Steve Howey became a familiar face to American audiences more than 20 years ago as the charmingly hapless Van Montgomery on Reba, sharing the screen with Reba McEntire and Melissa Peterman. Since that iconic role, Howey’s career has expanded significantly, landing him roles in blockbuster films, beloved TV series, and a gripping long-running drama, proving his range and staying power in the entertainment industry.
Steve Howey is heading back to his roots with a guest spot on NBC’s Happy’s Place. He’ll be sharing the screen once again with his Reba alumni, and there’s growing speculation this reunion could become a regular thing.
Continue reading to explore Steve Howey’s impressive TV and film career, learn about his early years, and get a glimpse into his life as a devoted father of three.
Steve Howey’s Early Years: Growing Up on a Boat
Steve Howey was born in San Antonio, Texas, in 1977, but his childhood was anything but ordinary. He spent much of his early years living aboard a 67-foot yacht called Valkyrien and later a 38-foot schooner, exploring the Pacific Coast. In an interview with Forbes, Howey reflected on those adventures, sharing that his time at sea taught him essential survival skills. He also expressed his belief in the transformative power of travel, saying, “Travel offers the best kind of education. I’ve always thought it teaches more than any book or lecture ever could. It’s the ultimate way to learn about life.”
Acting is a family affair for the Howeys. Steve’s father, Bill, was a well-known acting coach for many years and ran an acting school with Steve’s mother, Carla, until his passing in 2021. Together, they also co-wrote The Actor’s Menu: A Character Preparation Handbook in 2004.
Steve learned the craft of acting from his father, which he once described to The Los Angeles Times in 2011 as a bit complicated—taking feedback from a parent isn’t always easy. Despite the challenges, he credited the experience with shaping his career and said it “paid off” in the end.
Steve Howey Cherishes His Role as a Father of Three
Steve Howey is a proud dad to three kids with his ex-wife, actress Sarah Shahi. Their son William was born in 2009, followed by twins Violet and Knox in 2015. Howey often shares sweet family moments on social media, including playful costume photos with his kids. In a 2019 Us Weekly interview, he described himself as a “protector, especially when I’m with my kids.”
Steve Howey cherishes his role as a father to three kids, whom he shares with his former wife, actress Sarah Shahi. Their first child, William, was born in 2009, and six years later, they welcomed twins, Violet and Knox.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Howey reflected on his protective instincts, especially when it comes to his children. His social media is filled with endearing moments, from carrying all three kids at once to joining them in imaginative costume play, highlighting his hands-on and fun-loving approach to fatherhood.
Steve Howey’s Impressive Career Spans Iconic TV Shows and Blockbusters
Since the late ‘90s, Steve Howey has steadily built an impressive acting portfolio. Before becoming widely recognized as Van Montgomery on Reba, he appeared in notable TV shows such as ER (2000) and The Drew Carey Show (2000). His early film credits include roles in Class (1998) and Supercross (2005).
In 2001, Howey took on the memorable role of Van Montgomery in Reba, portraying a high school football star and teen dad married to Reba Hart’s 17-year-old pregnant daughter, Cheyenne. Known for his hilarious antics and endearing cluelessness, Van brought plenty of laughs while remaining a devoted and loving family man.
Fans have been eagerly hoping for a Reba reboot, and Steve Howey is all in. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he expressed his excitement about revisiting the characters. “Playing Van in my early 20s was an unforgettable experience,” he said. “I’d love to see where Van and the rest of the family are now. If Reba calls, I’m there without question.”
Following his time on Reba, Howey made a name for himself as Kevin Ball, the lovable bar owner in Shameless, a role he held from 2010 to 2021. His TV credits also include memorable appearances in New Girl, Law & Order: SVU, True Lies, and Sons of Anarchy. On the film side, he’s featured in hits like Bride Wars, Something Borrowed, Making Babies, and Day Shift.
In 2024, Howey took on the role of Wyatt James in Brilliant Minds (Season 1, Episode 3, “The Lost Biker”) and will also appear in a festive episode of NBC’s comedy Happy’s Place.
Steve Howey teams up with his Reba castmates on Happy’s Place.
Episode 7 of Happy’s Place, titled “Ho-Ho-Howey,” reunites Reba McEntire, Melissa Peterman, and Steve Howey, bringing Reba fans a nostalgic treat.
Airing December 6 at 8/7c, the holiday episode features Howey as Danny, a wealthy businessman who befriends Gabby at a dog park. To save the tavern’s health insurance, Gabby convinces Danny to host his company party at Happy’s—with the quirky twist that everyone must swap their names for the night.
Kevin Abbott, the creator of Happy’s Place and a former Reba executive producer, shared with TV Line that Steve Howey might reprise his role. Abbott revealed that Gabby’s character could explore the idea of having a baby, with Howey’s character being considered as a potential sperm donor. Abbott added, “We’re really optimistic about bringing Steve’s character back into the story.”