Steve Harvey is one of the most popular and successful comedians in the world. He is known for his hilarious stand-up routines, his hit TV shows, his bestselling books, and his iconic mustache. But is he also related to another comedy legend, Richard Pryor?
The rumor that Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor are related has been circulating on the internet for a long time. Some people claim that they are cousins, others say that they are father and son, and some even suggest that they are the same person. But what is the truth behind this rumor? Is there any evidence to support it?
The answer is no. Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor are not related in any way. They have never claimed to be related, nor have they ever met each other’s families. They do not share any common ancestors, DNA, or physical resemblance. They are simply two comedians who admire each other’s work and influence.
How the rumor started
The rumor that Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor are related probably started as a joke or a misunderstanding. Some possible sources of confusion are:
- Steve Harvey has often praised Richard Pryor as his greatest comedic influence. He has said that he was inspired by Pryor’s album when he was in college and that he wanted to be like him. He has also shared stories about meeting Pryor and being moved by his words of encouragement.
- Steve Harvey has impersonated Richard Pryor in some of his comedy sketches. He has mimicked Pryor’s voice, mannerisms, and jokes in a humorous and respectful way. He has also paid tribute to Pryor by wearing his signature red suit and afro wig.
- Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor have similar backgrounds and styles of comedy. They both grew up in poor and troubled families, faced racism and discrimination, struggled with addiction and personal issues, and used humor as a way of coping and expressing themselves. They both have a raw, honest, and edgy approach to comedy that tackles social issues, politics, religion, sex, and race.
Why the rumor is false
Despite these similarities and connections, Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor are not related at all. Here are some facts that disprove the rumor:
- Steve Harvey was born on January 17, 1957 in Welch, West Virginia. His parents were Jesse Harvey, a coal miner, and Eloise Vera, a homemaker. He has four siblings: Terry, Pauline, Mona, and Marcia.
- Richard Pryor was born on December 1, 1940 in Peoria, Illinois. His parents were LeRoy “Buck Carter” Pryor, a boxer and hustler, and Gertrude L. Thomas, a prostitute. He had six siblings: Renee, Elizabeth Ann (who died as an infant), Richard Jr., Geraldine (who died as a child), Patricia (who died as an adult), and Rain.
- Steve Harvey’s ancestry is African-American with some possible Native American roots. He has said that his grandfather was a Cherokee Indian who married a black woman.
- Richard Pryor’s ancestry is African-American with some Irish roots. He has said that his paternal grandmother was born in Ireland and came to America as an indentured servant who married a black man.
- Steve Harvey’s real name is Broderick Stephen Harvey. He adopted the stage name Steve Harvey when he started his comedy career in the 1980s.
- Richard Pryor’s real name is Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III. He used his birth name throughout his career.
The bottom line
Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor are not related in any way. They are two separate individuals who have their own families, histories, identities, and achievements. They are both legends of comedy who have influenced generations of comedians with their talent and courage. They have a mutual respect and admiration for each other’s work, but they do not share any blood or kinship.
According to Cinemablend, Steve Harvey once said about Richard Pryor:
He was the whole reason I got in comedy…I love you man.
And according to YouTube, Richard Pryor once said about Steve Harvey:
You pretty funny.
These words show that they have a bond of friendship and appreciation, but not of family.
So next time you hear someone say that Steve Harvey and Richard Pryor are related, you can tell them that it is not true. You can also tell them to check out some of their best jokes and performances online to see why they are both icons of comedy in their own right.
