San Antonio-born Steve Howey rose from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom. You’ll recognize him as Van Montgomery on Reba (2001–2007) and as the beloved Kevin Ball in 134 episodes of Shameless (2011–2021).
Beyond his comedic gifts, he’s showcased impressive dramatic range across television and film. His personal journey includes a basketball scholarship, marriage to actress Sarah Shahi, and fatherhood to three children. His San Antonio roots continue influencing his approach to acting and family.
Image: Steve_Howey_2011.jpg: Kristina K. 1981 derivative work: RanZag, Steve Howey 2011 cropped, CC BY 2.0
From San Antonio Roots to Hollywood Success
While many Hollywood stars emerge from traditional entertainment hubs, Steve Howey’s journey began in the heart of Texas. Born in San Antonio to a U.S. Navy veteran father, he spent part of his early life traveling the Pacific Coast before settling in Colorado, developing the adventurous spirit that would later define his career.
You might recognize Howey from his breakout roles in Shameless, Bride Wars, and Supercross, but before the fame, he pursued a basketball scholarship that eventually led him to acting. His upbringing and Texas heritage contributed to the authentic masculinity he brings to each role.
Now with over 900K Instagram followers, Howey continues to resonate with audiences through his honest portrayals of fatherhood, drawing from his real-life experience as a father of three.
Early Life and Basketball Scholarship Days
Although he’d later become known for his iconic roles on screen, Steve Howey’s path to stardom first ran through the basketball court. Born in San Antonio, this future actor spent his youth sailing the Pacific with his parents before eventually settling in Colorado, where he attended Green Mountain High School in Lakewood.
His athletic prowess earned him a basketball scholarship to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, where he played for two seasons. Despite his success on the court, the pull toward acting proved stronger than sports.
The influence of his father Bill Howey, an acting coach and director, and his mother Carla Novinger, helped shape his passion for the craft. Taking classes at his father’s acting studio, Howey eventually left his sports career behind and pursued a path in the entertainment industry.
Breakout Role: Making a Name on “Reba”
Steve Howey’s decision to leave basketball behind paid off in 2001 when he landed the role that introduced him to millions of American households. As Van Montgomery on Reba, the San Antonio native showcased his natural comedic chops across 125 episodes spanning six successful seasons.
His undeniable chemistry with country music legend Reba McEntire quickly turned him into a fan favorite. Howey’s portrayal of the lovable football player balanced humor with emotional depth, demonstrating his versatile acting skills.
The breakout role established Howey as more than just a handsome face—he was a comedian with remarkable timing and authentic charm. This star-making turn on Reba laid the groundwork for his future success on Shameless and beyond.
The Iconic Kevin Ball Years on “Shameless”
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After establishing himself on network television, Howey transformed into the beloved Kevin “Kev” Ball on Showtime’s gritty dramedy Shameless, a role that would define his career for a decade. The San Antonio actor appeared in 134 episodes spanning 10 seasons from 2011 to 2021.
You couldn’t help but root for Kev, the caring yet often hapless bar owner whose honest portrayal of fatherhood resonated with viewers. His chemistry with Shanola Hampton, who played his wife Veronica, created one of television’s most authentic relationships. The pair quickly became fan-favorite characters, known for balancing chaos with genuine love.
Howey’s nuanced performance showcased impressive range, effortlessly shifting between hilarious comedic moments and heartfelt scenes that highlighted Kev’s growth and unwavering devotion to his family.
Film Career Highlights and Notable Performances
Howey’s talent extends beyond television. He starred in films such as Something Borrowed, Supercross, Bride Wars, and Game Over, Man!. His performances balance physicality with charm, proving his ability to thrive in action, rom-coms, and indie dramas.
He also voiced Trooper Norris in the 2019 QCode audio podcast series “Carrier,” demonstrating his ability to captivate audiences with just his voice.
Guest appearances on hit shows like New Girl, SEAL Team, and Dead to Me further showcase his versatility, as he moves seamlessly between comedy and drama. This range continues to shape an impressive career portfolio.
Personal Life: Family, Marriages, and Fatherhood
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Behind the cameras and away from his memorable roles, the San Antonio-born actor has built a life as rich in personal experiences as in professional achievements. Howey was married to actress Sarah Shahi from 2009 to 2021, during which they welcomed three children, including twins born at home via water birth in 2015.
His experiences as a father directly influenced his on-screen portrayal of Kev, adding emotional authenticity to Shameless.
You’ll find Howey:
- Sharing candid family moments with his 900K+ Instagram followers
- Supporting Starlight Children’s Foundation as a celebrity ambassador
- Balancing Hollywood with a hands-on parenting style
- Staying connected to his Texas roots
- Navigating co-parenting following his divorce
Recent Projects and What’s Next for Steve Howey
While his iconic role as Kevin Ball on Shameless cemented his place in television history, Steve Howey hasn’t slowed down since the series wrapped in 2021. He stars as Harry Tasker in the CBS reboot of True Lies (2023), based on the 1994 film—a significant step into action stardom.
He continues building a diverse portfolio with projects like Day Shift, where he starred opposite Jamie Foxx, and is involved in creative development behind the scenes.
Howey also invests in tech startups like Opkix, showcasing his entrepreneurial side.
Unlike Jackie Gleason’s comedic energy or Steve McQueen’s steely edge, Howey blends warmth, physicality, and emotional resonance into every role. From Supercross to True Lies, his creative evolution keeps him at the forefront of entertainment.