Kevin Hart
| Kevin Hart | |
|---|---|
 Hart attends the Sydney premiere of Ride Along in March 2014. | |
| Born |
Kevin Darnell Hart[1] July 6, 1979 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Occupation | Actor, comedian, writer, producer |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)[2] |
| Spouse(s) | Torrei Hart (m. 2003–11) |
| Children | 3 |
|
Comedy career | |
| Medium | Stand-up, film, television |
| Genres | Observational comedy, black humor, surreal humor, satire, self-deprecation |
| Subject(s) | African-American culture, American politics, current events, everyday life, human sexuality, marriage, parenting, pop culture, race relations, racism, self-deprecation |
| Influences | Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle[3] |
| Notable works and roles |
Real Husbands of Hollywood Think Like a Man Ride Along About Last Night |
| Website | KevinHartNation.com |
Kevin Darnell Hart (born July 6, [4] 1979)[5] is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hart began his career by winning several amateur comedy competitions at clubs throughout New England, culminating in his first real break in 2000 when he was cast by Judd Apatow for a recurring role on the TV series Undeclared. The series lasted only one season, but he soon landed other roles in movies like Paper Soldiers (2002), Scary Movie 3 (2003), Soul Plane (2004), and Little Fockers (2010).
Hart's comedic reputation continued to grow with the release of his first stand-up album I'm a Grown Little Man (2008), and performances in the films Think Like a Man (2012), Grudge Match (2013), Ride Along (2014), and About Last Night (2014). He also released two more comedy albums, Seriously Funny in 2010 and Laugh at My Pain in 2011. He currently stars as himself in the lead role of Real Husbands of Hollywood.[6]
Early life
Kevin Hart was born on July 6, 1979 in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised by his single mother, Nancy Hart, and has one older brother, Robert. His father, Henry Robert Witherspoon, a cocaine addict, was in and out of jail throughout most of Kevin's childhood. Kevin used his natural ability to make people laugh as a coping mechanism to deal with his family struggles and to stay out of trouble.[7][8]
After attending George Washington High School in Northeast Philadelphia and Temple University for roughly two years, he moved to New York City to attend community college,[9] graduating two years later. He then moved to Brockton, Massachusetts, and found work as a shoe salesman. He began pursuing a career in stand-up comedy after performing at an amateur night at a club in Philadelphia.[10]
Career
Stand-up
Hart's first gig was at The Laff House in Philadelphia under the name of Lil Kev, which did not go well.[5] His career suffered a slow start, as he was booed off stage several times, once even having a piece of chicken thrown at him.[3] After those initial unsuccessful shows, Hart began entering comedy competitions throughout Massachusetts, and his fortunes soon turned for the better.[9]
It took time for Hart to develop a unique comedic style. After an early period of attempting to imitate comedians like Chris Tucker, he found his own rhythm by delving into his insecurities and life experiences. "Because of what I do, it has to be an open book," he has said. "But right now this is a book that is being written."[3]
Hart has cited fellow Philadelphian Bill Cosby as a personally significant comedic influence.[3] "When you talk about your flaws, people gravitate towards you," Hart said in an interview with Rolling Stone magazine. "I'm just not that manly man." This humility may be somewhat attributed to his short stature, since he is only five feet, four inches tall.[11]
Hart's comedy tours began in 2009 with his act titled "I'm a Grown Little Man," followed by "Seriously Funny" in 2010, "Laugh At My Pain" in 2011, and most recently, his TV special titled "Let Me Explain" in 2013.[5] Hart grossed over $15 million from "Laugh At My Pain," making it one of the year's top-selling comedy tours.[7] Hart also has a game available through iTunes called "Little Jumpman." His Facebook page, Twitter account, and YouTube channel are all connected to and accessible through this app.[10] Most overseas fans of Hart discovered him on YouTube, as well.[12]
It was announced in October 2013 that ABC will be making a 30-minute pilot based on Hart's stand-up act. Hart does not plan to star in the sitcom, but does plan on having a recurring role.[13]
Film and television roles
Hart came to prominence from his guest appearance in Undeclared. He made his film debut in the film Paper Soldiers. Hart then came to prominence from his other films such as the Scary Movie franchise, Soul Plane, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Death at a Funeral, and Little Fockers.
