History of Steve Martin in Timeline
Steve Martin is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician. His career spans film, television, and music, earning him numerous awards such as five Grammys, a Primetime Emmy, and an Honorary Academy Award. He has also been nominated for two Tony Awards. His contributions to American humor have been recognized with the Mark Twain Prize, the Kennedy Center Honors, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. Comedy Central ranks him among the 100 greatest stand-up comics, and The Guardian considers him one of the best actors never to receive an Oscar nomination for acting.
1913: Birth of Steve Martin's Mother
Steve Martin's mother, Mary Lee (née Stewart), was born in 1913.
1914: Birth of Steve Martin's Father
Steve Martin's father, Glenn Vernon Martin, was born in 1914.
1915: Creation of Forged Painting
"Landschaft mit Pferden", the painting later purchased by Steve Martin, was supposedly created in 1915.
1923: Flashback Setting of Bright Star
The musical "Bright Star" includes flashbacks to 1923.
August 14, 1945: Birth of Steve Martin
Stephen Glenn Martin was born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas.
1945: Setting of Bright Star
The musical "Bright Star" is set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in 1945–46, with flashbacks to 1923.
1955: First Job at Disneyland
Steve Martin started his first job at Disneyland in 1955.
1958: End of Disneyland Job
Steve Martin's job at Disneyland ended in 1958.
1960: Magic Shop Job at Disneyland
Steve Martin began working at the Magic Shop in Disneyland in 1960.
1967: Transfer to UCLA and The Dating Game
In 1967, Steve Martin transferred to UCLA and appeared on The Dating Game.
1968: Begins Art Collecting
Steve Martin began collecting art in 1968.
1968: First Television Appearance
Steve Martin made his first television appearance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1968.
1969: Emmy Award for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
Steve Martin won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1969 for his writing on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.
1969: Emmy Award for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
Steve Martin won an Emmy for his writing on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1969.
1970: Original The Out-of-Towners
"The Out-of-Towners" is a remake of the 1970 Neil Simon comedy.
1970: Appearance on The Virginia Graham Show
Steve Martin appeared on The Virginia Graham Show in 1970.
1972: Minor Film Role
In 1972, Steve Martin had a small role in the film "Another Nice Mess".
1974: Canadian Travelogue and Stand-up
In 1974, Steve Martin starred in "The Funnier Side of Eastern Canada," incorporating stand-up segments filmed at the Ice House.
1976: Emmy Nomination for Van Dyke and Company
Steve Martin received an Emmy nomination for his work on Van Dyke and Company in 1976.
1977: Cruel Shoes (Limited Release)
A limited release of a truncated version of "Cruel Shoes" was published in 1977.
1977: Relationship with Bernadette Peters
From 1977 to 1980, Steve Martin was in a relationship with Bernadette Peters.
1977: "The Absent-Minded Waiter" and Oscar Nomination
In 1977, Steve Martin starred in and wrote the short film "The Absent-Minded Waiter," which received an Academy Award nomination.
1977: Let's Get Small and Grammy Award
Steve Martin released his first comedy album, "Let's Get Small," and won a Grammy for Best Comedy Recording in 1977.
April 22, 1978: King Tut Performance on SNL
Steve Martin performed "King Tut" on Saturday Night Live on April 22, 1978.
1978: Release of "King Tut"
In 1978, Steve Martin released the novelty hit song "King Tut".
1978: SNL Sketch with Gilda Radner
Steve Martin performed in a sketch with Gilda Radner on Saturday Night Live in 1978.
1978: Inspiration for "Pennies from Heaven"
Steve Martin's "Pennies from Heaven" was based on the 1978 BBC serial by Dennis Potter.
1979: Cruel Shoes
Steve Martin's first book, "Cruel Shoes," a collection of comedic short stories and essays, was published in 1979 by G. P. Putnam's Sons.
1979: Drop Thumb Medley and Concert Tour
In 1979, Steve Martin included an all-instrumental banjo jam, "Drop Thumb Medley," on his album "Comedy Is Not Pretty!" and played the track on his concert tour that year.
