Kevin Hart: Top 10 Facts You Need to Know

Kevin Hart’s ascent to Hollywood stardom has been amazing to witness. Hart has been through hell and back during his journey from a somewhat popular comedian to one of the most popular actors starring in quality comedy films today.

If you’ve seen Ride Along or even any of Kevin Hart’s previous stand-up specials, then you know just how much of a joy seeing him on the little/big screen is. If you’re interested in the backstory sorrounding Kevin Hart and his career, then make sure you pay attention to all the info we’re about to bless you with.

Here’s the top 10 facts you need to know about one of funniest men alive, Kevin Hart!

1. Kevin Hart Was Primarily Raised By a Single Mother

Kevin Hart’s mother Nancy Hart (center).

Kevin Hart (birth date: July 6, 1979) was born and raised during his early childhood years in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother, Nancy Hart, raised him alongside Kevin’s older brother Robert Hart. As for Kevin Hart’s father Henry, he was in and out of Kevin’s life due to his addiction to cocaine and his many stints in jail.

In 2006, Nancy Hart lost her life due to cancer. Kevin copes with the pain of losing his mother by incorporating her into his stand-up routine. Kevin has also repaired his relationship with his father now that Henry has successfully recovered from his drug addiction.

2. He’s Lived in Three Separate States

Kevin Hart’s early years took place entirely in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (he went to George Washington High School in Northeast Philadelphia). Hart made his way over to New York City for community college and graduated two years after attending. And finally, Hart found himself in Brockton, Massachusetts working as a shoe salesman. After performing at an amateur night at a club in Philadelphia, Kevin began taking his career as a stand-up comedian more seriously.

3. His 1st Official Stand-Up Gig Took Place at The Laff House in Philadelphia

Kevin’s start as a stand-up comedian didn’t start off so well (he once got a piece of fried chicken thrown his way during a performance). His fortunes began to change as soon as he improved his act through comedy competitions throughout Massachusetts. Hart’s first official stand-up gig took place at the famous Laff House in Philadelphia under the moniker “Lil’ Kev.”

You can watch Kevin’s 1st offical gig in the video above.

4. His Comedy Inspirations Are Tied to Several Prominent Black Comedians

Kevin Hart’s early attempts at stand-up comedy were based off of the mannerisms and rhythm of Chris Tucker. As time went on, Hart found his own style and took inspiration for his career from other black comedians such as Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle and Eddie Murphy.

The video above shows Kevin Hart mentioning the greatest comedian he’s ever seen.

5. His Stand-Up TV and Movie Specials Have Been Hugely Successfully

Hart’s major comedy tours (I’m A Grown Little Man in 2009, Seriously Funny in 2010, Laugh At My Pain in 2011 and Let Me Explain in 2013) have either been featured on TV or movie theaters. Currently, Laugh At My Pain has grossed over $15-million and been ranked as one of 2013’s top-selling comedy tours. The cinematic version of the film showcased Kevin’s stand-up routine in front of a sold-out crowd at the Nokia Theater at L.A. Live in Los Angeles.

6. He Has a Mobile App

Kevin Hart’s success and worldwide fame has been so monumental that he even has his own mobile app. The Little Jumpman app also supplies direct links to Hart’s official Facebook fan page, Twitter account and YouTube channel so fans can get even more acquainted with his comedy and his personal life.

7. A 30-Minute Pilot is Being Produced by ABC on Hart’s Comedy

Major plans are currently being planned for Kevin Hart’s personal TV career. He currently has the lead role on the BET comedy series Real Husbands of Hollywood, but another sitcom is being planned for Hart. Back in October 2013, it was reported that ABC was in the process of producing a 30-minute TV pilot that’s based on Hart’s stand-up comedy. Kevin Hart himself won’t be starring on the show as its main star, but he’s is said to be featured on the show in a recurring role as time goes on.

8. He’s Been All Over TV With a Variety on Onscreen Roles

Along with his main role on The Real Husbands of Hollywood, Kevin Hart has starred on a variety of TV shows throughout his career. The list below shows some of the bigger and little known TV roles that Hart took before his big break in Hollywood:

• Luke in Undeclared (2002)
• Kevin in The Big House (2004)
• Kevin in Help Me Help You (2006)
• Greg in All of Us (2007)
• Dro Grizzle in Party Down (2009)

9. His Most Recent Movie Role Was Alongside Ice Cube

Kevin Hart was featured in a buddy cop comedy drama alongside rapper/movie star/film producer Ice Cube at the start of 2014. Ride Along current domestic gross earnings come in at $133,983,545, its foreign gross total came in at $15,171,738 and its worldwide total earning came in at $149,155,283.

10. He’s Making His Way Into Several Future Movie Projects

Due to the overwhelming financial success of Ride Along, Ride Along 2 has already been announced for a future release in 2016. Kevin will also be starring in several upcoming films in 2014, 2015 and 2016:

• Think Like A Man Too (2014)
• The Wedding Ringer (2015)
• Get Hard (2015)
• Captain Underpants (2016)