Steve Howey as Van Montgomery in Reba: The Untold Story of a Lovable Goofball Who Won Our Hearts

For fans of early 2000s television, Reba was one of those shows that stayed in your heart long after it ended. With its mix of comedy, family dynamics, and relatable characters, it became a staple in many households. But perhaps the character who made the biggest impact, often stealing the show with his humor and lovable personality, was none other than Van Montgomery, played by Steve Howey. Van was the well-meaning but often clueless young husband of Cheyenne Hart, played by the talented Joanna García. The young couple’s relationship, full of ups and downs, set the tone for much of Reba‘s most memorable moments.

But behind the funny one-liners and goofy antics of Van Montgomery, there was a lot more happening in the background. Steve Howey’s portrayal of the character turned him into one of the most beloved figures of the series, but few truly know the complexities of how he made the character so memorable. From his early days as a star athlete to his unexpected role as a father and husband, let’s take a closer look at Van Montgomery’s evolution — and how Steve Howey’s performance truly brought him to life.

The Birth of Van Montgomery: A Comedic Star in the Making

When Reba first hit the airwaves in 2001, viewers were introduced to a young couple navigating the unexpected twists of life. Van Montgomery, a high school football star, was painted as a bit of a “dumb jock” — the classic lovable goofball who was always in over his head. His story began with a bang: a teenage pregnancy with Cheyenne Hart, which spirals into a whirlwind marriage proposal. But Van, in his typical clueless yet endearing way, quickly became a fan favorite.

What made Steve Howey’s portrayal of Van so appealing was his impeccable timing and relatable nature. Van’s character was not only funny because of his well-meaning but often misguided actions but also because of how real his relationship with Cheyenne felt. They weren’t just a funny couple; they were a couple learning, growing, and struggling with the challenges that many young people in real life face. Howey infused Van with vulnerability and sweetness, making him more than just a sitcom character. His performance had a depth that wasn’t immediately apparent but became more evident as the show progressed.

The Unexpected Pregnancy: The Beginning of a Wild Ride

In the very first season of Reba, fans are thrown into the chaos of Van and Cheyenne’s lives. The two are revealed to be virgins who are thrust into adulthood through the shock of an unexpected pregnancy. This, of course, triggers a series of events that will define much of their relationship. Van, who was once the king of the football field, suddenly found himself in a situation where his athleticism could do little to help him. His parents disapprove of Cheyenne, which only adds to the pressure, and in a moment of desperation, he proposes marriage — in the classic over-the-top, ‘we-don’t-know-what-we’re-doing’ style.

While the situation is played for laughs, it’s also a critical turning point in Van’s growth as a character. The storyline mirrors the struggles of many young couples who face unplanned pregnancies and the consequences that come with it. Van’s reaction, initially naive and oblivious, gradually turns into one of responsibility and determination. As Van begins to realize the gravity of the situation, he steps up, providing the emotional support that Cheyenne needs.

It’s this mixture of humor and heart that defines Van’s role throughout the series. His comedic moments never overshadow the genuine emotional growth he undergoes — a balance that Howey managed to perfect, turning Van into a truly dynamic character.

Van’s Journey from Jock to Family Man

One of the most interesting aspects of Van’s character arc is his transformation from the typical high school jock to a loving husband and father. At the start, Van was a simple character: a former football star trying to figure out how to deal with the responsibilities of marriage and fatherhood. But as the seasons progressed, the character became far more complex.

In season two, Van experiences a career-ending injury that shatters his dreams of becoming a professional football player. Suddenly, he finds himself with no clear path forward. While this could have easily turned into a stereotypical storyline where Van struggles with his loss of identity, the show takes a different approach. Instead of spiraling into depression, Van decides to reinvent himself, diving into the world of real estate — a career that becomes an unexpected source of both comedy and personal growth.

Van’s journey from football star to real estate agent showcases how the show continually pushed its characters to evolve. It wasn’t just about comedic moments; it was about showing how people change and adapt as they face new challenges in life. Howey’s portrayal of Van’s changing ambitions added a layer of authenticity to the show that resonated with viewers who were themselves undergoing similar life changes.

The Heart of Reba: Van’s Relationships with Cheyenne and Reba

While Van’s personal growth is impressive, it’s his relationships with Cheyenne and Reba McEntire’s character, Reba Hart, that truly define him. Van’s marriage to Cheyenne is at the center of the show’s family dynamics, and through the ups and downs, Van’s love for her never wavers. What’s most remarkable is how their relationship develops from the chaos of an unplanned pregnancy into a real partnership. As the show progresses, we see Van mature into a caring and responsible father, often taking on a leadership role in their family.

But what makes Reba stand out is the strong bond between Van and Reba Hart, Cheyenne’s mother. In the beginning, Reba is understandably skeptical of Van, seeing him as a foolish young man who’s in over his head. But over the course of six seasons, the two develop a deep, almost mother-son relationship that provides some of the show’s most touching moments. Van’s respect for Reba grows, and viewers see him become more self-aware through her guidance.

Their relationship is a key part of the show’s emotional depth. Through the humor and the conflicts, Van’s evolving connection with Reba highlights the importance of family — not just by blood, but by choice.

The Legacy of Van Montgomery: A Character Who Stuck With Us

When Reba ended in 2007, it left a void for fans who had come to love the quirky, lovable characters. Steve Howey’s portrayal of Van Montgomery was integral to the show’s success, and Van remains one of the most iconic characters in sitcom history. His evolution from a clueless high school jock to a devoted husband and father is a testament to Howey’s range as an actor and his ability to bring warmth and authenticity to a character who could have easily remained one-dimensional.

In the years following Reba, Steve Howey went on to star in Shameless, where his role as Kevin Ball further showcased his comedic chops and versatility. However, it’s the legacy of Van Montgomery that will always stand out in the hearts of Reba fans. Van was more than just a goofy character — he was a symbol of growth, responsibility, and the unpredictable journey that life often takes.

So, the next time you rewatch Reba and find yourself laughing at one of Van’s classic moments, remember that beneath the comedy was a character who truly captured the challenges and rewards of growing up. Thanks to Steve Howey’s brilliant performance, Van Montgomery will always hold a special place in the world of sitcoms, and in the hearts of fans who loved him for both his goofiness and his heart.

The Takeaway

Van Montgomery was more than just a punchline in Reba. He was a symbol of growth, love, and personal evolution. His relationship with Cheyenne, his career challenges, and his complex family dynamics all created a character that people still love today. Thanks to Steve Howey’s spot-on portrayal, Van became one of those characters you couldn’t help but root for, even as he stumbled his way through life.

If you haven’t watched Reba in a while, or if you’re just discovering it now, be prepared to fall in love with Van Montgomery all over again — a character who is as funny as he is heartfelt, and who will forever be remembered for his lovable goofball charm.