Kevin Hart, the versatile entertainer known for his roles as an actor, comedian, rapper, and producer, has a surprising and varied background that extends beyond his Hollywood career.
Hailing from Philadelphia, Hart’s early life included stints as a nationally competitive swimmer, a trainee in stripping, and even aspirations to join the NBA, where he crossed paths with basketball legend Kobe Bryant at a youth camp.
The 44-year-old revealed these lesser-known facets of his life, including a pivotal moment when a prominent comedy club booker suggested he pursue a different career path.
Undeterred by the discouragement, Hart persisted in comedy, defying expectations to become one of the world’s most successful comedians. Discover more intriguing insights into Kevin Hart‘s journey by continuing below!
#1 Kevin Hart’s first stage name was “Lil Kev the Bastard
Earlier in his career, Kevin Hart performed under the stage name “Lil Kev The Bastard,” which initially brought him little success.
As a stand-up comedian, he faced numerous challenges, often getting booed offstage.
His struggles were underscored by an infamous incident where someone even threw a piece of chicken at him during a performance.
#2 Kevin Hart previously had conflicts with the LGBTQ community
In 2010 and 2011, Kevin Hart faced backlash for making homophobic tweets, drawing criticism from the LGBTQ community.
When it was announced that he would host the 2019 Academy Awards, uproar ensued, particularly within the community. Amid the controversy, Hart apologized and initially contemplated stepping down from hosting.
After a few days, Hart expressed interest in reconsidering his decision to host the event. However, his intentions were met with renewed criticism from the LGBTQ community, which argued that his apologies lacked sincerity.
Ultimately, the 2019 Academy Awards proceeded without a host, marking a significant moment in its history.
#3 Kevin Hart considered becoming a stripper
During a conversation with the Goalcast crew about life’s challenges and embracing different phases, Kevin Hart candidly revealed that he once contemplated becoming a stripper.
Recalling a time during college when money was tight, he shared that his girlfriend suggested he pursue dancing as a means to earn income. They even began planning routines and outfits for the venture.
However, the idea was abruptly halted when his brother unexpectedly discovered him practicing in his room, putting an end to their unconventional plans.
#4 He achieved a comedic breakthrough by openly discussing his insecurities
Kevin Hart turned a corner in his career by shedding his old stage name and abandoning the mimicry of comedians like Chris Tucker. Instead, he found success by focusing on his own insecurities and life experiences.
His breakthrough in stand-up comedy came in 2009 with the special “I’m a Grown Little Man.” This paved the way for further hits including “Seriously Funny” (2010), “Laugh at My Pain” (2011), and “Let Me Explain” (2013).
#5 Kevin Hart once tried his hand in music
While Kevin Hart is widely known as an actor and stand-up comedian, he also ventured into music earlier in his career. Adopting the persona of Chocolate Droppa, he signed with Motown Records and released singles like “Baller Alert,” featuring Migos & T.I., and “Push It on Me,” featuring Trey Songz.
#6 He once refused a movie role because the character was gay
In 2008, Kevin Hart declined a role in the satirical action comedy “Tropic Thunder” because the character was gay, citing his personal “insecurities” as the reason for his decision.
#7 Kevin Hart dreamed of being an NBA player
Despite his current success and few financial regrets, Kevin Hart has openly shared his childhood dream of becoming an NBA player. His pursuit of this ambition led him to attend the same basketball camp as Kobe Bryant, an iconic figure in the sport.
While Bryant effortlessly showcased his prowess with his left hand, Hart’s experience was markedly different—he found himself dominated on the court, not aided by his short stature.
Nevertheless, Hart has remained connected to basketball through appearances at NBA All-Star Celebrity games, where he impressively secured four consecutive MVP awards.
#8 He is an avid poker player
Kevin Hart has developed a notable hobby of playing poker, actively participating in various competitions since 2010. His involvement in the poker scene includes earning $4,783 from a single event in 2014.
Notably, he has also gained recognition for his participation in cash games organized by PokerStars, an online poker cardroom, where he has served as an ambassador since 2017.
#9 He once was a shoe salesman
During an interview on the Howard Stern Show, Kevin Hart revealed that he once worked as a shoe salesman, emphasizing that he excelled in the role.
However, as he matured, he faced a pivotal decision between continuing his job and pursuing his passion for comedy.
Eventually, Hart chose to follow his comedic aspirations, a decision that would shape his successful career in entertainment.
#10 Kevin Hart stands out as one of the top-earning stand-up comedians
Despite early setbacks such as being booed offstage and having a piece of chicken thrown at him, Kevin Hart’s determination to excel as a stand-up comedian remained unwavering.
Through relentless persistence and hard work, he eventually drew massive crowds, filling stadiums and achieving remarkable financial success. His “Let Me Explain” tour, for example, sold over 600,000 tickets and grossed approximately $35 million.
Today, Kevin Hart stands as one of the highest-paid comedians globally, consistently attracting large audiences wherever he performs. His journey from adversity to triumph underscores his resilience and enduring appeal in the world of comedy.
#11 Kevin Hart loves watches
Kevin Hart’s passion for watches is evident, as he famously allocated a significant portion of his first major Hollywood paycheck towards purchasing a luxurious timepiece.
He candidly admitted that he believed the accessory would enhance his image. When questioned about his affinity for watches, Hart playfully referred to it as a “hobby” rather than an addiction.
Since then, he has continued to invest substantially in expanding his watch collection, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to this fashionable interest.
