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 across film, television, and music. His numerous awards include five Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Honorary Academy Award. He has also been recognized with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Kennedy Center Honors, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. Comedy Central ranked him among the greatest stand-up comics, and The Guardian acknowledged him as one of the best actors without an Academy Award nomination.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1978: Release of "King Tut"

In 1978, Steve Martin released the novelty hit song "King Tut".

1984: Joins LACMA Board of Trustees

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

1990: USO Tour to Saudi Arabia

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

2004: Leaves LACMA Board of Trustees

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

June 2009: A Prairie Home Companion Performance and U.S. Tour

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

2010: Performances and Appearances with Steep Canyon Rangers

In 2010, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers appeared at the New Orleans Jazzfest, Merlefest Bluegrass Festival, Bonnaroo Music Festival, the ROMP Bluegrass Festival, the Red Butte Garden Concert series, and on the BBC's Later... with Jools Holland.

2010: Creation of the Steve Martin Prize

In 2010, Steve Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass, an award to reward artistry and bring visibility to bluegrass performers.

March 21, 2011: The Colbert Report Performance

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

May 3, 2011: Conan Performance

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 "Me and Paul Revere" and two other songs on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., at the "Capitol Fourth Celebration".

July 6, 2011: The One Show Performance

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" Album

In April 2013, Steve Martin released "Love Has Come for You", a collaboration album with Edie Brickell, and promoted it with appearances on talk shows.

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" Album

In 2015, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell released "So Familiar" as the second installment of their partnership.

2015: "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris" Exhibition

In 2015, Steve Martin organized an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and other locations called "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris".

June 9, 2017: Release of "Music from The American Epic Sessions" Soundtrack

On June 9, 2017, the soundtrack "Music from The American Epic Sessions" featuring Martin and Brickell's version of "The Coo Coo Bird" was released.

2019: "Desert Painters of Australia" Exhibition

In 2019, Steve Martin organized an exhibition with Gagosian Gallery titled "Desert Painters of Australia", which featured art by George Tjungurrayi and Emily Kame Kngwarreye.

2021: Assists in Launching NEIVA

In 2021, Steve Martin assisted in launching the National Endowment for Indigenous Visual Arts (NEIVA), a fund to support Australian Indigenous artists.