Steve Martin

Steve Martin Bio

Stephen Glenn Martin (born August 14, 1945) is an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. Known for his work in comedy films, television, and recording, he has received many accolades, including five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award as well as nominations for eight Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards. Martin received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2005, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007, the Honorary Academy Award in 2013, and an AFI Life Achievement Award in 2015.

Early Life and Background

Stephen Glenn Martin was born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas, to Mary Lee and Glenn Vernon Martin, a real estate salesman and aspiring actor. He has an older sister, Melinda. The family was of English, Scottish, Welsh, Scots-Irish, German, and French descent. Martin grew up in a Baptist family in Inglewood, California, and later in Garden Grove, where he attended Garden Grove High School. He was a cheerleader during his high school years.

One of Martin’s earliest memories is seeing his father perform as an extra on stage. This early exposure to performance influenced his career path. He began working at Disneyland at the age of ten, selling guidebooks and honing his skills in magic and juggling. After high school, he attended Santa Ana College and later transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where he majored in philosophy before switching to theater.

Path to Hollywood

Martin’s career began in the mid-1960s when he started performing stand-up comedy. He gained recognition as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, winning an Emmy Award in 1969. His unique style of absurdist comedy quickly made him a popular figure in the comedy scene. He also made appearances on various television shows, including Saturday Night Live, where he became a frequent host.

By the late 1970s, Martin transitioned into film, starring in his first major role in The Jerk (1979), which was a significant box office success. This marked the beginning of a successful film career, where he would go on to star in numerous iconic comedies.

Steve Martin Career

Early Career (1966–1979)

Martin’s early career was marked by his work in television and stand-up comedy. He gained national attention through his appearances on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and later on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. His comedy albums, including Let’s Get Small and A Wild and Crazy Guy, achieved commercial success and solidified his status as a leading comedian.

In 1979, Martin starred in The Jerk, which grossed over $100 million against a budget of approximately $4 million. This success opened doors for him in Hollywood and established him as a bankable star.

Breakthrough (1980–1995)

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Martin starred in a series of successful films, including Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (1982), The Man with Two Brains (1983), and All of Me (1984). He showcased his versatility as an actor in both comedic and serious roles, notably in Roxanne (1987), where he played a modern adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Martin’s role in Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) alongside John Candy further cemented his reputation as a leading actor in Hollywood. He continued to star in family-friendly comedies, including the Father of the Bride films (1991, 1995) and Cheaper by the Dozen (2003), both of which were commercially successful.

Notable Works and Milestones

Steve Martin’s career is characterized by a blend of stand-up comedy, television, and film. His signature works include The Jerk, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and the Father of the Bride series. He has won numerous awards, including an Academy Honorary Award in 2013 and five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums and music.

Steve Martin Award Nominations

Over his illustrious career, Steve Martin has received several nominations, including eight Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards, showcasing his versatility and talent across various entertainment mediums.

Steve Martin Awards Won

Steve Martin has won numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Honorary Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, five Grammy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, reflecting his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.

Steve Martin Family

Steve Martin was married to actress Victoria Tennant from 1986 until their divorce in 1994. He later married writer Anne Stringfield in 2007, and they welcomed a daughter in December 2012.

Personal Life

Martin has been known to keep his personal life private. He has been an avid art collector and has supported various charitable causes throughout his career. He also served on the board of trustees for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for two decades.