Introduction
Steve Howey is an American actor with a career spanning more than two decades. He is best known for playing Van Montgomery on the long-running sitcom Reba and Kevin Ball on Showtime’s hit drama Shameless. More recently, he has taken on the role of Captain Nick Wagner in the ABC series High Potential, which has introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
Howey has built a reputation as a dependable television lead — someone who can deliver both comedy and drama in equal measure. He has appeared in over a dozen films and has guest-starred on numerous shows over the years. His work on Shameless in particular earned him wide recognition for portraying a character with surprising emotional depth beneath a rough exterior.
People searching for Steve Howey actor often want to know about his career journey, his family life, and what he has been up to since Shameless ended in 2021. This article covers all of that in detail, drawing only from verified public information.
Early Life and Background
Steven Michael Robert Howey was born on July 12, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas. He later moved from Texas to Denver, Colorado, where he graduated from high school.
Growing up, Howey spent a significant amount of time sailing the Pacific Coast with his U.S. Navy veteran parents. That experience on the water shaped a self-reliant streak in him. He told Forbes the experience humbled him as he learned how to survive on the ocean.
His father, Bill Howey, is a director and acting coach. Steve attended Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, for two years on a basketball scholarship. However, after two years, he realized he could not keep pace with his teammates and decided to pursue acting instead.
Before moving to pursue his acting career, he worked as a waiter at Grady’s American Grill in Colorado. His Scottish ethnic background was mentioned publicly — Sarah Shahi noted his Scottish descent in an appearance on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
Quick Bio Table
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Steven Michael Robert Howey |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1977 |
| Age | 48 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | San Antonio, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, Producer |
| Famous For | Reba, Shameless, High Potential |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Sarah Shahi, finalized 2021) |
| Children | 3 (William Wolf, Knox Blue, Violet Moon) |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–4 million (not officially confirmed) |
| Current Residence | Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California |
Career and Public Recognition
Howey starred in and produced the independent film Class in 1998, which was written and directed by his father and was accepted into the Denver International Film Festival. That project marked his formal entry into the entertainment industry.
He appeared on television sitcoms including The Drew Carey Show, Get Real, and eventually Reba from 2001 to 2007. His portrayal of Van Montgomery, the affable son-in-law on Reba, showcased his comedic timing and endeared him to audiences during the show’s run.
He also appeared in Reba McEntire’s music video “Every Other Weekend” alongside his Reba co-star Joanna Garcia.
On the film side, Howey worked in films like Supercross: The Movie (2005), the action film DOA: Dead or Alive (2007), Bride Wars (2009), and Still Waiting (2009).
In 2011, Howey joined the cast of Showtime’s Shameless as Kevin Ball, a bartender and neighbor to the central Gallagher family. His character, along with on-screen partner Veronica played by Shanola Hampton, provided comic relief while also confronting serious themes such as infertility, adoption, and economic hardship. Over the show’s 11-season run, Kevin evolved into one of the most beloved supporting characters, earning Howey widespread recognition for his range and consistency.
After Shameless wrapped in 2021, Howey starred alongside Jamie Foxx in the Netflix action-comedy Day Shift (2022), playing a tough vampire-hunting operative.
He then led the CBS action series True Lies, executive produced by James Cameron and McG. Most recently, he is best known for his role as Captain Nick Wagner on the ABC hit series High Potential.
Steve Howey Actor and Personal Life
Outside of his professional work, Steve Howey has spoken openly about fatherhood being central to his identity. In 2016, during an interview with Talk Nerdy With Us, he said that he and his then-wife’s busy schedules “almost broke us up,” explaining that once children entered the picture, any energy left in the day went to the kids rather than each other.
He has also shared his personal interests publicly. When not on set, Howey spends time riding his motorcycle, playing poker, studying martial arts, coaching new talent, and participating in shooting competitions.
Steve Howey volunteers for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides funds and services to hospitalized children and their families.
His approach to on-screen work is grounded in classic Hollywood influences. He has cited Jackie Gleason and Steve McQueen as formative figures — actors who combined humor and raw presence in a way that left a lasting impression on him.
Relationship With Sarah Shahi
Steve Howey and Sarah Shahi first met in 2003 when Shahi filmed a guest-starring role on Reba, the show on which Howey starred. They got engaged in June 2007 during a trip to Hawaii and married on February 7, 2009, in Las Vegas.
The pair went on to welcome their eldest son, William, later in 2009, and expanded their family in 2015 with the birth of twins Violet and Knox.
Us Weekly confirmed in June 2020 that Shahi filed for divorce in May 2020, citing irreconcilable differences and listing April 14 as their date of separation. Their divorce was finalized on January 29, 2021. The exes share joint legal and physical custody of their three children — son William and twins Violet and Knox.
Neither party was ordered to pay child support. Howey retained his $1.8 million home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles and was ordered to pay Shahi more than $305,000 to equalize the division of community property.
In a statement to Us Weekly at the time of the split, the two said: “We are so grateful for the past 10 years together and proud of our children that we’ve raised. Our priority will remain co-parenting our children with so much love, mutual respect and friendship.”
