Talk show host Steve Harvey cries after emotional message from Shaquille O’Neal’s

When Shaquille O’Neal walked onto the set of the Steve Harvey Show, the audience expected laughs, jokes, and playful anecdotes about basketball stardom. Steve Harvey was ready with his signature humor, prepared to lead the conversation through Shaq’s legendary NBA career and his transition into media and business. But the evening quickly became something neither the audience nor Steve himself anticipated.

As Shaquille sat down next to Steve, his eyes lingered on the small crucifix hanging around Steve’s neck. Something in Shaq’s usually joyful expression shifted subtly, becoming softer, deeper. After exchanging warm greetings, Shaquille paused, looking at Steve with earnest sincerity.

“Steve, can I share something with you I’ve never revealed publicly?” Shaquille asked, his deep voice suddenly gentle.

Steve, sensing the shift in energy, nodded quietly. The studio grew silent, sensing that something profound was about to happen.

“Years ago, I was in a very dark place,” Shaquille began slowly. “Everyone saw the smiles, the championships, the success. But they didn’t see the loss, the loneliness.”

Steve leaned closer, his humor replaced with empathy.

“I was dealing with losing people close to me—friends, family. The pain was quiet, but deep. I kept playing, kept smiling, but I wasn’t really there.”

Steve’s hand instinctively moved to the crucifix around his neck, grasping it gently.

Shaquille took a deep breath. “One night, I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t eat. I felt numb. I picked up my phone, trying to distract myself, and stumbled upon a video. It was you, Steve. You were talking about purpose, about how God doesn’t waste pain.”

Steve froze, his eyes widening in surprise.

Shaquille continued, his voice softening further. “You said, ‘If you’re still breathing, God isn’t done with you yet.’ That hit me hard. I must’ve watched that clip ten times. The next morning, for the first time in weeks, I got up with purpose.”

Steve was visibly moved, his eyes moistening with emotion.

“I’ve never told anyone this,” Shaquille said, leaning forward earnestly. “But your words saved me. You weren’t just a host, Steve; you were speaking life into someone who’d lost hope.”

A tear slowly traced its way down Steve’s cheek. “I didn’t know, man,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “I was just speaking from my heart.”

“Exactly,” Shaquille interjected gently. “That’s what made it powerful. You weren’t performing. You were just being genuine, and that authenticity reached me in a way nothing else could.”

The silence in the studio was profound, filled with the weight of truth and raw human connection. Steve looked down at his crucifix, his fingers tightening around it.

“You see that cross,” Shaquille pointed softly, “it’s not just jewelry. It’s a lighthouse, Steve. You’ve been guiding people home without even knowing it.”

Steve shook his head, overwhelmed. “I never thought of myself like that,” he admitted quietly.

“That’s precisely why it worked,” Shaquille said gently. “You’re not trying to preach; you’re just living truthfully, and that’s ministry.”

Steve sat back, visibly shaken yet deeply touched. The studio remained still, hanging on every word, every emotion.

“I’ve thought about walking away,” Steve admitted finally, his voice thick with sincerity. “Wondered if any of this even matters.”

Shaquille nodded knowingly. “It does, Steve. You’re proof that God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. You don’t need robes or a pulpit. Your stage is right here, your congregation is everyone who hears your voice.”

Steve’s tears flowed freely now. “Why me?” he asked softly.

Shaquille smiled warmly. “Because you know pain. You speak the language of those who’ve lost and struggled. You reach places no polished preacher can touch.”

The audience sat spellbound, deeply moved, many wiping away tears themselves.

“I need you to hear this clearly,” Shaquille continued, his voice deep and certain. “You saved my life, Steve, simply by being exactly who you are.”

Steve slowly stood, his knees weak, eyes locked onto Shaquille’s. Without hesitation, Shaquille rose as well, stepping forward to embrace Steve in a heartfelt, brotherly hug. The audience rose quietly, a standing ovation without applause, respectful of the sacredness of the moment.

Finally, Steve turned back toward the crowd, his voice filled with raw emotion. “I’ve hosted thousands of guests on this stage,” he said, his voice catching. “But tonight, Shaq, you’ve given me the greatest gift I’ve ever received.”

He paused briefly, then whispered gently yet firmly, “Let’s pray.”

In the stillness of that television studio, two men who had faced hidden pain became vessels of profound healing. As they bowed their heads, a quiet yet powerful sense of hope filled the room, touching the hearts of everyone present and the millions watching at home. In that moment, faith wasn’t just preached—it was lived, raw, real, and utterly transformative.

Steve Harvey squeezes Shaquille O’Neal’s butt – and other ‘hilarious’ Celebrity Family Feud moments that made us pause

STEVE Harvey has been involved in plenty of wild moments on TV, including when he pinched Shaquille O’Neal’s butt on national television.

Celebrity Family Feud is filled with outrageous moments, possibly even more than the syndicated game show.

Steve Harvey poses on the Family Feud setCredit: Getty

Steve Harvey giving Shaquille O’Neal’s tush a squeeze when the NBA star competedCredit: Youtube Family Feud
Steve, 67, began hosting Family Feud in 2010 and also holds court for Celebrity Family Feud.

Between both versions, Steve has witnessed some zany moments.

Some of the rowdiest moments involve him, while others involve the players.

And if it’s possible, the celebrities make these moments even funnier.

Here are some of the most hilarious Celebrity Family Feud moments over the years.

