Who is actor Kevin Hart?
Kevin Darnell Hart, known professionally as Kevin Hart, is an American actor, comedian, producer, and entrepreneur born on July 6, 1979, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Known for his energetic stand-up style and comedic roles, he became one of the most commercially successful comedians of his generation, headlining arena tours and appearing in major studio films including the Jumanji franchise, Ride Along, and Central Intelligence.
Background/biography
Hart was raised in North Philadelphia by his mother, Nancy Hart, who worked for the University of Pennsylvania. His father, Henry Witherspoon, struggled with substance abuse during Hart's childhood, an experience Hart has discussed in his comedy and memoir. He has an older brother, Robert Hart.
He attended George Washington High School in Philadelphia. After graduation, he briefly attended the Community College of Philadelphia before leaving and working as a shoe salesman. Hart began pursuing comedy through amateur nights at The Laff House comedy club in Philadelphia, initially performing under the stage name “Lil Kev.”
Film and comedy career
- I'm a Grown Little Man (2009), stand-up comedy special
- Laugh at My Pain (2011), stand-up film and tour
- Think Like a Man (2012), film role as Cedric
- Ride Along (2014), film role as Ben Barber
- Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain (2013), stand-up concert film
- Get Hard (2015), film role alongside Will Ferrell
- Central Intelligence (2016), film role alongside Dwayne Johnson
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), film role as Franklin “Mouse” Finbar
- Night School (2018), actor and producer
- Fatherhood (2021), film role as Matt Logelin
- True Story (2021), Netflix limited series starring Hart and Wesley Snipes
Hart built his audience through stand-up specials, comedy tours, television appearances, and film roles. His 2011 Laugh at My Pain tour was released as a theatrical concert film, while later tours helped establish him as a major arena-level comedy performer. He has also expanded into producing through Hartbeat, his media company, and has worked on television, streaming, film, and audio projects.
A comedy style shaped by personal stories
Much of Hart’s stand-up material draws on his family life, childhood in Philadelphia, relationships, parenthood, and his small stature. His fast-paced delivery, animated physical performance, and self-deprecating storytelling became central features of his public persona.
In 2019, Hart was seriously injured in a car crash in California and underwent rehabilitation. He later spoke publicly about his recovery and return to work.
Did you know?
- Kevin Hart’s full name is Kevin Darnell Hart.
- He first performed stand-up comedy at amateur nights in Philadelphia.
- Before focusing on comedy, he worked as a shoe salesman.
- He published the memoir I Can’t Make This Up: Life Lessons in 2017.
- Hart has frequently collaborated with Dwayne Johnson in films, including Central Intelligence and the Jumanji films.
- He is the founder of Hartbeat, a media and entertainment company.