He played Doug in the film The Five-Year Engagement (2012) and appeared in Think Like a Man which was a box office success. He also appeared in the sequel. He had a cameo as himself in This Is the End. In 2013, Hart played a boxing promoter in Grudge Match and appeared in Exit Strategy as Mannequin Head Man. He also appeared in 35 and Ticking.
On July 11, 2012 Hart was cast in Ride Along were played a character named Ben.[14] The film received generally negative reviews from critics but it was a box office success.[15][16] On April 23, 2013, it announced that there would be a sequel to the film.[17] The film is scheduled for a release on January 15, 2016.[18]
In 2013, Hart co-created Real Husbands of Hollywood with Chris Spencer. The show follows Hart along with other married celebrities (each playing a comical fictionalized version of themselves) within the series including: Boris Kodjoe, Nelly, Duane Martin, J.B. Smoove, Nick Cannon, and Robin Thicke. Thicke didn't return for the second season due to his music career, though Hart has stated that the door is open for Thicke to return.[19] The series is intentionally filmed in a style similar to Bravo's The Real Housewives. Episodes often hinge on the "real" Kevin Hart's desperately unsuccessful attempts to climb Hollywood's celebrity social ladder (which always backfire in humiliating ways), and the character's barely-hidden jealousy of his more successful celebrity friends. A sneak peek was shown as a segment during the 2012 BET Awards and the official promo was released in October 2012.[20] And in 2015 Hart starred in a film 'Get Hard' with Will Ferrel.
In addition to acting, Hart has also hosted various ceremonies. Hart first hosted the 2011 BET Awards.[21] Hart then hosted the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards.[22] His longtime friend Judd Apatow, the director who gave him his first big on-screen break in the TV series Undeclared, was the one who recommended him for the gig.[11] Hart hopes that this will project him further into a side career as an emcee, stating, "Hopefully after MTV, of course we’re talking Emmys, Oscars, whatever."[5] He has hosted two episodes of Saturday Night Live.[23][24] In 2015, Hart hosted the Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber.[25]
Personal life
Kevin and Torrei Hart filed for divorce in February 2010, citing irreconcilable differences. Hart requested joint custody[26] of their two children, daughter Heaven and son Hendrix.[27] The divorce was finalized in November 2011.[28]
Hart's relationship with his father improved after the latter recovered from his addiction. Hart said, "My dad said I was supposed to be on drugs. I was like, 'Dad, shut up,' but then I thought about it, and it was stupid, but it made sense. He was saying that basically he was my example to never go down that road."[5]
Hart also talks about his mother in his stand-up routine, portraying her as a loving, yet intimidating woman. She died from cancer in 2007.[5][29]
As of August 2014, Hart is engaged to model Eniko Parrish.[30]
Arrest
On April 14, 2013, Hart was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after his black Mercedes nearly collided with a tanker truck on a Southern California freeway. Hart failed a field sobriety test and was booked for misdemeanor DUI.[31] On August 5, 2013, Hart was sentenced to three years’ probation after pleading no contest to one count of driving under the influence of alcohol.[32]
Filmography
| Film | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 2002 | Paper Soldiers | Shawn | |
| 2003 | Scary Movie 3 | CJ | |
| Death of a Dynasty | P-Diddy / Cop 1 / Dance Coach / Hyper Rapper / H. Lector | ||
| 2004 | Along Came Polly | Vic | |
