Mary Lee Harvey is widely known as the ex-wife of American television host, actor and comedian Steve Harvey. But there is much more to her life than just being Steve’s ex.
In this article we take a look at Mary’s life and career, including her early years, her marriage to Steve Harvey and subsequent divorce, as well as her work as a makeup artist and author.
Early Life and Career
Mary Lee Vaughn, born on October 20, 1960, in Arlington, Texas, has a captivating life story that transcends her roots in a large family. In a candid YouTube interview, Mary revealed that she is one of 10 children, highlighting the vibrant dynamics of her upbringing. Her American citizenship aligns with her birth in the United States, and she proudly carries an African American heritage.
Delving into her educational history, Mary, known as the former spouse of a prominent figure, attended Delhi High School. Her parents, who played integral roles in her formative years, pursued professions outside the home—her mother dedicated herself to education, while her father was a skilled house builder. Completing her high school education in her hometown, Mary furthered her academic journey at Jackson State College.
Post-graduation, Mary embarked on a career as a makeup artist, showcasing her talents and earning acclaim in the entertainment industry. Her prowess opened doors to collaborations with high-profile clients. Notably, it was within the realm of makeup artistry that Mary crossed paths with her future husband, the renowned Steve Harvey.
Marriage to Steve Harvey
Mary and Steve Harvey had known each other for over a decade before they got married. They had an intimate wedding on June 21, 1996, with just close relatives and friends in attendance. Wynton, a son, was born to the couple in 1997 and is their only child.
He has tens of thousands of Instagram followers and is quickly becoming a social media sensation. Also, in 2020, Mary’s son Wynton completed his studies in fine art at Savannah College of Art and Design. Mary encouraged Steve to pursue his dreams of being a stand-up comedian and TV personality.
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Their marriage, however, was not trouble-free. Steve divorced Mary in 2005, claiming that they could never get along again. Later that year, they formalized their divorce, and Steve was awarded custody of their child.
Subsequent Career and Life
Mary currently resides in the U.S. state of California. Since Mary’s divorce from Steve, she has kept a low profile, so we don’t know much about her current career or what she does for a job. We hope for the best for her and respect her privacy as we do so.
Filed a Case Against Steve Demanding $60 Million
Mary Lee Harvey filed a lawsuit against Steve Harvey in May 2007, which she later increased to a $60 million lawsuit. Mary alleged that Steve cheated on her with his current wife, Marjorie Bridges, while they were still married.
In response to the allegations, Steve denied all of his ex-wife’s accusations, claiming the allegations were false and malicious. He argued that Mary had previously agreed to a settlement that included a confidentiality order, which she had violated. According to Steve, Mary’s allegations were merely an attempt to extort money from him.
In the end, the court dismissed the case on the grounds that the allegations were unfounded and that Mary could not provide any evidence to support her claims. The judge also ruled that the gag order from the earlier settlement agreement remains in effect.
Steve Harvey’s Ex Mary Lee Harvey also spent a month in Jail
In 2013, Mary Lee Harvey was arrested and sent to jail for contempt of court. She had violated the gag order from the previous settlement agreement by granting an interview to a media outlet about her ex-husband. The court found her guilty of the charge and sentenced her to 30 days in jail.
After her release, Mary claimed that she had been unfairly targeted and that the punishment was excessive. She also accused Steve of orchestrating the arrest as revenge for her previous accusations. Steve denied the accusations, stating that he had nothing to do with Mary’s arrest.
Steve Harvey Married Third Wife Marjorie Harvey
Steve Harvey moved on from his marriage with Mary Lee Harvey and married Marjorie Bridges in 2007, shortly after his divorce from Mary was finalized. Marjorie was Steve’s long-time friend and was rumored to have been the cause of the end of his marriage to Mary.
However, Steve has denied the rumors, stating that his relationship with Marjorie started only after his divorce was finalized. Steve and Marjorie have been together for over a decade and have faced their share of controversies. In 2018, Marjorie was accused of being a former drug dealer by her ex-husband, Jim Townsend.
However, the accusations were never substantiated, and Marjorie denied the allegations.
Mary Lee Harvey’s Net Worth in 2023
In 2023, Mary Lee Harvey’s net worth is anticipated to reach close to $500,000. She had a brief career as a makeup artist and novelist, but her marriage to Steve Harvey is what most remember her for.
Steve Harvey, on the other hand, is thought to have a net worth of almost $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest TV program hosts in the world.
Where is Mary Lee Harvey Now?
Mary Lee Harvey currently lives in California, United States, and has largely stayed out of the public eye since her divorce from Steve Harvey.
While she had previously made headlines for her accusations against her ex-husband, she has since remained relatively quiet. It is not clear if she is currently involved in any professional pursuits.
Conclusion
Mary Lee Harvey may be best known as Steve Harvey’s ex-wife, but she is much more than that. She is a talented makeup artist, author, and mental health advocate. Despite the challenges she has faced, Mary has remained resilient and continues to inspire others with her story.
Her work serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health issues and the power of perseverance and determination in overcoming adversity.