STEVE AND SHAQ GET CLOSE

Steve Harvey stood with Shaquille O’Neal for a fast money roundCredit: Youtube Family Feud

Shaquille O’Neal’s gently took Steve Harvey’s arm and placed it on his bootyCredit: Youtube Family Feud
When Shaquille appeared on the game show with other basketball players, they made it to the Fast Money round for a chance to win $20,000.

Shaq, 52, was one of the two family members chosen, and he stood next to Steve.

“Normally, I put my arm around a person,” Steve told the crowd.

“But this ain’t gonna look good.”

Despite their height difference, Shaq grabbed Steve’s arm and put it on his waist.

Shaq is 7 feet, one inch tall, while Steve is 6 feet and 1 inch tall, AKA an entire foot shorter than the NBA legend.

Shaq put his arm around Steve’s neck, and Steve’s head reached his shoulder.

Shaq then moved Steve’s hand down to his butt and Steve jokingly squeezed it.

The two men pulled away and laughed at the moment.

“That was a very uncomfortable moment,” Steve admitted.

ALL IN GOOD TASE

Johnny Knoxville tased his Jacka** co-stars when they offered ‘terrible’ answersCredit: ABC

‘He tased his a**!’ Steve Harvey said in shockCredit: ABC
In September 2022, Steve wasn’t the one who was stunned – quite literally.

The cast of Jacka** Forever, led by Johnny Knoxville and Jeff Tremaine, battled it out to win money for charity.

“Tell me something you’d hate to have happen while you’re making love in an airplane bathroom,” Steve asked Johnny.

“You accidentally went number two in the wrong direction,” Johnny’s teammate Dave England said.

Johnny lifted his hands up in a “really?” gesture, and his teammates were confused.

“I’m sorry,” Dave said after realizing his answer was not on the board.

Then, Johnny unexpectedly walked over to Dave and took out a taser, tasing him right in the chest.

Dave fell to the ground, and his teammates helped him back up to his feet.

When Johnny returned to the podium, he apologized to Steve and explained his outburst.

“I’m sorry, Steve, but that was a terrible answer,” he said.

Steve stood there in silence.

“He tased his a**!” the host yelled after a few seconds.

“We’re gonna have to try harder, team,” Johnny told his team.

Later in the episode, Danger Ehren gave an answer Johnny thought was “stupid,” so he also tased him.

Johnny even tased himself when he gave a “dumb” answer.

Steve was left shocked every time.

“You know, when your teammate gives an answer, you’re supposed to go, ‘Good answer. Good answer.’

“You’re not supposed to punish him by tasing his a**,” Steve told Johnny.

In response, Johnny just said they were “terrible answers.”

ROSIE GETS CARRIED AWAY

In 2023 Rosie O’Donnell randomly broke into song mid-gameCredit: Family Feud

Rosie O’Donnell pushed Steve Harvey aside as she yelled through ‘Frosty the Snowman’Credit: Family Feud
In December 2023, Rosie O’Donnell managed to steal the spotlight from host Steve on her Celebrity Family Feud episode.

The View alum pushed Steve out of the way to give herself some room and belt a rendition of a holiday classic mid-game.

Rosie and her family competed against Pose star Billy Porter and his family when she paused midway for an impromptu performance.

The 61-year-old actress approached Steve, 66, and said: “Excuse me? Steve? I don’t know if you realize I’ve been on Broadway singing three times, a musical, I was with Billy Porter.

“I don’t have Tonys, I don’t have Grammys,” she said as she took to the front of the stage.

Rosie then nudged Steve to the side so she could be front and center.

Brimming with the holiday spirit, Rosie confidently sang her version of Frosty the Snowman, with the audience joining in on the festive fun.

As the classic tune reached the iconic “made out of coal” line, she playfully shouted “COAL” directly at a startled Steve, who found himself caught in the whirlwind of Rosie’s festive fervor.

KIM STIRS THINGS UP

Kim Kardashian with Steve Harvey on Celebrity Family FeudCredit: Youtube Family Feud

Steve Harvey grinning as his arm is around Kim Kardashian on Family FeudCredit: Youtube Family Feud
Kim Kardashian appeared on Celebrity Family Feud in 2018 along with her then husband, Kanye West.

However, Steve was thrown for a loop during the fast money round after he asked the Hulu star, “Name a part of your body you’re always banging into things.”

“Butt!” Kim quickly answered as she smiled.

Just minutes later, as Steve reviewed her answers he couldn’t help but grin when he revisited the “part of your body” question.

Steve, with her arm around the reality star, looked back at the audience and smiled wide, showing off his pearly whites.

“Am I grinning that much?” Steve asked the audience.

Kanye followed his wife in answering questions, eventually helping the families win $25,000 for charity.

SAY WHAT?

Sherri Shepherd and Ian Ziering on Celebrity Family Feud with host Steve HarveyCredit: Youtube Family Feud
Things got a bit odd on Celebrity Family Feud when Sherri Shepherd went up against Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Ian Ziering in 2018.

“Name something a lady cop might do to her husband in the bedroom,” Steve asked both players.

“Cut off his penis!” Sherri yelled after buzzing in first, which left everyone, including Steve, stunned.

“Sherri, listen to me. This thing we’re doing is a game show. This isn’t therapy,” the comic said in a serious tone.

“You’re not supposed to be up here to get out your innermost thoughts.”

“I just thought most Americans would feel that way…” Sherri responded moments before not seeing her answer on the board.

Celebrity Family Feud hosted by Steve Harvey returns with a new season on July 9, 2024Credit: Getty