| Soul Plane | Nashawn Wade | ||
| 2005 | The 40-Year-Old Virgin | Smart Tech Customer | |
| In The Mix | Busta | ||
| 2006 | Scary Movie 4 | CJ | |
| The Last Stand | F Stop/G Spot | ||
| 2007 | Epic Movie | Silas | |
| 2008 | Fool's Gold | Bigg Bunny | |
| Superhero Movie | Trey | ||
| Extreme Movie | Barry | ||
| Meet Dave | Number 17 | ||
| Drillbit Taylor | Pawn Shop Dealer | ||
| 2009 | Not Easily Broken | Tree | |
| 2010 | Something Like a Business | JoJo | |
| Death at a Funeral | Brian | ||
| Little Fockers | Nurse Louis | ||
| 2011 | 35 and Ticking | Cleavon | |
| Let Go | Kris Styles | ||
| Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain | Himself | Stand-up film | |
| 2012 | The Five-Year Engagement | Doug | |
| Think Like a Man | Cedric | ||
| Exit Strategy | Mannequin Head Man | ||
| 2013 | Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain | Himself | Stand-up film |
| This Is the End | Kevin Hart | ||
| Grudge Match | Dante Slate, Jr. | ||
| 2014 | Ride Along | Ben Barber | |
| About Last Night | Bernie | ||
| Think Like a Man Too | Cedric | ||
| School Dance | OG Pretty Lil' Thug | Uncredited role | |
| Top Five | Charles | ||
| 2015 | The Wedding Ringer | Jimmy | |
| Get Hard | Darnell Lewis | ||
| 2016 | Ride Along 2 | Ben Barber | Filming |
| The Secret Life of Pets | Snowball (voice) | Filming | |
| Central Intelligence | Filming | ||
| Television | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Show | Role | Notes | |
| 2002–2003 | Undeclared | Luke | 3 episodes | |
| 2004 | The Big House | Kevin | 5 episodes | |
| Comedy Central Presents | Himself | Stand-up special | ||
| 2005 | Barbershop | James Ricky | 3 episodes | |
| 2005–2006 | Jake In Progress | Nugget Dawson | 2 episodes | |
| 2006 | Love, Inc. | James | 2 episodes | |
| Help Me Help You | Kevin | Episode: "Raging Bill" | ||
| 2007 | All of Us | Greg | Episode: "The B-R-E-A-K-U-P" | |
| Wild 'n Out | Various | 21 episodes | ||
| 2009 | Party Down | Dro Grizzle | Episode: "Taylor Stiltskin Sweet Sixteen" | |
| Kröd Mändoon and The Flaming Sword of Fire | Zezelryck | 6 episodes | ||
| Kevin Hart: I'm a Grown Little Man | Himself | Stand-up special | ||
| 2010 | Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny | Himself | Stand-up special | |
| Cubed | Security Guard | Episode: "2.10" | ||
| 2011–2012 | Modern Family | Andre | 2 episodes | |
| 2011 | BET Awards 2011 | Host | TV special | |
| 2012 | Workaholics | Kevin | Episode: "To Kill a Chupacabraj" | |
| 2012 MTV Video Music Awards | Host | TV special | ||
| 2013–present | Real Husbands of Hollywood | Himself | Also co-creator, writer, executive producer | |
| 2013 | Second Generation Wayans | Himself | Episode: "The Arrival" | |
| 2013–2015 | Saturday Night Live | Host | 2 episodes | |
| 2015 | Comedy Central Roast of Justin Bieber | Host | TV special | |
Awards and nominations
References
- ↑ "02/13/07, Deaths - Almanac, Vol. 53, No. 22". Upenn.edu. Retrieved 2015-03-21.
- ↑ Bricker, Tierney (January 11, 2015). "Kevin Hart Is 5'4" at the Golden Globes, but Is Still Shorter Than His Fiancée and Ryan Seacrest!". ca.eonline.com. Retrieved April 8, 2015.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Gomez, Luis (October 18, 2012). "Interview: Kevin Hart not shy about past flubs". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ↑ "I appreciate all of the B Day love people but my B Day isn't until July 6th". Twitter. July 3, 2013.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Itzkoff, Dave (October 18, 2012). "Life Sends Lemons? Make Comedy". The New York Times. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
Mr. Hart, 33 [as of October 18, 2012, after his birthday]...
