Kevin Hart
Comedian, actor, and business mogul Kevin Hart built a career as a powerhouse entertainment icon, but it stemmed from humble beginnings. Hart was born in Philadelphia on July 6, 1979, and raised by his single mother alongside his older brother. After graduating from George Washington High School, Hart briefly attended community college in Philadelphia before dropping out and moving to New York City to begin his comedy career.
In the early stages of his career, Hart had a slow start in the comedy world, frequently getting booed and heckled offstage. However, after years of persistence, his dedication began to pay off, winning several competitions on the stand-up circuit. As Hart’s reputation slowly strengthened, he booked his breakthrough role in Judd Apatow’s television series Undeclared. This later exposed Hart to a range of opportunities that showcased his talents and widened his audience. In 2009, Hart released his first well-received stand-up album, I’m a Grown Little Man. Subsequently, he released four more comedy albums: Seriously Funny (2010), Laugh at My Pain (2011), Let Me Explain (2013), and What Now? (2016).
Hart soon became a household name and comedic sensation, with his headline appearances selling out venues and stadiums. However, Hart used this momentum to expand his depth as an entertainer. He quickly ventured into the acting world, with notable roles in Think Like a Man (2012), Ride Along (2014), Get Hard (2015), Ride Along 2 (2016), and the Jumanji film franchise.
Hart not only brought his humor to the big screen, but also exercised his ability to amplify his presence through different entertainment and business ventures. His ambition and strategic nature inspired him to found Laugh Out Loud (LOL), a media and production company created to provide opportunities for comedic talent worldwide. Since founding the company, LOL has expanded across streaming platforms, with Hart securing partnership deals with Roku, Peacock, YouTube, and more. His entrepreneurial endeavors didn’t stop there. He has continuously funded and invested in businesses spanning the entertainment, food, and media industries.