The Tragic True-Life Story Of Kevin Hart

Reflecting on Kevin Hart‘s extraordinary journey, one cannot help but marvel at the resilience and determination that has propelled him through a myriad of challenges and triumphs. From navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood to braving the stormy seas of Venice, his life story is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride that showcases a spirit undeterred by adversity.

Among the cheerful Hollywood stars, Kevin Hart is likely one of the initial ones that pop into your head. Regardless of whether it’s a talk show appearance, promoting his latest movie, or delivering stand-up comedy, Hart usually sports a wide grin and brimming with enthusiasm. Even his characters in movies are frequently outrageously funny, from CJ in “Scary Movie 3” (2003) to Roland in “Borderlands” (2024), for which he received some criticism.

Prior to finding success as a stand-up comedian and actor, this Philadelphia-born humorist had a difficult upbringing. His childhood was marked by trauma due to a father who was addicted to drugs and largely neglectful. In the City of Brotherly Love, where he aspired to shine, initial acceptance was not forthcoming.

After achieving fame in the comedy industry, Kevin Hart faced numerous criticisms due to personal issues arising from his relationships and past tweets that resurfaced negatively. To add to these troubles, a severe car accident in 2019 brought him close to death. However, despite these hardships, Hart remains resilient, maintaining an optimistic attitude while expanding his work portfolio with over 100 credits, embarking on successful comedy tours, and striving to provide his four children with a better upbringing compared to his own childhood experiences.

He grew up in a rough Philly neighborhood

Similar to many large urban areas, Philadelphia is home to more than just popular attractions such as the Art Museum and Reading Terminal Market. It also includes challenging neighborhoods, which Kevin Hart, a native of North Philadelphia, is familiar with from personal experience.

In a chat on “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” podcast with Gillie Da King and Wallo267, Hart shared an enduring recollection from his childhood. This memory involved him and his mother, Nancy Hart, being held up at gunpoint as they exited a laundromat on Carlisle Street. A man requested that Nancy surrender the bag she was carrying, even though she stubbornly argued there was no valuable items inside.

In his own words, Hart expressed, “I’m just standing there, I’m watching, I don’t know what to do next. I can hardly believe it, I’m staring at a gun,” said he. The man grabbed it, searched through it. My mother had SEPTA tokens in there. The guy got angry, he threw them at my mom, calling her a ‘You broken b***.'” Hart shared with the hosts that he stayed away from that street for quite some time. However, in 2017, just a few months before Hart was due to host “Saturday Night Live,” he went back to his old neighborhood when a mural of him was painted on Max’s Steaks.

His father was addicted to drugs

Over the course of his extensive stand-up journey, Kevin Hart has consistently entertained audiences with hilarious anecdotes about his father, Henry Witherspoon. He often reminisces about instances like tossing him into a pool seven feet deep even though Hart couldn’t swim, pocketing his $20 birthday gift, and disappearing from his life for extended periods.

Despite the fact that Hart often jokes about these incidents during his performances, the underlying issue of Witherspoon’s addiction was extremely serious. As Hart explained to Variety in 2017, “He didn’t avoid any of it – jail, drugs, addictions, making our family life unbearable to the point where my mom didn’t want me and my brother near him.” However, Hart harbors no resentment towards Witherspoon. In fact, he is thankful for the experiences because they showed him what mistakes to avoid in his own life, particularly as a father.

Hart graciously pardoned Witherspoon and frequently extended invitations for him to enjoy precious moments with his four grandchildren before he departed on October 12, 2022, at the age of 73. “I find myself in a fortunate situation where I am able to share,” Hart told People. “I can say, ‘Here, father, here’s a home, a car, some money. Spend time with your grandkids. Strive to be an exceptional grandparent… The days that we didn’t spend together are the days lost, but I am at peace with that.

He struggled in his early days as a comedian

As a kid, Kevin Hart admired some of the biggest comedians from that time period, with Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, and Sinbad being among his greatest inspirations. However, it took him years of honing his skills (and enduring flying food) before he could reach the same level of success.

At the onset of his stand-up career, Hart wasn’t an immediate success in front of audiences. On “The Graham Norton Show,” he reminisced about one of his early performances – a crab festival – that didn’t go as planned. He recounted, “I recall a woman, an elderly lady, cracking crabs. I told a joke, and it fell flat. And then I remember this lady letting out a sigh, ‘Oh, no,'” said Hart. “I’d rather face boos than the disappointment in her voice. It was as if she had caught me making a mistake of monumental proportions.

At Hart’s initial performances, spectators showed their dissatisfaction in various ways. One individual tossed a chicken wing at Hart, while another launched a Lemonhead candy. Now, Hart comprehends why his immediate success wasn’t instantaneous. He needed to establish himself within the industry, which took some time. In an interview with Variety, he admitted, “I was attempting to emulate what I observed or what others were doing. It was all about finding the latest act or figuring out how I could incorporate music into my performances or make myself louder.