1979: The Jerk: A Box Office Triumph
In 1979, Steve Martin starred in and co-wrote "The Jerk," a major box office success directed by Carl Reiner.
1979: The Jerk
Steve Martin starred in the film "The Jerk" in 1979.
1980: All Commercials Television Special
Steve Martin's television special "All Commercials" aired in 1980.
1981: The Steve Martin Brothers
Steve Martin released his final comedy album, "The Steve Martin Brothers," in 1981, featuring both stand-up comedy and live bluegrass banjo performances.
1981: Steve Martin Retires from Stand-up Comedy
In 1981, Steve Martin decided to step away from stand-up comedy to focus on his film career. He explained that his act was conceptual, and once the concept was understood, it was complete. He didn't want to be exclusively remembered for his stand-up persona.
1981: Executive Producer and "Pennies from Heaven"
In 1981, Steve Martin took on executive producer roles and starred in the serious film "Pennies from Heaven."
1982: Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
In 1982, Steve Martin starred in "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid".
1982: Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
In 1982, Steve Martin appeared in the Carl Reiner-directed comedy "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid."
1983: The Man with Two Brains
Steve Martin starred in "The Man with Two Brains" in 1983.
1983: The Man with Two Brains
Steve Martin starred in "The Man with Two Brains," another comedy directed by Carl Reiner, in 1983.
1984: Critical Acclaim for All of Me
1984 saw Steve Martin's critically acclaimed performance in the comedy "All of Me."
1984: All of Me
In 1984, Steve Martin starred in the film "All of Me".
1984: Joins LACMA Board of Trustees
Steve Martin joined the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) board of trustees in 1984.
November 20, 1986: Marriage to Victoria Tennant
On November 20, 1986, Steve Martin married actress Victoria Tennant.
1986: ¡Three Amigos! and Little Shop of Horrors
In 1986, Steve Martin appeared in "¡Three Amigos!", originally conceived as "The Three Caballeros," and starred in the musical "Little Shop of Horrors."
1986: Onset of Tinnitus Misattributed to Film Scene
In 1986, Steve Martin began experiencing tinnitus, a condition initially thought to be caused by a pistol scene in "Three Amigos!" However, he later clarified it stemmed from years of exposure to loud music during performances.
1986: ¡Three Amigos!
Steve Martin starred in the film "¡Three Amigos!" in 1986.
1987: Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Roxanne
Steve Martin co-wrote and starred in "Roxanne," earning a Writers Guild of America Award, and appeared in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" in 1987.
1987: Planes, Trains and Automobiles
In 1987, Steve Martin starred in "Planes, Trains and Automobiles".
1988: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Steve Martin co-starred in the film "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" in 1988.
1988: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Waiting for Godot
In 1988, Steve Martin starred in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" and appeared in a Broadway revival of "Waiting for Godot."
1989: Parenthood
In 1989, Steve Martin co-starred with Rick Moranis in Ron Howard's film "Parenthood."
1989: Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python
In 1989, Steve Martin hosted the television special "Parrot Sketch Not Included – 20 Years of Monty Python."
1989: Parenthood
Steve Martin appeared in the film "Parenthood" in 1989.
1990: USO Tour to Saudi Arabia
In 1990, Steve Martin went on a USO tour to Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm.
1990: My Blue Heaven
Steve Martin and Rick Moranis teamed up again for the 1990 comedy "My Blue Heaven."
1991: L.A. Story, Grand Canyon, and Father of the Bride
In 1991, Steve Martin wrote and starred in "L.A. Story," appeared in "Grand Canyon," and starred in "Father of the Bride."
1991: L.A. Story and Father of the Bride
Steve Martin appeared in two films in 1991: "L.A. Story" and "Father of the Bride".
1992: Housesitter
Steve Martin starred alongside Goldie Hawn and Dana Delany in the 1992 comedy "Housesitter."
October 1993: Picasso at the Lapin Agile Premiere
Steve Martin's first full-length play, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago in October 1993.
May 1994: Picasso at the Lapin Agile Chicago Run Ends
The Chicago run of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" concluded in May 1994. The play subsequently enjoyed successful runs in Los Angeles, New York City, and other US cities.
