, Actor, and Comedian Steve Harvey may appear to have it all: a thriving career, a lovely wife, beautiful children, wealth, and fame.
However, the journey to achieving these successes was filled with various challenges, including two failed marriages. The icon's first marriage was to Marcia Harvey, and the duo walked down the aisle in 1981.
ABC's "Judge Steve Harvey" star Steve Harvey. | Source: Getty Images
At the time, Steve struggled with his comedy career and worked as an insurance salesman in Ohio. Nevertheless, Marcia loved him and was ready to spend forever with the star. So, their marital journey began, but six years later, Steve would meet his future third wife, Marjorie Harvey.
The pair crossed paths in 1987 while the show biz legend was performing a stand-up show at a comedy club in Memphis. It was love at first sight for Steve, and he recalled telling Marjorie they would get married someday. In his words:
"The very first thing I said to Marjorie was, 'I don't know who you are, but I'm going to marry you one day.' That was the beginning."
Sadly, even though Steve was convinced about a future marriage between him and Marjorie, their romance did not begin at that point, and they eventually lost touch.
STEVE AND SHACKELFORD'S RELATIONSHIP
Actor/Comedian Steve Harvey (R) and his wife Mary attend the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on June 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
After losing touch with Marjorie, Steve would meet another woman, Mary Shackelford, who would capture his heart, despite still being married to Marcia.
The comedian and Shackelford first met in January 1989 at a department store in Texas, where she worked for Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Steve was instantly smitten and followed Shackelford and her co-worker when they went to lunch in the mall.
Steve Harvey accompanies his wife Mary at the premiere screening of "The Original Kings Of Comedy" August 10, 2000 in Hollywood, CA. | Source: Getty Images
Eventually, the duo noticed the comedian checking them out, and at that point, Steve introduced himself. Shackelford gave him the cold shoulder to his dismay and played him like "an old mackerel."
Still, the television host was persistent and wanted to be with her. Three days later, Steve finally won Shackelford over, and she agreed to go out with him. On their first date, the comedian professed his love and proposed marriage, but the pretty woman was in no rush.
Steve Harvey (C) at home with his family: wife Mary (L), son Wynton (2L) and stepson Steven (R). | Source: Getty Images
Still, Steve did not back down. He left the town at the end of the week, but he called Shackelford every day, wrote love letters, and sent her flowers. Three years later, Steve convinced Shackelford to go on the road with him, and it was a lovely experience.
In 1994, Steve and Marcia's union finally ended, allowing the former and Shackelford to further their romance. The lovers did, walking down the aisle in 1996. Steve and his new wife were head over heels in love and could not imagine being without each other.
STEVE AND SHACKELFORD'S BITTER POST-DIVORCE ISSUES
Actor-comedian Steve Harvey and wife Mary attend the premiere of the film "The Score" July 9, 2001 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, CA. | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, Steve and Shackelford's union was destined to crumble. Nine years after they tied the knot, the couple's marriage ended.
A few years after their divorce, Shackelford shared videos on YouTube, falsely accusing Steve of cheating with Marjorie throughout their marriage.
The woman also claimed that her ex-husband left her with nothing, and he took away their only son, Wynton. However, a month later, a court declaration by Judge Robert Dry revealed that all of Shackelford's accusations were false.
Steve Harvey & wife Mary during "Rush Hour 2" Los Angeles Premiere at Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images
According to the document, Steve did not leave Shackelford without anything. Following their divorce, she was awarded three homes and $40,000 per month through March 2009 and an additional $1.5 million.
Regarding the couple's son, the document revealed that Shackelford willingly placed Wynton on a plane and sent him to Steve without his knowledge, as opposed to her claims.
Furthermore, the document stated that Marjorie had no part in their divorce, noting that the official reason for the split was irreconcilable differences.
Actor/talk show host Steve Harvey and his wife Mary attend the Fourth Annual Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Awards Dinner December 11, 2001 in Beverly Hills, CA. | Source: Getty Images
Afterward, the judge demanded that Shackelford take down the YouTube videos and issue a temporary injunction, prohibiting the woman from mentioning the past and pending legal actions with the media.
Still, Shackelford did not back down. Six years later, she filed another lawsuit, claiming that Steve damaged her soul and caused her to become suicidal and self-medicate.
She sued the comedian for conspiracy against rights, torture, child endangerment, murder, kidnapping, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and breach of contract. Above all, Shackelford demanded $60 million as compensation.
STEVE AND MARJORIE'S AMAZING LOVE STORY
When Steve and Shackelford's marriage ended in 2005, the television host was in a dark place. However, by chance, that same year, the pair reconnected, dated, and eventually tied the knot.
In June 2022, the couple celebrated their 15th marriage anniversary, and Steve penned a lovely love letter for his wife. The comedian detailed the timeline of their romance, including how they reconnected.
Steve made it known that on that day, his bodyguard handed him his phone, and he had no idea who was on the other side of the call.
Surprisingly, it was Marjorie, and immediately he heard her voice, he recognized it. For Steve, it was the best day of his life. The following day, they met for lunch in Memphis, and Steve knew he had to make things work. According to him:
"I finally had somebody I could start over with."
Eventually, the pair started dating, and one year later, Steve popped the question. The comedian had planned the proposal for two weeks, and it turned out beautifully. During an episode of the "Steve TV Show," the icon explained that he proposed to Marjorie in Mexico.
According to Steve, when they arrived, they checked into a hotel, which was time for dinner. However, Marjorie insisted that she was sleepy and could not have dinner, but he knew he had to convince her, as the proposal was meant to happen at dinner.
Eventually, Steve convinced Marjorie, and the pair went to a private room inside a wine cellar. While having dinner, it was time for dessert, and two waiters entered the cellar holding two huge platters with silver domes.
They dropped one plate on Steve's side of the table and the other on Marjorie's. When she opened it, Marjorie saw what looked like a square piece of gelatin. However, she would later realize it was not food but a box.
According to Steve, his wife looked under the box and said, "Oh My God!" Next, he opened the box containing a pretty diamond ring, got down on one knee, and proposed. Marjorie said yes, and on June 25, 2007, the pair walked down the aisle.
Many years down the road, Steve is still grateful for marrying Marjorie. In his 15th-anniversary love letter, the comedian opened up about how he changed when he married his wife. In his words:
"You gave me peace. You are the single biggest reason outside of God's grace that I am where I am today."
Although it took Steve many years and two failed marriages to finally be with the love of his life, it was worth it. According to him, one must get divorced to find the "right chick."
The comedian has no interest in remembering his exes, nor does he have any fond memories of them. He is focused on enjoying the happiness he has found with Marjorie.
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