See what we’re chatting about over hot coffee:
• Steve Harvey truly knows what rock bottom feels like. The TV personality and comedian shares he was homeless for three years in the late ’80s before things turned around. Harvey said he slept in the back of his 1976 Ford Tempo while sending money home to support his two kids. He also confessed to using a Igloo cooler in his backseat as a refrigerator and to washing up in gas stations and hotel bathrooms. His big break came when he was asked to appear on the Apollo. “It was so disheartening,” said Harvey. “A week is really the maximum you can do. This was three years! It was rock bottom. But even in my darkest days I had faith it would turn around.” [People]
• Apparently, Queen Latifah is giving out jobs! Marina Shifrin made headlines last week when she posted a creative YouTube video announcing her resignation from her video producing job. Latifah called her up and asked her to appear on the show to discuss the viral video. Soon after, the new daytime TV host offer Shifrin a job on her crew. “So, you looking for a job,” joked Latifah. “I’m a boss. And bosses can hire!” Watch the clip here.
• Russell Simmons donated $10,000 to a New York based anti-violence program. Life Camp aims to keep young kids off the street as well as end gun violence in Queens, New York. The program was hoping to raise $100,000 to continue to do good work in the area. Not only did Simmons donate the cash, he retweeted several folks who donated as well. [Grio]
• Oprah’s 60th birthday is around the corner and according to reports, she’s planning a huge celebration. The queen of media is said to putting together a who’s who of Hollywood celebs for her big bash—including booking Beyoncé and Tina Turner to perform. Oprah may also be clearing out her house, selling all of her furniture, to make room for a big renovation. [Page Six]