1994: Divorce from Victoria Tennant
In 1994, Steve Martin and Victoria Tennant divorced.
1994: A Simple Twist of Fate
In 1994, Steve Martin starred in "A Simple Twist of Fate," an adaptation of Silas Marner.
1995: Father of the Bride Part II
A sequel to "Father of the Bride" was released in 1995.
1995: Father of the Bride Part II
Steve Martin reprised his role in "Father of the Bride Part II" in 1995.
1997: Death of Steve Martin's Father
Steve Martin's father, Glenn Vernon Martin, passed away in 1997.
1997: The Spanish Prisoner
In 1997, Steve Martin took on a darker role in David Mamet's thriller "The Spanish Prisoner."
1998: The Simpsons and The Prince of Egypt
In 1998, Steve Martin guest starred on "The Simpsons" and voiced a character in the animated film "The Prince of Egypt."
1999: Potential Collaboration with Stanley Kubrick
In 1999, Stanley Kubrick considered Steve Martin for a role in a screwball comedy version of "Traumnovelle."
1999: The Out-of-Towners and Bowfinger
In 1999, Steve Martin co-starred with Goldie Hawn in "The Out-of-Towners" and starred in and wrote "Bowfinger."
1999: Bowfinger
In 1999, Steve Martin starred in the film "Bowfinger".
2000: Fantasia 2000
Steve Martin appeared in Disney's "Fantasia 2000," introducing the segment "Pines of Rome."
2000: Shopgirl
Steve Martin published his novella "Shopgirl" in 2000.
2000: Shopgirl Novella Publication
Steve Martin published the novella "Shopgirl" in 2000.
2001: Academy Awards Host
Steve Martin hosted the Academy Awards in 2001.
2001: Collaboration with Earl Scruggs
In 2001, Steve Martin played banjo on Earl Scruggs's remake of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".
2001: Art Exhibit at Bellagio Gallery
In 2001, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art presented an exhibit of Steve Martin's art collection.
2002: The Underpants
In 2002, Steve Martin adapted Carl Sternheim's play "The Underpants" for an Off-Broadway production at the Classic Stage Company.
2002: Grammy Award Win
In 2002, Steve Martin won a Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance for his work on "Foggy Mountain Breakdown".
2002: Grammy Award with Earl Scruggs
Steve Martin won a Grammy Award with Earl Scruggs for Best Country Instrumental Performance in 2002.
2002: Death of Steve Martin's Mother
Steve Martin's mother, Mary Lee, passed away in 2002.
2003: Box Office Successes and Looney Tunes
In 2003, Steve Martin starred in the successful films "Bringing Down the House" and "Cheaper by the Dozen," and played a villain in "Looney Tunes: Back in Action."
2003: Academy Awards Host
Steve Martin hosted the Academy Awards in 2003.
2003: The Pleasure of My Company
Steve Martin published the novella "The Pleasure of My Company" in 2003.
2003: Looney Tunes: Back in Action, Bringing Down the House, and Cheaper by the Dozen
Steve Martin starred in three films in 2003: "Looney Tunes: Back in Action," "Bringing Down the House," and "Cheaper by the Dozen."
July 2004: Purchase of Forged Campendonk Painting
In July 2004, Steve Martin purchased a painting that was later discovered to be a forgery of Heinrich Campendonk's work.
2004: Ranked Among Greatest Stand-Up Comics
Comedy Central ranked Steve Martin sixth in their list of the 100 greatest stand-up comics in 2004.
2004: Leaves LACMA Board of Trustees
Steve Martin left the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) board of trustees in 2004.
September 2005: Shopgirl Film Premiere
The film adaptation of Steve Martin's novella "Shopgirl," starring Martin and Claire Danes, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2005. It was also shown at the Chicago International Film Festival and the Austin Film Festival.
2005: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Steve Martin received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2005.
2005: Shopgirl and Cheaper by the Dozen 2
In 2005, Steve Martin adapted his novella "Shopgirl" into a film and starred in "Cheaper by the Dozen 2."
2005: Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years
In 2005, Steve Martin co-hosted "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years," a show commemorating the park's anniversary.
