Kevin Hart

Who Is Kevin Hart?

Kevin Hart is a renowned American comedian, actor, and producer who gained prominence in the entertainment industry through his stand-up comedy and successful film career. After graduating from high school, Hart began performing stand-up comedy, initially honing his craft in smaller venues before moving on to larger clubs in New York and Los Angeles. His first stand-up album, I’m a Grown Little Man, was released in 2009. By 2011, his Laugh at My Pain tour, which also inspired a documentary of the same name, grossed an impressive $15 million, marking the beginning of his ascent to Hollywood stardom. Hart’s film credits include popular comedies such as Think Like a Man, About Last Night, Get Hard, Central Intelligence, and the Jumanji series.

Early Life and Career

Born on July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kevin Hart is the youngest of two boys. He was raised by his mother, Nancy Hart, who became a single parent due to his father’s ongoing struggles with addiction and legal issues. Throughout much of Hart’s childhood, his father, Henry, was frequently incarcerated and often absent from his life. To cope with the challenges of his upbringing, Hart turned to humor, a theme that would later heavily influence his comedic material. After overcoming his struggles, Henry Hart has since rehabilitated and reestablished a relationship with his son.

Hart’s difficult childhood experiences serve as a wellspring for his comedy; he has remarked that his jokes are rooted in “real experiences.” From an early age, he developed a fascination with stand-up comedy, drawing inspiration from prominent comedians like Chris Tucker and J.B. Smoove.

Following high school, Hart relocated to New York City and later moved to Brockton, Massachusetts. However, it was in his native Philadelphia, while working as a shoe salesman, that he began to pursue stand-up comedy seriously. His initial journey was challenging; Hart performed under the stage name “Lil’ Kev the Bastard” at various small comedy clubs, where he struggled to connect with audiences. Reflecting on this period, he noted, “I was trying to be everybody… I didn’t know what to do.”

Under the mentorship of veteran comedian Keith Robinson, Hart transitioned to performing under his own name and crafted material that resonated with his own life experiences. His hard work eventually paid off, as he won several amateur stand-up competitions and began to secure regular performances in comedy clubs nationwide.

Stand-Up Stardom, Albums, and Tours

Hart’s comedic style has often been likened to the four “Kings of Comedy,” blending elements reminiscent of Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, D.L. Hughley, and Bernie Mac. As his stand-up career flourished, Hart was offered his own sitcom, The Big House, by ABC. In this show, he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself—a successful young man who must leave his home in Hawaii to live with distant relatives in Philadelphia after becoming embroiled in an embezzlement scheme. Despite the intriguing premise, the series failed to resonate with audiences and was canceled after just six episodes.

Today, Kevin Hart stands as a leading figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his unique comedic voice, engaging performances, and significant contributions to film and television.

Kevin Hart: A Journey Through Comedy and Film

Stand-Up Success: ‘I’m a Little Grown Man’ and ‘Seriously Funny’

Kevin Hart made a significant impact on the comedy scene with the release of his first stand-up album, I’m a Little Grown Man, in 2006. This album solidified his reputation as one of the most talented young comedians of his time. Four years later, his second album, Seriously Funny, further enhanced his standing in the industry, proving to be an even greater success.

Breakthrough with ‘Laugh at My Pain’ and Subsequent Specials

Hart’s 2011 Laugh at My Pain tour marked a turning point in his career, propelling him to stardom. This tour, which was later adapted into a concert documentary, drew from Hart’s personal experiences, addressing topics such as his mother’s battle with cancer and the eccentricities of his relatives. His catchphrase, “All right, all right, all right,” resonated with audiences and became a signature element of his performances. The Laugh at My Pain tour spanned 90 cities and grossed an impressive $15 million, establishing it as one of the year’s top comedy tours. Following this success, Hart released film adaptations of his stand-up performances, including Let Me Explain (2013) and What Now? (2016).

Film Career: From ‘Paper Soldiers’ to ‘Ride Along’

Hart’s film career showcases a diverse array of projects, beginning with Paper Soldiers in 2002 and continuing through notable appearances in films such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2004), Soul Plane (2004), Little Fockers (2010), and The Five-Year Engagement (2011). His role in Ride Along (2014), a buddy-cop comedy alongside Ice Cube, further solidified his status as a leading comedic actor, leading to a sequel in 2016.

Major Roles: ‘About Last Night’ and ‘Central Intelligence’

Hart continued to expand his filmography with starring roles in About Last Night (2014) and The Wedding Ringer (2015), and he collaborated with Will Ferrell in Get Hard (2015) and Dwayne Johnson in Central Intelligence (2016). He further showcased his comedic talent in the action-adventure films Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and its sequel, Jumanji: The Next Level (2019), alongside Johnson, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan.

Animation and Dramatic Roles: ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ and ‘The Upside’

In addition to his live-action roles, Hart lent his voice to animated films such as The Secret Life of Pets (2016) and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017). He starred opposite Tiffany Haddish in the comedy Night School (2018), which received mixed reviews, but his performance in the drama The Upside (2019) alongside Bryan Cranston garnered more favorable feedback.

Television Appearances and Awards Hosting

Hart’s television career has also been notable; he hosted the MTV Music Awards in 2012 and secured a recurring role on ABC’s Modern Family. Additionally, he appeared on series like Real Husbands of Hollywood and Workaholics, and hosted the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber in 2015. In late 2018, Hart was announced as the host of the Academy Awards but stepped down shortly afterward due to controversy surrounding past homophobic comments.

Car Accident and Recovery

On September 1, 2019, Hart was involved in a serious car accident in Calabasas, California. He was a passenger in a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda when the driver lost control, leading to the car tumbling down an embankment. Hart underwent emergency back surgery following the incident. He made his first public appearance in late October, seen dining with friends, including Jay-Z. The following week, he shared an Instagram video documenting his rehabilitation journey and reflected on how the accident shifted his perspective on life.

Family Life

Hart was married to comedian Torrie Hart from 2003 until their divorce, with whom he has two children: Heaven Leigh and Hendrix. He became engaged to model Eniko Parrish in 2014 and married her two years later. They welcomed their son, Kenzo Kash, in 2017. Following Kenzo’s birth, Hart publicly admitted to infidelity. In September 2020, he and Parrish welcomed their daughter, Kaori Mai.