Kevin Darnell Hart, born on July 6, 1979, is a renowned American comedian and actor who has carved a prominent place in the entertainment industry. Over the course of his career, Hart has earned several accolades, including four Primetime Emmy Award nominations, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.

Hart’s journey to stardom began with his success in stand-up comedy competitions, which opened the door to his first major acting opportunity. In 2001, Judd Apatow cast him in a recurring role on the television series Undeclared, marking Hart's entry into mainstream media. His reputation as a comedian soared with the release of his debut stand-up album, I'm a Grown Little Man (2009). Building on this success, Hart went on to release four more acclaimed comedy albums: Seriously Funny (2010), Laugh at My Pain (2011), Let Me Explain (2013), and What Now? (2016).

Hart's acting career is equally impressive, with a diverse portfolio of roles across various genres. He appeared in early films such as Paper Soldiers (2002), Scary Movie 3 (2003), and Soul Plane (2004), which laid the foundation for his growing popularity. Subsequent performances in Little Fockers (2010), Think Like a Man (2012), and Grudge Match (2013) solidified his place as a versatile actor. Hart became a household name with blockbuster hits including Ride Along (2014), Central Intelligence (2016), the Jumanji franchise (2017–present), and Night School (2018). He also lent his voice to animated films such as The Secret Life of Pets series (2016–2019) and Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017).

A testament to his versatility, Hart created and starred in the comedic television series Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013–2016), where he played a fictionalized version of himself. His influence extended beyond acting and comedy; in 2015, Hart was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2017, he ventured into the digital entertainment space by launching the Laugh Out Loud Network, a subscription-based video streaming service developed in collaboration with Lionsgate.

Through his dynamic performances and entrepreneurial ventures, Kevin Hart continues to be a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences worldwide with his humor, charisma, and relentless drive.

Early Life

Kevin Darnell Hart was born on July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a challenging environment as the son of Nancy Hart, who passed away in 2007, and Henry Robert Witherspoon, who died in 2022. Hart has an older brother named Robert. Raised primarily by his mother, who worked as a systems analyst for the University of Pennsylvania's Office of Student Registration and Financial Services, Hart experienced a childhood shaped by her strength and dedication.

Hart's father struggled with cocaine addiction and frequently found himself in trouble with the law, spending much of Hart’s early years in and out of jail. This difficult dynamic led Hart to use humor as a coping mechanism to navigate his tumultuous family life. Over time, his relationship with his father improved as his father overcame his addiction. Hart has often spoken warmly of his mother in his comedy, portraying her as a loving but strict figure who left a lasting impression on him.

During his teenage years, Hart dreamed of becoming a basketball player. He even attended the La Salle basketball camp, where he rubbed shoulders with future legends like NBA Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant and political activist Marc Lamont Hill.

After completing his studies at George Washington High School, Hart enrolled at the Community College of Philadelphia. However, he decided to leave after a short time and relocated to New York City to pursue his ambitions. Before finding his path in comedy, he worked as a shoe salesman.

Career

Stand-Up Comedy Beginnings

Hart’s first foray into stand-up comedy occurred at The Laff House, a comedy club in Philadelphia, under the stage name "Lil Kev." However, his debut performance did not go as planned, as it was poorly received. His early career was rocky, marked by multiple instances of being booed offstage—once even having a piece of chicken thrown at him.

Determined to succeed, Hart began competing in comedy contests across Massachusetts, gradually winning over audiences. As he gained more experience, Hart moved away from mimicking established comedians like Chris Tucker and instead embraced his own comedic voice. Drawing inspiration from his personal experiences and insecurities, he developed a relatable and self-reflective style that resonated with audiences. Reflecting on his craft, Hart once said, “My life is an open book, and right now, it’s a book that’s still being written.”

Comedy Tours and Digital Ventures

Kevin Hart launched his comedy touring career in 2009 with the performance I’m a Grown Little Man. This was followed by Seriously Funny in 2010, Laugh at My Pain in 2011, and Let Me Explain in 2013. The latter two were so successful that they were adapted into feature films and released in theaters. The Laugh at My Pain tour alone earned over $15 million, making it one of the most profitable comedy tours of the year.