2006: Sale of Hopper Painting
In 2006, Steve Martin sold Edward Hopper's "Hotel Window" (1955) at Sotheby's.
2006: The Pink Panther
Steve Martin took on the role of Inspector Clouseau in 2006's "The Pink Panther."
July 28, 2007: Marriage to Anne Stringfield
On July 28, 2007, Steve Martin married Anne Stringfield.
2007: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2007, Steve Martin was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors.
2007: Born Standing Up
Steve Martin published his memoir, "Born Standing Up," in 2007, which received critical acclaim and was named one of Time magazine's Top 10 Nonfiction Books of the year.
2008: Baby Mama and 30 Rock Guest Appearance
In 2008, Steve Martin appeared in "Baby Mama" and guest starred on "30 Rock," receiving an Emmy nomination for the latter.
2008: Performance with In the Minds of the Living
In 2008, Steve Martin appeared with the band In the Minds of the Living during a show in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
2008: Traitor
In 2008, Steve Martin co-wrote and produced the film "Traitor," starring Don Cheadle.
March 2009: Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years End
Disney's "Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years", co-hosted by Steve Martin, concluded its run in March 2009.
May 30, 2009: Grand Ole Opry Debut
On May 30, 2009, Steve Martin made his first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
June 2009: Performance on A Prairie Home Companion and US Tour
In June 2009, Steve Martin played banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers on A Prairie Home Companion and began a US tour with them in September.
2009: The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo
Steve Martin released his album "The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo" in 2009, which won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album.
2009: The Pink Panther 2
Steve Martin reprised his role as Inspector Clouseau in "The Pink Panther 2" in 2009.
2009: Picasso at the Lapin Agile Controversy
In 2009, the school board in La Grande, Oregon, banned a production of "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" due to parental complaints about the content, sparking a controversy. Steve Martin responded with an open letter in the local newspaper.
2009: It's Complicated and Unrecognized Oscar Potential
In 2009, Steve Martin starred in "It's Complicated." An article in The Guardian that year highlighted him as one of the best actors never to receive an Oscar nomination.
2010: Appearances at Various Music Festivals
In 2010, Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers appeared at several music festivals, including New Orleans Jazzfest, Merlefest, Bonnaroo, ROMP, and Red Butte Garden.
2010: Creation of the Steve Martin Prize
In 2010, Steve Martin created the Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo and Bluegrass.
2010: An Object of Beauty
In 2010, Steve Martin published his novel "An Object of Beauty."
2010: Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album
In 2010, Steve Martin's album "The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo" won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album.
2010: Academy Awards Host
Steve Martin co-hosted the Academy Awards with Alec Baldwin in 2010.
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: Performance at Capitol Fourth Celebration
On July 4, 2011, Steve Martin performed at the "Capitol Fourth Celebration" in Washington, DC.
July 6, 2011: Performance on BBC's The One Show
On July 6, 2011, Steve Martin performed "Jubilation Day" with the Steep Canyon Rangers on BBC's The One Show.
2011: The Big Year
In 2011, Steve Martin appeared in the comedy film "The Big Year" alongside Jack Black, Owen Wilson, and JoBeth Williams. The film, directed by David Frankel, received criticism for its story and underperformed at the box office.
December 2012: Birth of Daughter
In December 2012, Steve Martin and Anne Stringfield's daughter was born.
2012: The A.V. Club Commentary
In 2012, The A.V. Club commented on Steve Martin's distinctive comedic style and its impact on his audience.
April 2013: Release of "Love Has Come for You"
In April 2013, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell released their collaborative album "Love Has Come for You".
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.
2015: Release of "So Familiar"
In 2015, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell released their second album together, "So Familiar".
2015: "The Idea of North" Exhibition
In 2015, Steve Martin co-curated the exhibition "The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris".
2015: Home
In 2015, after a three-year hiatus from film, Steve Martin returned to voice a character in the DreamWorks animated film "Home" with Jim Parsons and Rihanna. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success.
2015: Comedy Tours with Martin Short
Starting in 2015, Steve Martin began touring with comedian Martin Short.