Life Away From Public Attention
Since his divorce, Steve Howey has kept his personal life largely out of the tabloids. No new romantic relationship has been publicly confirmed as of mid-2026. His public focus has remained on his acting career and his role as a father.
Howey told Us Weekly in 2023 that he connected with his True Lies character’s role as a “devoted family man” who “adores his kids,” drawing parallels to his own values as a parent.
He has maintained an active social media presence rather than disappearing from public view, using it to engage with fans and promote his work rather than sharing details of his private life.
Age, Height, and Physical Appearance
Steve Howey was born on July 12, 1977, making him 48 years old as of 2026. He stands at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and maintains a body weight of approximately 209 lbs (95 kg).
His tall, athletic build has contributed to the kinds of roles he has been cast in — from the laid-back Van Montgomery on Reba to the physically imposing Kevin Ball on Shameless and the action-oriented leads he has taken on more recently.
Family Details of Steve Howey Actor
Steve Howey’s father, Bill Howey, is a director and acting coach who has played an active role in his son’s career, most notably by writing and directing the independent film Class in 1998.
His parents are U.S. Navy veterans, and the family spent significant time sailing the Pacific Coast during his childhood.
Information about Steve Howey’s mother and any siblings is not publicly confirmed in available sources.
Regarding his own children: Howey has three children — son William Wolf Howey and twins Knox Blue and Violet Moon Howey. William was born in July 2009, and the twins were born on March 1, 2015.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Celebrity Net Worth estimates Steve Howey’s net worth at $4 million, built through his acting career on two long-running series and various film roles. Other estimates put the figure lower, in the range of $2 million. There is no single verified public figure, and estimates vary across sources.
According to court documents from his 2021 divorce settlement, Howey retained a $1.8 million home in the Sherman Oaks neighborhood of Los Angeles.
His income sources are rooted entirely in his acting career. He has worked consistently in television since the early 2000s, with Reba, Shameless, True Lies, and High Potential representing the anchor projects over that span.
Social Media Presence
Steve Howey is active on Instagram under the handle @stevehowey, where he has amassed nearly two million followers. He uses the platform to share updates about his projects, personal interests, and family moments. No verified TikTok or YouTube channel is publicly associated with him as a primary platform.
Lesser-Known Facts About Steve Howey Actor
- Howey received a basketball scholarship to Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, before switching to acting.
- His debut film Class (1998) was produced by him and written and directed by his father — it was accepted into the Denver International Film Festival.
- He is a volunteer for the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which supports hospitalized children and their families.
- He spent parts of his childhood sailing the Pacific Coast with his U.S. Navy veteran parents, an experience he described to Forbes as teaching him how to genuinely survive.
- He is currently starring as Captain Nick Wagner in High Potential on ABC, marking a new chapter in his television career after Shameless and True Lies.
Public Interest and Legacy
Steve Howey has maintained a consistent presence in American television for over 20 years, which is a notable achievement in an industry with significant turnover. His ability to anchor two very different shows — the family sitcom Reba and the gritty drama Shameless — speaks to his range as a performer.
The role of Kevin Ball on Shameless is likely what cemented his reputation with a wider audience. The character ran for 11 seasons and gave Howey room to move between slapstick comedy and genuine emotional moments. Viewers responded to that complexity.
His return to a lead role in High Potential on ABC suggests his career is still moving forward. He continues to attract search interest because people who grew up watching Reba or Shameless remain curious about what he is doing next, and the answer in 2026 is: quite a lot.
His personal journey — including his divorce, his commitment to co-parenting, and his candid interviews about balancing work and family — has made him a relatable figure beyond the screen. He has not shied away from discussing the difficulties of maintaining relationships in Hollywood, and that openness has earned him respect from fans.
FAQs About Steve Howey Actor
1. What is Steve Howey best known for?
Steve Howey is best known for playing Van Montgomery on Reba (2001–2007) and Kevin Ball on Showtime’s Shameless (2011–2021). He currently stars as Captain Nick Wagner in High Potential on ABC.
2. Is Steve Howey still married?
No. Steve Howey and actress Sarah Shahi finalized their divorce in January 2021 after separating in April 2020. They share joint custody of their three children.
3. How many children does Steve Howey have?
Steve Howey has three children with his ex-wife Sarah Shahi: son William Wolf Howey, born in July 2009, and twins Knox Blue and Violet Moon Howey, born in March 2015.
4. What is Steve Howey’s height?
Steve Howey stands at 6 feet 4 inches (approximately 1.93 meters).
5. What has Steve Howey been in recently?
After Shameless ended in 2021, Steve Howey appeared in Netflix’s Day Shift (2022) opposite Jamie Foxx, starred in the CBS series True Lies (2023), and most recently took on the role of Captain Nick Wagner in ABC’s High Potential.
Conclusion
Steve Howey is a working actor with a long track record across sitcoms, dramas, and films. He built his name through Reba, deepened it through Shameless, and continues to take on leading roles more than two decades into his career. Off-screen, he has been transparent about his divorce and his priorities as a father of three. His career arc — from basketball scholarship student in Colorado to ABC series lead — reflects a genuine commitment to his craft over the long term.