Hart expanded his reach to digital platforms with the release of his mobile game app, Little Jumpman, available on iTunes. The app connects seamlessly with his social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Many of Hart’s international fans initially discovered him through his YouTube channel, further boosting his global popularity.

In 2015, Hart embarked on his What Now? Tour, a world-spanning comedy event that began on April 9 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio and concluded on August 7, 2016, at the Columbus Civic Center in Georgia. During this tour, Hart performed in front of 53,000 fans at Lincoln Financial Field in his hometown of Philadelphia, an event that was filmed and later released as Kevin Hart: What Now?, a stand-up comedy movie. Universal Pictures premiered the film in theaters on October 14, 2016.

Film and Television Career

Kevin Hart made his television debut with a guest appearance in the sitcom Undeclared (2002) and soon after stepped into the film industry with his role in Paper Soldiers the same year. Over time, he secured roles in popular films such as the Scary Movie franchise, Soul Plane, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Death at a Funeral, and Little Fockers.

In 2008, Hart declined a role in the film Tropic Thunder due to the character's sexuality, citing personal insecurities at the time. However, this did not hinder his rising career. He played Doug in The Five-Year Engagement (2012) and was part of the ensemble cast of Think Like a Man, a box office hit that later spawned a sequel. Hart also made a memorable cameo as himself in This Is the End and took on a unique role as a boxing promoter in Grudge Match (2013). Other appearances included Exit Strategy and 35 and Ticking.

Hart’s stardom reached new heights in 2014 when he starred opposite Ice Cube in Ride Along. While critics offered mixed reviews, the film became a major box office success, solidifying Hart’s reputation as a leading comedic actor. He reprised his role in the sequel, Ride Along 2, which premiered in 2016 and enjoyed similar commercial success.

Television and Production Ventures

In 2013, Kevin Hart teamed up with Chris Spencer to co-create the comedy series Real Husbands of Hollywood. The show features Hart and other celebrity friends, including Boris Kodjoe, Nelly, Duane Martin, J.B. Smoove, Nick Cannon, and Robin Thicke, each playing exaggerated, fictionalized versions of themselves. While Robin Thicke left the series after its first season to focus on his music career, Hart has kept the possibility of his return open.

Filmed in a mockumentary style akin to Bravo’s The Real Housewives, the series humorously portrays Hart’s character as a desperate Hollywood underdog, scheming to climb the celebrity social ladder. His attempts invariably result in hilarious and embarrassing failures, often exposing his envy of his more successful friends. A preview of the show aired during the 2012 BET Awards, with the full promotional rollout following in October 2012.

Film Career Milestones

Hart continued to solidify his presence in Hollywood with standout roles in 2015’s Get Hard, alongside Will Ferrell, and The Wedding Ringer. In 2016, he starred in two major films: the action-comedy Central Intelligence, co-starring Dwayne Johnson, and the animated hit The Secret Life of Pets, where Hart lent his voice to the character Snowball.

The following year saw Hart further expand his acting range. He voiced a character in Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie and appeared in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, reuniting with Dwayne Johnson and starring alongside Jack Black and Karen Gillan. By 2017, Hart’s earnings reached an impressive $32.5 million, showcasing his commercial success and industry influence.

HartBeat Productions and Beyond

In 2018, Hart took on the role of producer with the release of Night School, his first film under the banner of his production company, HartBeat Productions. That same year, Hart’s company inked a first-look deal with Nickelodeon, focusing on creating live-action, scripted content aimed at younger audiences. HartBeat Productions also entered into a first-look film agreement with Universal Studios, further solidifying Hart’s footprint as a multi-talented force in the entertainment industry.

Film and Streaming Successes

In 2019, Kevin Hart headlined his first drama film, The Upside, which also featured Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman. The movie marked a shift in Hart’s career, showcasing his ability to deliver a heartfelt performance in a non-comedic role. That same year, he reprised his popular roles as Snowball in The Secret Life of Pets 2 and Franklin “Mouse” Finbar in Jumanji: The Next Level.

In 2021, Hart took on another dramatic role in Fatherhood, a touching story about a widowed father navigating the challenges of raising his daughter alone. The film premiered on Netflix on June 18, 2021, earning praise for Hart’s emotional depth in the role.

