Kevin Hart is an American stand-up comedian, actor, producer, and writer known for high-energy storytelling, rapid-fire punchlines, and a stage persona built around self-deprecation, family life, and big ambition. After rising through comedy clubs and competitions, he became a global touring headliner and a consistent box office draw.
Hart’s comedy often turns everyday pressure into big laughs, from parenting and marriage to fame, fitness, and friendships. He has also built a wide business footprint through HartBeat, producing and starring in specials, series, and films while staying active on the road with major tours.
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Quick Facts
| Full Name | Kevin Darnell Hart |
| Profession | Stand-up comedian, actor, producer, writer |
| Birthday | July 6, 1979 |
| Age | 46 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | About 5 ft 5 in (165 cm) |
| Years Active | 2001 to present |
| Known For | Stand-up specials, arena tours, and films like Ride Along, Central Intelligence, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle |
Photo Gallery
Watch Kevin Hart
Here is an official clip to get a quick feel for Hart’s recent stand-up era.
Early Life and Education
Kevin Darnell Hart was born and raised in Philadelphia. He has often described humor as a coping mechanism during a tough childhood, and he credits his mother for keeping him grounded while his father struggled with addiction and was frequently absent.
After high school, Hart attended the Community College of Philadelphia and later moved away from home. He worked regular jobs, including selling shoes, while chasing stand-up opportunities in clubs and competitions until the work started turning into a career.
Comedy Style and Influences
Hart’s stand-up leans heavily into autobiographical storytelling. He builds big laughs from real-life stakes, then heightens the details with fast pacing, expressive delivery, and a knack for turning embarrassment into momentum.
- Core style: high energy, personal storytelling, self-deprecation, and sharp observational punchlines
- Common themes: family, marriage, parenting, work ethic, friendship, fame, and the gap between confidence and reality
- Influences he has cited: comedians like Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Bill Cosby
Career Highlights and Milestones
Hart’s early TV break included a recurring role on Undeclared (2001). Over the next decade, he turned club momentum into mainstream stand-up specials, then expanded into film, producing, and media ventures.
- 2009 to 2013: Breakout special era with I’m a Grown Little Man, Seriously Funny, Laugh at My Pain, and Let Me Explain.
- 2014 to 2018: Hit-film run and mainstream stardom with comedy leads and ensemble roles, plus arena touring.
- 2016: What Now? filmed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, a stadium-scale moment that signaled how big his live audience had become.
- 2022 to present: HartBeat consolidation and continued output across films, series, and touring, including a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Selected Stand-Up Specials and Comedy Highlights
- Laugh at My Pain (2011), a major commercial breakthrough tied to a successful tour and concert film.
- Let Me Explain (2013), a global tour and stand-up film that expanded his reach.
- What Now? (2016), a tour film built around a stadium show in Philadelphia.
- Irresponsible (2019), a Netflix special focused on fame, family, and public scrutiny.
- Zero F**ks Given (2020), a Netflix special with an at-home, late-night tone.
- Reality Check (2023), reflecting on recovery, accountability, and the cost of the grind.
Selected Film and TV Highlights
- Ride Along (2014) and Ride Along 2 (2016)
- Get Hard (2015)
- Central Intelligence (2016)
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
- Fatherhood (2021)
- Lift (2024)
Major Recognition
- Recipient of the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2024).
- Multiple awards-season nominations, including two Grammy nominations and four Primetime Emmy nominations.
- Recognized as a top-tier live draw through large-scale tours and filmed stand-up events.
- Founder of HartBeat, a production and media company that expanded his footprint beyond performing.
