Table of Contents
Key Points Summary
- Mary Lee Harvey was born on October 20, 1960, in Texas.
- Married Steve Harvey in 1996; divorced in 2005.
- Their son Wynton Harvey was born in 1997.
- Media coverage intensified due to court disputes and a 2011 contempt case.
- Maintains a private life as of November 28, 2025.
- Continues to trend due to Steve Harvey’s ongoing global media presence.
Introduction
Mary Lee Harvey remains a widely searched celebrity figure in 2025, especially due to her connection to comedian and television host Steve Harvey. We explore her life today with a clear focus on verified facts, updated public records, and the legacy she built long before the spotlight intensified.
Mary Lee Harvey plays a central role in conversations about the Harvey family timeline, public disputes, and her quieter life after exiting mainstream media attention.
We begin with data-driven clarity. Mary Lee Harvey was born on October 20, 1960, and rose to public recognition during her marriage to Steve Harvey, which lasted from 1996 to 2005. The decade-long relationship brought her into the entertainment world, but her story has evolved far beyond her title as “Steve Harvey’s ex-wife.”
Today, searches for Mary Lee Harvey often revolve around her personal journey, family life, public events surrounding their divorce, and her continued influence on celebrity culture.
This article delivers a complete and structured overview of her life, including early years, marriage timeline, legal history, media appearances, and present status as of November 28, 2025.
Mary Lee Harvey’s profile summary
| Field | Details / Best-Available Estimate (2025) |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Mary Lee Shackleford |
| Popular as | Mary Lee Harvey |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | 20 October 1960 |
| Age | 65 years old (as of 28 November 2025) |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Place of birth | Arlington, Texas, United States |
| Current residence | Possibly Arlington, Texas (last publicly stated), unverified |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American / mixed background |
| Religion | Christianity (as commonly cited) |
| Sexual orientation | Straight (as per available biographies) |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | ~65 kg (143 lb) unverified for 2025 |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Dark brown / brown |
| Marital status | Divorced (ex-wife of Steve Harvey) |
| Ex-husband | Steve Harvey |
| Children | 1 Wynton Harvey |
| Profession | Former make-up artist; publicly known for that role |
| Net worth | Unverified, some sources list ~$500,000; others suggest higher, but none confirmed with documentation |
Mary Lee Harvey’s Early Life and Background
Early Years Before Fame
Mary Lee Harvey’s early life shaped her resilience long before she stepped into the public eye. Born in Texas in 1960, she grew up in a working-class family with strong community ties and values centered on perseverance. Public records reveal that she pursued creative interests from a young age, particularly in makeup artistry. These skills eventually led her into the entertainment scene, where she began working behind the camera.
Career Beginnings as a Makeup Artist
Her early career focused on makeup artistry for small production crews and events across Texas. While not widely documented in mainstream media, industry interviews note that Mary built a reputation for strong work ethics and attention to detail.
These qualities later became important as she engaged with more public-facing roles during her marriage to Steve Harvey. Her professional foundation allowed her to navigate both the celebrity world and personal challenges with discipline.
Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey: Marriage, Timeline & Public Spotlight
A Decade-Long Marriage in the Public Eye
The marriage between Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey began in 1996, after meeting through overlapping entertainment circles. Their relationship quickly gained public traction as Steve’s career expanded from stand-up comedy to television hosting. During this time, Mary took on supportive roles behind the scenes, helping manage aspects of family life while Steve advanced professionally.
Key Dates in Their Relationship
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey marry. |
| 1997 | Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey get married. |
| 2003–2005 | Relationship strains begin surfacing publicly as Steve’s career intensifies. |
| 2005 | Divorce finalized, followed by legal disputes over custody and property. |
The Role of Media and Public Perception
Public interest in their relationship increased due to Steve Harvey’s rising fame. Mary Lee Harvey, however, kept a limited public presence. Even during their widely discussed divorce, she expressed her perspective selectively through interviews posted online, several of which were referenced later by publications such as Blended and Black and Famous Birthdays.
Divorce, Legal History & Media Conflicts
A Public Divorce With Lasting Attention
The divorce between Mary Lee Harvey and Steve Harvey in 2005 remains one of the most publicly discussed breakups in celebrity culture. Documents and court communications from that period detail disputes regarding custody, property distribution, and allegations raised on both sides. The case gained renewed public interest in 2011 when Mary faced legal consequences related to a court order violation.
Custody and Court Orders
Custody of their son, Wynton, was awarded to Steve Harvey, and Mary was given visitation rights based on the court order. Public filings from the mid-2000s confirm that financial disputes and communication breakdowns prolonged the legal process. These documents were later revisited by entertainment sites such as Blended and Black and reporting platforms like BekaBoy.
The 2011 Court Sentence
In January 2011, Mary Lee Harvey received a 30-day jail sentence for contempt of court after posting online content that conflicted with legal agreements. This incident reignited media coverage and significantly shaped public discourse around her life. It also led to a higher volume of online searches and articles, many of which continue to circulate today.
Mary Lee Harvey’s Life After the Spotlight
A Quiet Life Focused on Family and Personal Growth
Since the mid-2010s, Mary Lee Harvey has maintained a low-profile lifestyle. Reports updated through 2025 indicate that she lives privately, focusing on family relationships and personal well-being. She rarely appears on social media and avoids major interviews, preferring privacy over publicity. This shift marks a dramatic contrast to the media-heavy years following the divorce.
Relationship With Her Son, Wynton Harvey
Wynton Harvey, born in July 1997, remains an influential figure in her life. While Wynton is closer publicly to his father due to career collaborations, reports note that he maintains contact with Mary. Privacy laws prevent extensive details, but sources confirm ongoing communication and shared family events when possible.
Public Searches and Online Activity in 2025
Search data through November 2025 shows that Mary Lee Harvey continues to trend due to:
- Renewed interest in Steve Harvey’s global media presence.
- Public updates about the Harvey family from entertainment outlets.
- Continued demand for celebrity biographical content.
Authority sites such as Famous Birthdays and Blended and Black maintain updated profiles containing verified information.
Media Influence, Legacy & Cultural Impact
How Mary Lee Harvey Shaped Celebrity Conversations
Mary Lee Harvey’s legacy extends beyond her marriage. Her public journey highlights the challenges faced by individuals linked to major celebrities. The combination of personal decisions, legal battles, and digital exposure has influenced discussions about fairness in the media, the portrayal of women in celebrity divorces, and emotional resilience.
Cultural Discussions Sparked by Her Story
Her story is often used in broader conversations regarding:
- The treatment of women in celebrity relationships.
- Media accountability in amplifying personal conflicts.
- The long-term impact of public divorce on family structures.
- The role of social media in shaping public perception.
These discussions continue to appear in commentary pieces and lifestyle platforms, including the references given above.
Verified Sources Covering Her Legacy
A few trusted sources tracking her story include:
- Famous Birthdays: Recognized for profile data.
- Blended and Black: Known for relationship insights and court case analysis.
- BekaBoy: Provides general celebrity biographies with updated facts.
Bottom Line
Mary Lee Harvey’s life reveals far more than her association with Steve Harvey. She remains an important part of celebrity culture because her story reflects the human reality behind fame, public scrutiny, and personal rebuilding. Her journey encourages balanced understanding, empathy, and awareness of the emotional challenges faced by individuals living in the spotlight. As we track her legacy in 2025, we find a narrative shaped not only by conflict but also by resilience, privacy, and reinvention.
Disclaimer:
This biography includes information available from public sources. Certain personal details may be approximate or subject to change.
