Steve Martin
Adapted from Wikipedia · Adventurer experience
Stephen Glenn Martin, born on August 14, 1945, is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. He is famous for his funny work in movies, television, and music. He has won many awards, including five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also received special honors like the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Kennedy Center Honors.
Martin started his career writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and later became a popular stand-up comedian in the 1970s. He starred in many funny movies such as The Jerk, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. He also played kind and loving family members in films like Parenthood, the Father of the Bride series, and Cheaper by the Dozen.
In recent years, Martin has done comedy tours with fellow comedian Martin Short. In 2021, he helped create a funny television show called Only Murders in the Building on Hulu with Short and Selena Gomez. Martin also enjoys playing the banjo and has made several music albums, winning more Grammy Awards for both his music and comedy.
Early life and education
Steve Martin was born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas. He grew up in Inglewood, California and later in Garden Grove with his older sister. His family was Baptist. As a teenager, Steve worked at Disneyland, where he learned magic tricks and juggling.
After high school, Steve went to Santa Ana College, where he studied drama and poetry. He later transferred to UCLA and changed his major to theater. During college, he performed comedy in local clubs and decided to pursue a career in entertainment.
Career
Steve Martin started his career in comedy. He got a writing job on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967. He later appeared on Saturday Night Live, where he became a popular host. His stand-up comedy led to successful albums in the 1970s, entertaining many with his unique humor.
Martin also acted in movies. He began with small roles and later played leading parts in films like The Jerk. He worked with famous directors and co-stars, trying many different kinds of roles. Over the years, he appeared in many movies, television shows, and voiced characters in animated films.
In addition to acting, Martin wrote books and plays. He also played music, especially the banjo, and performed with bands, sharing his love for different musical styles.
Personal life
Steve Martin has had many relationships over the years. Early in his career, he dated writers, actors, and musicians. In 1986, he married actress Victoria Tennant, but they divorced in 1994. In 2007, he married Anne Stringfield, and they had a daughter together in 2012.
Martin enjoys collecting art and has owned pieces by famous artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Pablo Picasso. He has helped organize art shows and supported artists from around the world. He also served on the board of a major art museum in Los Angeles for many years.
Martin has said that he doesn’t follow any specific religion and prefers to think for himself. He also has a condition called tinnitus, which makes sounds ring in his ears. He believes it came from years of loud music and performances.
Influences
Steve Martin talks about comedians who inspired him. He mentions Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, Jack Benny, Jerry Lewis, and Woody Allen as big influences.
Martin also says that Jerry Seinfeld is one of his favorite modern comedians. He likes Seinfeld's humor. Over the years, Martin’s comedy style has inspired many others, including Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Conan O'Brien, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Robert Smigel, Bo Burnham, and Jordan Peele. Even musician Mike Patton says Steve Martin influenced him.
Filmography
Steve Martin has been in many funny movies and shows. He is known for making people laugh with his comedy. Over the years, he has won awards for his work in entertainment.
Awards and nominations
Main article: List of awards and nominations received by Steve Martin
Steve Martin has won many awards for his work. He received an Academy Honorary Award, an Emmy Award, five Grammy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was also nominated for ten Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards. A newspaper called The Guardian said he is one of the best actors who has never been nominated for an Academy Award.
Discography
Albums
Steve Martin has released several albums with his bluegrass and comedy music. These albums show his talent in playing the banjo and making people laugh.
Singles
Steve Martin has also released many singles. These songs are shorter than album tracks and are often played on the radio.
Music videos
Steve Martin has made music videos to go with some of his songs. These videos help bring his music to life and show his fun personality.
| Album | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard 200 | US Bluegrass | ||||
| Let's Get Small | 1977 | 10 | — | US: Platinum | Comedy |
| A Wild and Crazy Guy | 1978 | 2 | — | US: 2× Platinum | |
| Comedy Is Not Pretty! | 1979 | 25 | — | US: Gold | |
| The Steve Martin Brothers | 1981 | 135 | — | ||
| The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo | 2009 | 93 | 1 | Music | |
| Rare Bird Alert (with Steep Canyon Rangers) | 2011 | 43 | 1 | ||
| Love Has Come for You (with Edie Brickell) | 2013 | 21 | 1 | ||
| Live (with Steep Canyon Rangers featuring Edie Brickell) | 2014 | — | 1 | ||
| So Familiar (with Edie Brickell) | 2015 | 126 | 1 | ||
| The Long-Awaited Album (with Steep Canyon Rangers) | 2017 | 189 | 1 | ||
| "—" denotes a title that did not chart. | |||||
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions US | Album | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Grandmother's Song" | 1977 | 72 | Let's Get Small | Comedy |
| "King Tut" | 1978 | 17 | A Wild and Crazy Guy | Music |
| "Cruel Shoes" | 1979 | 91 | Comedy Is Not Pretty! | Comedy |
| "Bluegrass Radio" (with Alison Brown featuring Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Trey Hensley, and Todd Phillips) | 2024 | — | Non-album single | Music |
| Video | Year | Director |
|---|---|---|
| "Jubilation Day" | 2011 | Ryan Reichenfeld |
| "Pretty Little One" | 2014 | David Horn |
| "Won't Go Back" (with Edie Brickell) | 2015 | Matt Robertson |
| "Caroline" | 2017 | Brian Petchers |
| "So Familiar" | 2018 | Laurence Jacobs |
| "Promontory Point" | ||
| "Bluegrass Radio" (with Alison Brown featuring Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Trey Hensley, and Todd Phillips) | 2024 | —N/a |
Stand-up specials
Steve Martin has made many funny shows and videos that people enjoy watching.
- Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, 2018
Other video releases
Here are some more funny videos by Steve Martin:
- Steve Martin-Live! (1986, VHS; includes short film "The Absent-Minded Waiter" and footage from a 1979 concert)
- Saturday Night Live: The Best of Steve Martin (1998, DVD/VHS; sketch compilation)
- Steve Martin: The Television Stuff (2012, DVD; includes content of Steve Martin-Live! as well as his NBC specials and other television appearances)
Images
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