Comedy Ventures and Partnerships

In June 2020, the second season of Hart’s comedy series under his Laugh Out Loud brand premiered on The Roku Channel. Hart not only returned as the lead but also served as an executive producer, with Jeff Clanagan, the CEO of Laugh Out Loud and Hart’s long-time business partner, producing the project.

In July 2020, Hart’s action-comedy series Die Hart debuted on Quibi. The show enjoyed a strong launch, with Hart once again proving his versatility as both actor and executive producer.

Hart further strengthened his partnership with Netflix by signing a first-look deal in January 2021. Later that year, he played Arnold Drummond in a live rendition of Diff’rent Strokes as part of Live in Front of a Studio Audience.

Recent Roles and Projects

In 2022, Hart starred alongside Mark Wahlberg in the comedy Me Time, which tells the story of Sonny (played by Hart) as he embarks on an adventurous weekend with his friend after finally getting some much-needed free time.

Continuing his collaboration with Netflix, Hart took the lead in the January 2024 comedy heist film Lift, directed by F. Gary Gray. In this thrilling caper, Hart starred alongside Úrsula Corberó (of Money Heist fame) and Vincent D’Onofrio as a skilled master thief.

In February 2024, Hart appeared in season eleven of The Masked Singer as the character “Book.” In a lighthearted twist, he unmasked himself during the premiere episode, pulling off a prank on the show’s host, Nick Cannon.

Upcoming Projects

In 2019, Kevin Hart signed on to both star in and produce the film Monopoly, a project inspired by the popular board game. As of June 2023, the film is still in development, with Hart attached to lead the cast.

Laugh Out Loud Productions

In 2017, Hart launched Laugh Out Loud (LOL), a global media and production company aimed at providing a platform for top comedic talent from all ethnic backgrounds. Originally a partnership with Lionsgate, Hart became the majority owner in 2019, after purchasing most of Lionsgate's stake in the company.

LOL encompasses a wide range of media platforms, including digital, audio, linear, and experiential content. It is divided into four primary divisions: LOL Network, LOL Studios, LOL Audio, and LOL X.

Since its inception, Hart has rapidly expanded LOL’s presence, securing key partnerships with platforms such as PlutoTV, Roku, Snap, Facebook, Peacock, and YouTube. In 2020, he further extended LOL's collaboration with Sirius XM. The company has garnered multiple nominations and awards from prestigious organizations, including the Producers Guild of America, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and the Webby Awards.

Known for hit content like Cold As Balls, What the Fit, and Die Hart, LOL has amassed over 1 billion video views across its digital platforms. It has also partnered with major brands such as AT&T, Headspace, Lyft, Old Spice, P&G, and Viacom.

In April 2022, LOL merged with Hart's other production company, Hartbeat Productions, to form Hartbeat. The new entity includes Hartbeat Studios, Hartbeat Media, and Hartbeat Pulse, further consolidating Hart’s entertainment empire.

Hosting Career

Alongside his acting and producing work, Hart has also made his mark as a host. His hosting career began in 2011 when he hosted the BET Awards. He later hosted the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, after his friend Judd Apatow recommended him for the job. Hart hoped this would help him expand his career into hosting larger events, stating his ambitions to eventually host the Emmys and Oscars.

From 2013 to 2015, Hart hosted three episodes of Saturday Night Live. In 2015, he took on a new hosting role at the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber, followed by co-hosting the 2016 MTV Movie Awards with Dwayne Johnson.

In September 2018, Hart co-hosted HQ Trivia alongside Scott Rogowsky, where they gave away $100,000 to one lucky winner.

Hosting Controversy and Career Developments

In December 2018, Kevin Hart was announced as the host for the 2019 Academy Awards. However, just two days later, he stepped down from the role following backlash over homophobic tweets he had made in 2010 and 2011. Hart described the criticism as unproductive and stated that if people didn’t believe in personal growth and change, there wasn’t much he could do. On December 7, 2018, he publicly apologized to the LGBTQ community after receiving criticism for not issuing an apology sooner.

Despite the controversy, Hart reconsidered his decision to withdraw after receiving support from openly lesbian comedian Ellen DeGeneres. DeGeneres reached out to the Academy, who reportedly confirmed that Hart could return as host if he chose to do so. However, after further backlash over the perceived insincerity of his apology, Hart officially confirmed on January 8, 2019, that he would not be hosting the ceremony. The Oscars proceeded without a host that year.