- ↑ Cummings, Jozen. "Career Breakdown: Kevin Hart's Long, Complicated, Hit-and-Miss-and-Hit-Again Path to Stardom". Grantland. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Pullen, Doug (October 18, 2012). "Kevin who? Comedian Kevin Hart's soaring career emerges from under the radar". El Paso Times. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/02/arts/television/kevin-hart-learns-to-tell-the-truth.html?pagewanted=all
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Johnson, Keosha. "TheGrio's 100: Kevin Hart, Philly comedian sees the humor in life experiences". NBC. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "About Kevin Hart". Comedy Central. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Weiner, Jonah (May 31, 2012). "VMA 2012 Host Kevin Hart Is Judd Apatow's Favorite Vertically Challenged Comic". Rolling Stone (Rolling Stone's Big Issue). Retrieved October 19, 2012.
Hart, a 33-year-old [as of May 31, 2012, before his birthday]...
- ↑ Claudia Puig (July 2, 2013). "Kevin Hart's 'Let Me Explain' is too heavy on the 'me'". USA Today. Retrieved July 4, 2013.
- ↑ Lacey Rose (October 7, 2013). "Kevin Hart Comedy Snapped Up by ABC". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 7, 2013.
- ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (July 11, 2012). "‘Ride Along’ Detours To Universal As Kevin Hart And Ice Cube Vehicle". Deadline. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
- ↑ "Ride Along". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved October 26, 2014.
- ↑ "Weekend Box Office Results for January 17-20, 2014". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2014-02-19.
- ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (April 23, 2013). "Sequels On Tap For ‘The Heat’ And ‘Ride Along’". deadline.com. Retrieved April 19, 2014.
- ↑ Kroll, Justin (13 March 2014). "‘Ride Along 2′ to Bow on Martin Luther King Weekend 2016". variety.com. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
- ↑ "Kevin Hart Explains Why Robin Thicke Left ‘Real Husbands’ - Black America Web". Black America Web.
- ↑ Berkshire, Geoff. "BET's 'Real Husbands of Hollywood' with Nick Cannon, 'Second Generation Wayans' get January premieres". zap2it. Retrieved January 2, 2013.
- ↑ Bark, Theo (June 8, 2011). "Patti LaBelle to Receive BET's Lifetime Achievement Award". The Boombox. AOL. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
- ↑ Montgomery, James (15 May 2012). "2012 Video Music Awards To Take Over Staples Center Show will air live from Los Angeles on Thursday, September 6, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.". MTV News. Retrieved 2012-05-15.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 3, 2013). "'Saturday Night Live' With Kevin Hart and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Up From Last New Episode". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 3, 2013.
- ↑ Kondolojy, Amanda (January 18, 2015). "'Saturday Night Live' With Host Kevin Hart and Musical Guest Sia Flat With Last Original". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
- ↑ Marianne Zumberge (March 5, 2015). "Comedy Central’s Justin Bieber Roasters to Include Snoop Dogg, Martha Stewart". Variety. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
- ↑ "Kevin Hart Divorce: Talks Split On 'The Rosie Show'". HuffingtonPost.com. January 20, 2012. Retrieved October 22, 2012.
- ↑ Sangweni, Yolanda (February 3, 2014). "Photo Fab: Kevin Hart Takes Daughter to First Father-Daughter Dance". Essence. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
- ↑ "Kevin Hart: I'm Divorced, And Still Rich!". TMZ.com. March 22, 2013. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
- ↑ Landrum, Jonathan (2011-09-09). "Kevin Hart Pokes Fun at His Life in Standup Movie". Backstage. Retrieved 2015-03-21.
- ↑ Loinaz, Alexis L. (August 19, 2014). "Kevin Hart Is Engaged to Eniko Parrish – Watch the Sweet Proposal (video)". People. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
- ↑ "Drunken driving arrest a 'wake-up' call, comedian Kevin Hart says", CNN, April 15, 2013.
- ↑ "Comedian Kevin Hart Pleads No Contest To DUI". CBS Los Angeles. August 5, 2013.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kevin Hart. |
- Kevin Hart at the Internet Movie Database
- Kevin Hart on Twitter