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Awards and Accolades
| Award | Year | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (Kennedy Center) | 2024 | Winner | National recognition for impact on American humor |
| Grammy Awards | Multiple years | Nominated | Two nominations listed by the Recording Academy |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | Multiple years | Nominated | Four nominations listed by the Television Academy |
Notable Works
| Year | Title | Type | Role / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Laugh at My Pain | Stand-up special / concert film | Breakthrough tour film |
| 2013 | Let Me Explain | Stand-up special / concert film | Global tour film |
| 2014 | Ride Along | Film | Comedy lead opposite Ice Cube |
| 2016 | Central Intelligence | Film | Action comedy with Dwayne Johnson |
| 2016 | What Now? | Stand-up special / concert film | Built around a stadium show in Philadelphia |
| 2017 | Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Film | Ensemble blockbuster comedy |
| 2019 | Irresponsible | Stand-up special (Netflix) | Fame, family, and pressure |
| 2020 | Zero F**ks Given | Stand-up special (Netflix) | At-home format with candid tone |
| 2021 | Fatherhood | Film | Dramedy lead role |
| 2023 | Reality Check | Stand-up special (Netflix) | Recovery and accountability themes |
| 2024 | Lift | Film (Netflix) | Heist comedy lead |
Touring and Live Performance
Hart is one of the biggest touring comedians of his era. His live strategy blends big venues, high production, and filmed events that extend the reach of a tour beyond the arena.
- Stadium-scale moment: What Now? was filmed at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, highlighting the size of his live audience.
- Consistent touring: Hart has continued touring across North America and internationally, including recent runs branded around Reality Check and Acting My Age.
- Hybrid career model: Tours, specials, and film releases often overlap, keeping his stand-up brand active even during heavy screen schedules.
Net Worth and Business Footprint
Public estimates of Kevin Hart’s net worth vary widely, and exact numbers are hard to verify. What is clear is that his wealth is not tied to one lane. It is built from multiple income streams, including touring, film and TV fees, production revenue, sponsorships, and brand partnerships.
A major pillar is HartBeat, the media company created by consolidating his production and comedy ventures. Hart has also expanded into consumer products and partnerships, using his audience reach to support businesses outside entertainment.
Social Media and Online Presence
| Platform | Official Handle / Link |
|---|---|
| @kevinhart4real | |
| X (Twitter) | @KevinHart4real |
| TikTok | @kevinhart4real |
| YouTube | Kevin Hart (official channel) |
| Official site | kevinhartnation.com |
Fan communities (unofficial): Hart has a large fan ecosystem across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit, including stand-up clip pages, meme accounts, and tour update groups. Always double-check ticket links through official sources.
Trivia and Fun Facts
- His full name is Kevin Darnell Hart.
- He grew up in Philadelphia and has frequently used his upbringing as stand-up material.
- He was originally announced as host of the 2019 Academy Awards, then stepped down before the ceremony.
- He has released music under the comedic alter ego “Chocolate Droppa.”
- He has four children.
Quotes
- “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”
- “Everybody wants to be famous, but nobody wants to do the work.”
- “The two things in the world we all share are laughter and pain.”
- “I’m 5-foot-5 with sneakers on.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kevin Hart?
He was born on July 6, 1979. He is 46 years old as of 2026.
Where is Kevin Hart from?
He is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What is Kevin Hart best known for?
He is best known for arena-level stand-up, popular comedy specials, and major film roles including Ride Along, Central Intelligence, and the Jumanji films.
Is Kevin Hart married?
Yes. He is married to Eniko Hart (Eniko Parrish). He was previously married to Torrei Hart.
Does Kevin Hart still tour?
Yes. He continues to tour regularly, alongside film, TV, and production work.
Upcoming Projects
Project slates can shift, but several upcoming or recently announced items have been publicly reported by major outlets and official platforms.
- 72 Hours (Netflix): an action-comedy film reported as a Netflix project starring Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, and Awkwafina.
- Good Sports (Prime Video): a sports trivia and comedy series co-hosted by Kevin Hart and Kenan Thompson.
- Stand-up touring: ongoing live dates connected to the Acting My Age tour branding.
- Mark Twain Prize ceremony (Netflix): the 2024 ceremony honoring Hart was scheduled to stream on Netflix.
Interviews and Features
- Reuters: Kevin Hart honored with the Mark Twain Prize
- Television Academy: Kevin Hart profile and nominations
Public Appearances and Festivals
- Netflix Is A Joke Festival: Hart has been featured in Netflix’s major comedy festival programming.
- Mark Twain Prize ceremony: the Kennedy Center event honoring Hart was scheduled to be released on Netflix.
- Event hosting: Hart has continued hosting televised events, including a public announcement that he would host the BET Awards 25th anniversary event in 2025.