New Hosting Roles and Projects

In September 2020, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) announced that Hart would take over hosting duties for their annual telethon, a role previously held by comedian Jerry Lewis from 1966 to 2010. The telethon, now called The MDA Kevin Hart Kids Telethon, aired on October 24, 2020, and was exclusively available through social media platforms, marking a modern, digital shift for the iconic event.

In 2024, Hart hosted The Roast of Tom Brady for Netflix, showcasing his ongoing role as a sought-after host for high-profile events.

Music Career

Kevin Hart, under the stage name Chocolate Droppa, ventured into music with a deal signed to Motown Records. He released Kevin Hart: What Now? (The Mixtape Presents Chocolate Droppa), a soundtrack to his stand-up comedy film of the same title. The mixtape featured singles such as "Push It On Me" featuring Trey Songz and "Baller Alert" with Migos and T.I.

Modeling

In 2017, Hart teamed up with Tommy John for a high-profile underwear commercial featured in Macy's, expanding his brand presence beyond comedy and film.

Hart House

In August 2022, Hart launched Hart House, a vegan restaurant aimed at providing plant-based alternatives to fast food. Located near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the eatery offered a straightforward menu, featuring veggie burgers and Chick'n products, all made without cholesterol, antibiotics, hormones, artificial colors, preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, or trans fats. This venture reflected Hart's personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle.

The restaurant expanded with additional locations in Monrovia, California, in November 2022, Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood in May 2023, and near the University of Southern California in June 2023. However, all four locations closed in September 2024.

Influences

Hart has often expressed admiration for a variety of comedic icons, including George Carlin, Dave Chappelle, Eddie Murphy, Bill Cosby, Patrice O'Neal, Richard Pryor, Keith Robinson, Chris Rock, and Jerry Seinfeld, who have all shaped his comedic style and career.

Personal Life

Hart married Torrei Skipper in 2003, but the couple filed for divorce in 2010, which was finalized in November 2011. They have two children, a daughter born in 2005 and a son born in 2007.

In 2014, Hart became engaged to Eniko Parrish, and they married in Santa Barbara, California, in 2016. The couple has two children, a son born in 2017 and a daughter born in 2020. Hart openly admitted to cheating on Eniko during her pregnancy with their first child, but the couple reconciled.

Hart is an avid poker player and has participated in major tournaments, including the World Series of Poker, where he earned nearly $5,000 in 2014. In 2017, he became a Brand Ambassador for PokerStars and appeared in promotional campaigns with Usain Bolt. As of September 2020, Hart had earned over $47,000 in live tournament cashes.

Hart is also a committed Christian and has openly shared his faith with his fans.

Injuries

On September 1, 2019, Kevin Hart was involved in a serious car accident when he was a passenger in a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda. The car veered off Mulholland Highway and rolled down an embankment near Calabasas, California. Both Hart and the driver sustained significant back injuries and were rushed to separate hospitals. Hart was discharged 10 days later and continued his recovery at a rehabilitation center.

On August 23, 2023, Hart participated in a 40-yard race with former NFL running back Stevan Ridley. During the race, Hart tore his lower abductors, which affected his abdomen. He required the use of a wheelchair during his recovery and later admitted he had been reckless, humorously referring to himself as the "dumbest man alive" and emphasizing that the reality of turning 40 had hit him hard. He also advised others not to attempt such a race at his age.

Legal Issues

On April 14, 2013, Hart was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after nearly colliding with a tanker truck on a Southern California freeway. He failed a field sobriety test and was booked on misdemeanor DUI charges. On August 5 of the same year, Hart pleaded no contest to one count of driving under the influence of alcohol. He was subsequently sentenced to three years of probation.

KEVIN HART'S FILMS

Here’s a list of Kevin Hart's films

KEVIN HART'S TELEVISION APPEARANCES

Here’s a list of Kevin Hart's television appearances

KEVIN HART'S SONGS APPEARANCES

Here’s a list of Kevin Hart’s song appearances:

KEVIN HART'S AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

Here’s a list of Kevin Hart’s awards and nominations:

Source:Wikipedia