His ABC sitcom was abruptly canceled

Following much effort to establish a humorous persona amidst dodging assorted airborne snacks, Kevin Hart felt relieved when it appeared that his major break was on the horizon, taking shape as a 2004 ABC sitcom titled “The Big House.” In this series, Hart portrayed an over-the-top version of himself, who is compelled to relinquish his luxurious lifestyle and instead live with his hardworking aunt and uncle in Philadelphia, following the arrest of his father.

Despite ABC initially green-lighting “The Big House,” a project pitched by Hart, the series never got off the ground. In a throwback post on Facebook, Hart shared that he felt his career had reached new heights upon receiving approval for the show, but it was abruptly cancelled before filming began. This unexpected turn of events left him devastated and marked one of the lowest points in his professional journey. Later, ABC expressed regret and agreed to air “The Big House,” but it was ultimately axed after just six episodes.

Hart didn’t hear about the cancellation from high-ranking network executives. Instead, he found out during the Upfronts from a man named Barry, who was standing at the back with a curtain, as Hart explained on “60 Minutes” (as reported by CBS News). Rather than dwelling on this disappointment, Hart saw it as motivation to push himself harder, stating, “If I don’t take action and seize what I believe should be mine, I could be here all day.

He mourned the death of his mother

Although Kevin Hart didn’t have a very close bond with his father while growing up, there was an abundance of parental affection in his life. His mother, Nancy Hart, a dedicated computer analyst at the University of Pennsylvania, worked tirelessly to support both Kevin and his elder brother Robert. Life wasn’t always smooth sailing for this single mom, who resided in a small, one-bedroom apartment in North Philly with her sons. However, despite the hardships, she instilled in them an unwavering work ethic and encouraged Kevin’s aspirations of becoming an entertainer.

Consequently, when Nancy sadly passed away due to ovarian cancer in 2007, Kevin was deeply saddened. This was particularly true as he had only recently learned about her illness before her demise. At that point, his career was finally gaining momentum (he was about to film “Fool’s Gold” alongside Matthew McConaughey and Donald Sutherland), and Nancy wished to spare him any undue stress.

Hart acknowledges that he wouldn’t have reached his current position without the support of his mother. Although she didn’t witness the peak of his career, she stood steadfastly by him during the early stages. Nancy helped Kevin with rent and secreted six months’ worth of checks in a Bible to motivate him to stay committed to his path. As Hart shared with Variety, “She had everything I’d ever done.” In essence, she never missed any milestone or achievement of hers.

He had a messy divorce from Torrei Hart

In 2001, while attending Community College of Philadelphia, Kevin Hart encountered and developed feelings for fellow comedian aspirant Torrei Hart. They subsequently decided to relocate to Los Angeles together to chase their professional dreams. By 2003, they got married, and in 2005, they became parents to daughter Heaven Leigh Hart. In 2007, their family expanded with the birth of their son, Hendrix Hart.

As my fame escalated, my personal life started to crumble. Me and Torrei ended things in February 2010 due to unresolvable disagreements, and we officially called it quits the following year. Matters took a turn for the worse when Torrei alleged that I had been unfaithful to her with Eniko Parrish, whom I met in 2009 and tied the knot with in 2016. This accusation surfaced in 2017, when Parrish celebrated eight years with me on Instagram. Fans didn’t hold back their opinions about my quick remarriage, given that I had only been divorced from Torrei for six years. In her defense, Parrish stated (via People), “Our marriage was beyond repair even before I came into the picture. We were living separately in different homes. I was never a secret.” She further clarified, “I didn’t wreck any home.” In response, Torrei told TMZ, “Facts don’t lie. Dates don’t lie at the end of the day.

In the midst of challenging times, Kevin and his former spouse prioritize their children above all else, effectively navigating co-parenting successfully. As shared with Hollywood Unlocked in 2024, Torrei stated that any lingering resentment has been set aside for the sake of their kids, expressing, “He’s a good person. We simply weren’t suited for a romantic relationship.

He had an ongoing feud with Mike Epps

In 2014, Kevin Hart was at the pinnacle of success. His film portfolio expanded swiftly to include “Ride Along,” a buddy cop movie with Ice Cube that’s drawing in viewers on Netflix, and “Think Like A Man Too.” Meanwhile, he was also creating a stir in the stand-up comedy world with sold-out shows. However, one individual seemed unfazed by the hype surrounding him: Mike Epps.

On the Dallas radio show “DeDe in the Morning” (as reported by HuffPost), the star of “Resident Evil,” Milla Jovovich, criticized Kevin Hart, calling him “overrated.” She added that sometimes marketing can overshadow talent in the entertainment industry, and that it’s not just about being funny, but about being pushed onto audiences. Hart was unimpressed by these remarks and responded on his then-popular social media platform (Twitter), firing off several tweets in response. Over the years, they continued to make sarcastic comments towards each other, with Epps remarking on Instagram in 2018 that everyone is funnier than Hart. In response, Hart said via People that “All I can say is that you’re a sad individual. I had several face-to-face conversations with you trying to put the past behind us.

