In a city known for its vibrant lifestyle and offbeat narratives, Steve Harvey stood out as a beloved chronicler of Los Angeles’ most whimsical and absurd moments. Renowned for his engaging “Only in L.A.” column, Harvey captivated readers for two decades in the Los Angeles Times and continued to share his insight in various platforms until his passing at the age of 80 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
Celebrating a Unique Chronicle of L.A.
Harvey’s distinctive voice provided a sneak peek into the lighter side of life in Los Angeles, with tales that included everything from an attempt to break California away from the continental United States via jumping jacks on Venice Beach to confirming the existence of roving chicken bands near the Hollywood Freeway. Many of his best stories are compiled in his book, “The Best of Only in L.A.: A Chronicle of the Amazing, Amusing and Absurd,” published in 1996.
His wife, Venetia Lai, remembered him fondly, stating, “He was always a lot of fun. He lived life with a lot of humor and joy.” A lover of satire, one of Harvey’s notable contributions to sports journalism was his satirical listing, “The Bottom 10,” which ranked the worst college football teams and has influenced sports commentators to this day.
From Humble Beginnings to Journalism Icon
Born in 1946 at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, Harvey grew up in West L.A., attending local schools and earning a journalism degree from USC. His early experiences, including a transformative summer journalism program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, shaped the course of his life, leading him to become an integral part of the journalism community.
Beginning his career at the L.A. Herald Examiner in 1968, Harvey eventually became a features writer for the L.A. Times, exploring the fascinating and quirky elements of his city. He didn’t shy away from unusual subjects, covering stories about everything from local celebrities to unique museums.
Even after a storied 40-year tenure at The Times, he maintained his column through various outlets, including L.A. Observed and the Grunion Gazette, ensuring his legacy lived on even after his retirement.
Harvey is survived by a loving family, including his wife, son James (Lauren), daughter Sarah (Nicholas), granddaughter Penelope, sister Marilyn Stein (John), and several nieces and nephews. His unique perspective on the quirks of Los Angeles will be greatly missed by both readers and fellow journalists alike.
