Philadelphia honors Kevin Hart with cheesesteak shop mural

Actor-comedian Kevin Hart, left, speaks during the dedication of a mural honoring him on his birthday near his childhood home in Philadelphia, on Thursday. (AP)

PHILADELPHIA: Standing in front of a new mural of his face painted on a cheesesteak spot around the corner from his childhood home, comedian Kevin Hart celebrated his 38th birthday Thursday in true superstar style: With his very own holiday.
The city’s native son returned to Max’s Steaks in his old north Philadelphia neighborhood for the recently dubbed “Kevin Hart Day,” a block party that drew more than 200 fans who chanted his name as rain showers drenched the crowd.
“There was a point in my life where I needed people to buy me cheesesteaks at Max’s and now when I go to Max’s my face is on the side of the building,” Hart told the crowd.
City officials this year passed a resolution naming the comedic actor’s July 6 birthday to be an official holiday bearing his name. And for good reason, they said, noting Hart’s donation of 500 computers to local schools and organizations as well as the four $50,000 scholarships he gave to high school students.
“I truly do believe that Philadelphia made me into the man I am today,” Hart said. “I eat, breathe and sleep this city, man.”

He has starred in five stand-up comedy specials and will soon appear in an upcoming remake of the film Jumanji. He also was recently named by Forbes as the highest-paid comedian, raking in nearly $90 million from June 2015 to June 2016.
Hart told his fans that he had only one rule for his new mural.
“Don’t nobody pee on my wall or nothing,” he said.