Over the past few years, it seems like Hart and Epps have managed to put their disagreements behind them. In 2023, Hart posted a photo on Instagram of the two laughing together, with the caption, “Thrilled that my comedy brother @therealmikeepps and I were able to resolve our issues and focus on the bigger picture.

His marriage with Eniko Parrish endured hardship

In just their first year of wedlock, Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish became a frequent subject of gossip magazines when an unexpected blackmail case surfaced, revealing that Hart had been unfaithful to his heavily pregnant wife. This incident took place during a night out in Las Vegas. As Hart claims, he was coerced by a friend to use Molly (MDMA), which he doesn’t typically consume. Subsequently, Hart wound up in bed, fully dressed, with a woman named Montia Sabbag, with whom he had an intimate encounter the following morning.

Over a lengthy deposition exceeding thirty pages, Hart detailed instances where Sabbag persistently maneuvered him towards a suspected concealed camera. Jackson, a former acquaintance of Hart’s, had previously threatened to release this footage but was later indicted for attempted extortion against Hart. However, these charges were dismissed in September 2021.

Undeniably, Parrish was deeply hurt when she discovered her husband’s infidelity. In the Netflix documentary “Kevin Hart: Don’t Fool Yourself” (as reported by People), she shared her feelings about finding out through a private message from an unknown person. “You embarrassed me publicly. Your life is all over Instagram, everywhere on social media. It was a constant battle every day,” she expressed. “I couldn’t help but ask him again and again, ‘If this is what you choose, I don’t want to be a part of it.'” Hart eventually apologized publicly on Instagram, admitting, “I made a poor decision and placed myself in a harmful situation where only negative things could happen, and they did.

Homophobic tweets from his past came back to haunt him

In late November 2018, a remarkable chance arose for Kevin Hart to take on the role of hosting the 2019 Oscars. Yet, his enthusiasm didn’t last long. As soon as he was declared host, both Hart and the Academy faced intense criticism over some controversial past social media posts made by Hart that were perceived as homophobic.

Between 2009 and 2011, Hart frequently posted tweets perceived as discriminatory towards the LGBTQ+ community, including remarks that he wouldn’t be pleased if his son revealed he was gay. These same themes were present in his 2010 comedy special titled “Seriously Funny.” In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, Hart discussed these jokes but did not express any regret or apology for them.

In the ensuing three years, numerous individuals had not let go of the past. When it was announced that Hart would be hosting the Oscars, social media platform Twitter exploded with retweets of his old posts, prompting demands for him to be replaced. After taking to Instagram, Hart disclosed a confrontation by the Academy: either apologize or they’d select another host. “I opted not to apologize,” he stated. “The reason I declined is because I have previously addressed this matter.” However, the following day, Hart posted on Twitter that he was stepping down and finally issued a long-overdue apology: “I’m sorry for causing pain. I aim to grow further and bring people together rather than divide them.” Consequently, even if the Academy requested it now, Hart will never host the Oscars again.

He was in a serious car accident

In September 2019, Kevin Hart experienced a second chance at life following a severe car accident. During this time, Hart, his friend Jared Black, and Black’s fiancée Rebecca Broxterman were enjoying a drive in the Malibu region, with Hart as a passenger in Hart’s cherished 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (Black was driving). Tragically, their joyride transformed into a harrowing experience just before 1:00 a.m.

The California Highway Patrol’s report, as reported by Today, indicates that an abrupt and dangerous increase in speed led to Black losing command over the vehicle, which subsequently veered off the road into a ditch. Thankfully, this solo collision resulted in no fatalities, but both Hart and Black, who were not wearing seatbelts, sustained severe back injuries requiring surgery. After 10 days of hospitalization, Hart was transferred to a rehabilitation center for an extended period of intense physical therapy before he could walk without assistance from a walker.

Upon returning home, it was a deeply emotional experience for him. Kevin Hart shared on the “Joe Rogan Experience” podcast that there was a possibility he might never set foot in his house again, or walk on his driveway once more, or see his wife and children again. In an interview with Men’s Health, Hart described the incident as a rebirth, stating, “It’s like a resurrection. I feel like the old me perished in that moment, and this new, improved version of myself emerged, ready to learn and do better.

He feared for his life during a stunt

Despite primarily known for his comedic roles, Kevin Hart occasionally delves into more serious projects – even literally so. Following acclaim for his acting in the 2021 drama-comedy “Fatherhood” on Netflix, he reappeared on the platform in 2024 with the action film “Lift.” In this movie, Hart plays Cyrus, a thief assigned to execute a $500 million heist. However, during the shooting of a boat chase sequence, Hart found himself in a precarious situation where he felt his life was at risk.

Amidst the tumultuous canals of Venice, with a language gap separating him from the driver of the speeding boat, Hart found himself staring at his own mortality (and his morning meal) as the craft repeatedly soared and plunged. He recounted to Radio Times, “In that moment, I distinctly thought, ‘This is it. This is my end.’

Additionally, Hart recalls the cameraman tripping while trying to grab the shot. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but Hart appeared somewhat green when they returned to solid ground.

2024-12-24 15:31