Harvey was born as Harvey Skolnik. He grew up in Plainfield, New Jersey. Harvey started his career in New York City as comedian Sandy Baron's manager. Harvey furthered his career by working with his close longtime friends: Garry Marshall, Penny Marshall, Albert Brooks, James L. Brooks and Jerry Belson,
Harvey helped create Love American Style with Bill Idelson. Harvey also loved meeting celebrities so when he was head writer and director of TV's The Odd Couple, his invigoration of the show by introducing big name talent served dual purposes. Harvey was responsible for integrating the following people into the show: Howard Cosell, Bobby Riggs, Billie Jean King, Paul Williams, Betty White, Allen Ludden and many others.
Harvey first met Burt Reynolds on Cannonball Run. There is a very famous episode of The Dating Game whereby the bachelorette, due to her attraction to his charm and razor sharp humor, chooses Harvey over Burt Reynolds. When the bachelorette meets and sees that she didn't choose Burt, she is devastated. When the host announces her date as Harvey Skolnik from Plainfield, NJ she Is crestfallen. Harvey was a fairly attractive man, but the meet became enormously funny. From that day on when attending industry events or parties, he would always ask if Reynolds was going to be there, so that Reynolds couldn't vengefully express his embarrassment for losing to Harvey.
Harvey bought and lived in Harrison Ford's old house. Before he became a movie star, Harrison was a c…