Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Steve Martin

Discover the career path of Steve Martin, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Stephen Glenn Martin is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. He is celebrated for his extensive work in comedy, spanning films, television, and recordings. Martin's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also received nominations for eight Golden Globe Awards and two Tony Awards. His significant impact on American humor was further acknowledged with the Mark Twain Prize in 2005, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007, an Honorary Academy Award in 2013, and an AFI Life Achievement Award in 2015. Comedy Central ranked him sixth among the 100 greatest stand-up comics in 2004.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1978: King Tut novelty hit song

In 1978, Steve Martin released the novelty hit song "King Tut", which he occasionally performed live in a bluegrass arrangement during his tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers.

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1984: Joined Los Angeles County Museum of Art board of trustees

In 1984, Steve Martin joined the Los Angeles County Museum of Art board of trustees.

1990: USO Tour to Saudi Arabia

In 1990, during Operation Desert Storm, Steve Martin went on a USO Tour to Saudi Arabia from October 14 to 21, meeting with military service members.

2001: Bellagio Gallery exhibit

In 2001, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presented a five-month exhibit of twenty-eight items from Steve Martin's art collection.

2004: Departure from LACMA board of trustees

In 2004, Steve Martin left the Los Angeles County Museum of Art board of trustees.

June 2009: Performance on A Prairie Home Companion

In June 2009, Steve Martin played banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers on A Prairie Home Companion.

2010: Creation of the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass

In 2010, Steve Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass to reward artistry and increase visibility for bluegrass performers, including a cash prize, a sculpture, and a performance opportunity.

March 21, 2011: Performance on The Colbert Report

On March 21, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on The Colbert Report.

May 3, 2011: Performance on Conan

On May 3, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on Conan.

July 4, 2011: Capitol Fourth Celebration performance

On July 4, 2011, Steve Martin performed at the Capitol Fourth Celebration in Washington, D.C., singing "Me and Paul Revere" along with two other songs.

July 6, 2011: Performance on The One Show

On July 6, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on BBC's The One Show.

April 2013: Release of Love Has Come for You

In April 2013, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell released their collaboration album, Love Has Come for You.

May 2013: Tour with Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell

Starting in May 2013, Steve Martin began a tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell throughout the United States.

2015: Release of So Familiar

In 2015, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell released So Familiar, their second collaboration album.

2015: Exhibition of Lawren Harris paintings

In 2015, Steve Martin co-organized an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and other locations, titled "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris," featuring works by Canadian painter Lawren Harris.