2015: AFI Life Achievement Award
Steve Martin received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2015.
March 24, 2016: Bright Star Broadway Debut
"Bright Star," Steve Martin's first musical, co-written with Edie Brickell, debuted on Broadway on March 24, 2016.
August 2016: Meteor Shower Premiere
"Meteor Shower" premiered at San Diego's Old Globe Theatre in August 2016, later moving to Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre.
2016: Return to Stand-up and Collaboration with Martin Short
In 2016, Steve Martin returned to stand-up comedy, opening for Jerry Seinfeld. He also began touring with Martin Short and the Steep Canyon Rangers.
2016: Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee
In 2016, Steve Martin took on a supporting role in Ang Lee's war drama "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk." He also appeared as himself in an episode of Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee." Additionally, he made an appearance in the taped version of "Oh, Hello on Broadway."
2016: Bright Star
Steve Martin wrote the book for the Broadway musical "Bright Star," which premiered in 2016.
February 2017: Frequent SNL Host
As of February 2017, Steve Martin has hosted Saturday Night Live sixteen times.
June 9, 2017: Music from The American Epic Sessions Release
On June 9, 2017, the soundtrack "Music from The American Epic Sessions", featuring Steve Martin and Edie Brickell performing "The Coo Coo Bird", was released.
November 29, 2017: Meteor Shower Broadway Opening
Steve Martin's play "Meteor Shower" opened on Broadway at the Booth Theater on November 29, 2017, starring Amy Schumer, Laura Benanti, Jeremy Shamos, and Keegan-Michael Key, directed by Jerry Zaks.
2017: Oh, Hello on Broadway
In 2017, Steve Martin appeared as a guest in the taped version of the Broadway show "Oh, Hello".
2017: Meteor Shower
Steve Martin wrote the book for the Broadway comedy "Meteor Shower," which premiered in 2017.
2018: Netflix Special Release and Emmy Nominations
In 2018, Steve Martin and Martin Short's Netflix special "An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life" premiered and earned four Emmy nominations, including two for Martin for writing and music.
2018: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life
In 2018, Steve Martin co-starred with Martin Short in the Netflix comedy special "An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life."
2018: An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life
Steve Martin and Martin Short released their Netflix special, "An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life," in 2018.
2019: Collaboration with Harry Bliss
In 2019, Steve Martin began collaborating with cartoonist Harry Bliss, writing for the syndicated single-panel comic "Bliss."
2019: "Desert Painters of Australia" Exhibition
In 2019, Steve Martin organized the "Desert Painters of Australia" exhibition with Gagosian Gallery.
2020: Father of the Bride, Part 3(ish) and Only Murders in the Building
In 2020, Steve Martin reprised his iconic role as George Banks in the short film "Father of the Bride, Part 3(ish)." He also started working on "Only Murders in the Building".
2020: Academy Awards Opening
Steve Martin and Chris Rock opened the 92nd Academy Awards in 2020 with comedic material.
2021: Launches NEIVA Fund
In 2021, Steve Martin helped launch the National Endowment for Indigenous Visual Arts (NEIVA).
2021: Only Murders in the Building
Steve Martin co-created and starred in the Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building" in 2021.
August 2022: Only Murders in the Building and Retirement
In August 2022, Steve Martin revealed his intention to retire from acting after the conclusion of "Only Murders in the Building." This Hulu comedy series, co-starring Martin Short and Selena Gomez, marks his final acting role.
2022: A Wealth of Pigeons and Number One is Walking
In 2022, Steve Martin and Harry Bliss published the cartoon collection "A Wealth of Pigeons" and collaborated on Martin's illustrated autobiography, "Number One is Walking."
2022: Co-hosts Saturday Night Live with Martin Short
Steve Martin and Martin Short co-hosted Saturday Night Live in 2022.
June 2, 2023: Collaboration with Kelly Clarkson
On June 2, 2023, Steve Martin was featured playing banjo on "I Hate Love" from Kelly Clarkson's album "Chemistry".
2023: Co-writes "Foggy Morning Breaking"
In 2023, Steve Martin co-wrote "Foggy Morning Breaking" with Alison Brown.