Steve Harvey gets a surprise

He's known for keeping audiences laughing and joining in the fun, but actor-comedian Steve Harvey has a serious side too.

According to Steve a couple gave him his first contract for his carpet cleaning business and then let him travel to do stand-up comedy shows using their travel agency account and he used over $11,000. Steve says he has been searching for the couple for years but could not find them.

As Harvey celebrated his 56th birthday, the funnyman broke down when he was confronted with a familiar face from his past.

"It was my birthday, and (the producers) surprised me," he explained to Matt Lauer. "It was a guy that had helped me out when I was really, really down and out. Man, I had nothing, and this guy took me in, up in Cleveland, at a furniture store. He started teaching me the principles of success."

The man was Rich Liss, and when he appeared on "Steve Harvey" via satellite and asked "Do you still love me, baby?" he left the star in tears.

"Him and his wife (Becky) helped me out so much," Harvey recalled. "You know, look, people give me free dinners now. I walk in the restaurant, I get the best table. But I don't need that. When I needed it, no one helped me, but this guy right here."

Video: http://youtu.be/1oxEitLU9ps