Kevin Hart is an American comedian and actor born on July 6, 1979. He gained fame after winning several stand-up comedy contests. His big break came when Judd Apatow cast him in a recurring role on the TV show “Undeclared” in 2001. Since then, Hart has appeared in various films like “Paper Soldiers” (2002), “Scary Movie 3” (2003), “Soul Plane” (2004), and others including the “Jumanji” series starting in 2017. He also starred in “The Real Husbands” of Hollywood from 2013 to 2016 playing a fictional version of himself.
Hart’s comedy career soared with the release of his first stand-up album “I’m a Grown Little Man” in 2009. He has since released four more comedy albums: “Seriously Funny” (2010), “Laugh at My Pain” (2011), “Let Me Explain” (2013), and “What Now?” (2016). In 2015, Time magazine recognized him as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2017, he teamed up with Lionsgate to launch the Laugh Out Loud Network a subscription-based video streaming service.
| Full Name | Kevin Darnell Hart |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1979 |
| Place of Birth | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian |
| Height | 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) |
| Spouse | Eniko Parrish Torrei Hart |
| Children | Heaven Hart, Hendrix Hart |
| Net Worth | $450 million |
Kevin Hart’s Early Life and Education
Kevin Darnell Hart was born in Philadelphia on July 6, 1979. His mom Nancy Hart worked at the University of Pennsylvania while his dad Henry Robert Witherspoon struggled with addiction and spent time in jail during Kevin’s childhood. Raised by his mom in a tough situation Kevin found solace in humor. Over time his dad recovered and their relationship improved. In his comedy, Kevin also jokes lovingly about his strong-willed mom.
As a teenager, Kevin Hart dreamed of being a basketball star and even attended a camp where he met future NBA legend Kobe Bryant and activist Marc Lamont Hill.
After graduating from George Washington High School Kevin briefly went to the Community College of Philadelphia but dropped out to move to New York City. He worked as a shoe salesman before his big break.
Career
Kevin Hart began his stand-up career in Philadelphia at The Laff House using the name Lil Kev. His early performances didn’t go well—he was booed off stage and even had chicken thrown at him. Undeterred he started competing in comedy contests in Massachusetts gradually improving his act. It took time for Hart to find his comedic style; initially, he tried to mimic Chris Tucker before delving into his own insecurities and life experiences.
Hart’s first comedy tour “I’m a Grown Little Man” kicked off in 2009. This was followed by “Seriously Funny” in 2010 “Laugh at My Pain” in 2011 and “Let Me Explain” in 2013 which were also released as movies in theaters. “Laugh at My Pain” earned over $15 million making it one of the top comedy tours of the year. Hart’s popularity grew internationally through platforms like YouTube.
In 2015, Kevin Hart launched the “What Now? Tour” filmed for a stand-up comedy film released in 2016. The film was recorded live in front of 53000 fans at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field.
Aside from stand-up Hart has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. He made his film debut in 2002 with “Paper Soldiers” and went on to star in movies like “Ride Along” and “Central Intelligence.” He also co-created the TV show “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” Hart continues to expand his career producing films under his company HartBeat Productions and signing deals with networks like Netflix and Nickelodeon.
In 2021 and 2022, Hart starred in films like “Fatherhood” and “Me Time” and in 2024 he starred in the Netflix comedy heist film “Lift” alongside Úrsula Corberó and Vincent D’Onofrio. He’s also known for his prank on “The Masked Singer” where he unmasked himself as “Book.” He intentionally revealed his identity during the season eleven premiere as a joke on host Nick Cannon.
In October 2016, Hart was set to play Santa Claus in “Dashing” Through the Snow a Disney Christmas film planned for 2017. In October 2018, it was reported that Chris Rock would direct Hart in a movie they both conceived. The film written by Yamara Taylor of Black-ish tells the story of a stay-at-home dad managing kids while his wife a star CEO supports the family. When she ends their marriage he faces emotional turmoil and a bitter custody battle.
In 2017, Kevin Hart launched Laugh Out Loud (LOL) a global media company supporting diverse comedic talent. Originally with Lionsgate Hart became majority owner in 2019. LOL spans digital audio and experiential media with divisions like LOL Network and LOL Studios. They’ve partnered with PlutoTV Roku and others producing hits like Cold As Balls and What the Fit with over 1 billion views.
Hartbeat Productions merged with Laugh Out Loud in April 2022 forming Hartbeat including studios and media divisions. Besides acting Hart has hosted events like the BET Awards MTV VMAs and Saturday Night Live. He briefly planned to host the 2019 Oscars but withdrew due to controversy over past tweets.
In 2020, Hart agreed to host the MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon. He also released music as Chocolate Droppa and ventured into business with Hart House a vegan restaurant chain aiming to rival fast-food giants.
Net Worth
Kevin Hart has an estimated net worth of $450 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of Kevin Hart’s net worth comes from his work as a comedian, actor, and producer. He earns money from performing stand-up comedy, starring in movies, and producing films and TV shows. His successful career in entertainment has contributed significantly to his net worth.
Personal life
Kevin Hart married Torrei in 2003 but they divorced in 2011 due to irreconcilable differences. They have two kids together a daughter born in 2005 and a son born in 2007.
In 2014, Hart got engaged to Eniko Parrish and they married in August 2016 in California. They welcomed their first child in 2017. Despite Hart admitting to cheating while Eniko was pregnant they reconciled. They had another child a daughter in 2020.
Since about 2010, Kevin Hart has been into poker participating in tournaments like the WSOP and becoming a brand ambassador for PokerStars in 2017. He’s earned around $47828 from live poker tournaments as of September 2020.
Hart is open about being a Christian and discussing his faith.
In 2019, Hart was in a car accident in California suffering major back injuries. He recovered after ten days in the hospital and further rehab.
In 2023, while racing with former NFL player Stevan Ridley Hart tore muscles in his abdomen and needed a wheelchair during recovery. He advised against others attempting similar stunts calling himself “the dumbest man alive.”
In 2013, Kevin Hart was charged with drunk driving in Southern California after nearly colliding with a tanker truck on the freeway. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to three years of probation.