Fridays with Mac: "Heroic Harvey"​
An accidental click on a video speaking to a poignant moment in the life of popular comedian and television personality Steve Harvey sparks a lively discussion between the Hall of Fame coach and his journalist sidekick. I hope you enjoy, “Heroic Harv

Fridays with Mac: "Heroic Harvey"

I couldn’t wait to bust into Bill McCartney’s home and get his take on an inspirational story concerning popular comedian Steve Harvey. It resonates with a truth heard constantly: When pursuing worthy goals? Especially in arduous times? The importance of never giving up.

Upon arrival on this Friday with Mac, I enthusiastically shared with Billy Mac from Hackensack about a transformative moment in Harvey’s life. It was the early 90’s, the West Virginia native was basically homeless, living out of his car and struggling to make a living as a standup comic. The 65-year-old had already overcome a childhood stuttering problem but was having scant success in his chosen profession. As he sat in despair in a Pensacola, Florida parking lot, Harvey was down to his last $35 and running out of hope.

Born to a coal miner, Harvey was trying to resist the temptation to call his father to apologize. To admit defeat and surrender the dream of earning a living making people laugh? Darkness in the Sunshine State’s panhandle. However, something inside Harvey whispered, “Keep the faith.”

The founder of Promise Keepers interrupted the tale, “Oh, I like that a lot!”

I continued sharing how Harvey decided to use the coins in his pocket to call, not his father, but his answering machine. Praying beyond hope someone had reached with a gig. Wouldn’t you know it? This was a Thursday. There was one message from a comedy show owner in Jacksonville, Florida offering $150 to perform the next night. Harvey called the man immediately, accepted and then hung up the phone. On a hunch, he called the answering machine once again. Wow. Another message had come in while Harvey was on the phone with the Jacksonville club. A booking agent for the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York was offering a spot in its televised show for that Sunday.

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Harvey’s wondering, “I got $150 guaranteed but how can I get from Jacksonville to New York by Sunday. It’s not possible!” He felt despair realizing his dream of being on television would probably slip away. Harvey’s Friday night gig in Jacksonville was awesome. He was asked back for the next night. Suddenly, Harvey had $300. Another internal nudge said, “Call the Apollo guy and see if that spot is still open?” It was. Harvey found a round-trip ticket from Jacksonville to NYC for $99 (early 90’s), flew in Sunday morning, appeared on the show, killed it again and, as they say in show business, the rest is history.

Today? Harvey has won seven daytime Emmy’s, 14 NAACP Image Awards in various categories and hosts Family Feud, Miss Universe and other shows. Wise move not calling dad and waving the white flag of surrender. 

McCartney was smiling broadly, “Reminds me of 1994 at Michigan. It looked bleak but the Golden Buffaloes didn’t quit!” Who can forget. Defeat hung in the air. As the “Buff Guy” and host of McCartney’s show on KCNC-TV, I was standing on the goal line at Michigan Stadium during a television timeout before that fateful play. A very drunk Buff fan yelled from the stands, “McIntosh, I drove all the way from Denver to watch this crap.” Indeed, it had been a frustrating day for CU. A disappointing setback seemed certain before Kordell Stewart launched the missile that Blake Anderson tipped into the waiting arms of fellow wide receiver and future NFL first-round pick, Michael Westbrook. Touchdown. Holy smokes, the Miracle at Michigan. Unforgettable.

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McCartney has a similar story of a moment before the incredible finish. During that same television timeout, a sarcastic Michigan fan sitting behind the CU bench yelled at the former Wolverine assistant, “McCartney, where’s your God now?” We laughed at the precious memories.

The point is this: Whether Steve Harvey, the Colorado Buffaloes and their coach Bill McCartney, you or me, there are moments when all seems lost. We are tempted to toss in the towel and proclaim, “No mas.” What to do? Harvey has sage advice. “Remember, if we quit we KNOW our dreams and goals will never happen!” 

Coach Mac summed it up perfectly. “Heroic Steve Harvey? Good call!”

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