History of Steve Martin in Timeline

Stephen Glenn Martin is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. His multifaceted career spans comedy films, television, and music recording, earning him numerous awards, including five Grammys, a Primetime Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He has also received prestigious honors such as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Kennedy Center Honors, an Honorary Academy Award, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. Comedy Central recognized his comedic prowess by ranking him sixth among the 100 greatest stand-up comics.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1915: Landscape with Horses Creation

In 1915, Heinrich Campendonk created "Landschaft mit Pferden", which Steve Martin bought in 2004, and was later discovered to be a forgery.

1955: Hopper's Hotel Window

In 1955, Edward Hopper painted "Hotel Window", later sold by Steve Martin in 2006.

1968: First Art Purchase

In 1968, Steve Martin started his art collection by purchasing a print by Ed Ruscha.

1977: Relationship with Bernadette Peters Begins

In 1977, Steve Martin began a relationship with Bernadette Peters, which lasted until 1980. They co-starred in "The Jerk" and "Pennies from Heaven".

1978: King Tut Release

In 1978, Steve Martin's novelty hit song "King Tut" was released.

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1980: Relationship with Bernadette Peters Ends

In 1980, Steve Martin's relationship with Bernadette Peters ended. They co-starred in "The Jerk" and "Pennies from Heaven".

1984: Appointment to LACMA Board of Trustees

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

November 20, 1986: Marriage to Victoria Tennant

On November 20, 1986, Steve Martin married actress Victoria Tennant, with whom he co-starred in "All of Me" and "L.A. Story".

1986: Tinnitus Origin

In 1986, Steve Martin initially attributed his tinnitus to a pistol shooting scene while filming "Three Amigos".

1990: USO Tour to Saudi Arabia

In 1990, Steve Martin went on a USO Tour to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm, where he met with military personnel.

1994: Divorce from Victoria Tennant

In 1994, Steve Martin divorced actress Victoria Tennant.

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.

July 2004: Purchase of Forged Campendonk Painting

In July 2004, Steve Martin purchased what he believed to be Heinrich Campendonk's "Landschaft mit Pferden" (Landscape with Horses) for approximately €700,000 from a Paris gallery.

2004: Departure from LACMA Board of Trustees

In 2004, Steve Martin departed from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) board of trustees after serving since 1984.

2006: Sale of Hopper's Hotel Window

In 2006, Steve Martin sold Edward Hopper's "Hotel Window (1955)" at Sotheby's for $26.8 million.

July 28, 2007: Marriage to Anne Stringfield

On July 28, 2007, Steve Martin married writer Anne Stringfield in a surprise ceremony at his Los Angeles home.

June 2009: A Prairie Home Companion Appearance

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

2010: Performances with Steep Canyon Rangers

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

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

In 2010, Steve Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass to reward artistry and promote bluegrass, which includes a cash award, a sculpture, and a performance opportunity.

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.

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May 3, 2011: Conan Performance

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

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July 4, 2011: Capitol Fourth Celebration Performance

On July 4, 2011, Steve Martin performed on the lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., at the "Capitol Fourth Celebration," playing "Me and Paul Revere" and two other songs.

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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.

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2011: Sammy Shelor Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2011, Sammy Shelor of Lonesome River Band received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

December 2012: Birth of Daughter

In December 2012, Steve Martin became a father when Anne Stringfield gave birth to their daughter.

2012: Mark Johnson Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2012, Mark Johnson received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

April 2013: Love Has Come for You Album Release

In April 2013, the collaboration album "Love Has Come for You" with Edie Brickell was released and promoted with appearances on talk shows.

May 2013: Tour with Steep Canyon Rangers and Edie Brickell

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

2013: Jens Kruger Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2013, Jens Kruger received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

2014: Eddie Adcock Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2014, Eddie Adcock received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

2015: Danny Barnes Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2015, Danny Barnes received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

2015: So Familiar Album Release

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 co-organized "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris" exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, featuring works by Lawren Harris.

2016: Rhiannon Giddens Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2016, Rhiannon Giddens received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

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

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

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2017: Scott Vestal Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2017, Scott Vestal received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

2018: Kristin Scott Benson Receives Steve Martin Prize

In 2018, Kristin Scott Benson received the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.

2019: "Desert Painters of Australia" Exhibition

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