Steve Martin is a name synonymous with success in the entertainment industry. He has been involved in the business for over five decades and has found much fame and success from his works. While many might be aware of Martin’s comedy chops, he is also a celebrated writer, producer, and musician. He has already influenced many comedians and performers over the years.
Well, seeing as he has managed to find success in his decades-long career, it is no surprise that Steve has also garnered a big following. And many are interested in knowing more about the comedian/actor. So, in this biography, we will take a detailed look at Martin’s life happenings.
What Was Steve Martin’s Childhood Like?
The multi-talented star was born Stephen Glenn Martin on 14th August 1945, in Waco, Texas. However, Steve Martin’s parents, Glenn Vernon Martin and Mary Lee Martin raised him and his elder sister, Melinda Martin in Inglewood, California. Later the family moved to Garden Grove, California, and the Martin siblings grew up in a Baptist family.
Both of Steve’s parents have passed away, his dad, Glenn in 1997 and his mom in 2002. While the comedian has stated that his feelings towards his father were of hatred in his teenage years, Martin states that one of his earliest memories is of seeing his dad onstage at the Call Board Theatre. Steve’s father was reportedly stern and not emotionally open to him and mostly expressed his affection through gifts.
The father-son duo’s relationship must have evolved in the later years despite Glenn being critical of Steve. However, the senior Martin was also extremely proud of his son’s achievements.
Did Steve Martin Complete His Studies?
Talking about his education, while growing up in Garden Grove, Steve attended Garden Grove High School. He was a cheerleader while in high school and worked at Disneyland during the weekends selling guidebooks. He took up a full-time job there during the school’s summer break. While there he also learned magic tricks, creating balloon animals and juggling in his free time.
After graduating from high school, Martin enrolled at Santa Ana College and took classes in English poetry and drama. He even participated in comedies and other productions at Bird Cage Theatre. After being influenced by his then-girlfriend, Stormie Sherk, Steve applied to State University to major in philosophy. He even considered becoming a professor. But in 1967, he transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles but dropped out at the age of 21.
When Did Steve Martin’s Comedy Career Start?
As aforementioned, while attending college, Steve Martin also did comedy and joined a Knott’s Berry Farm comedy troupe. He developed comedy routines with his then-romantic partner Stormie Sherk. Furthermore, after dropping out of college in 1967, Martin’s then-girlfriend, Nina Goldblatt helped him land a writing job at The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Nina, who was a dancer on the show, reportedly submitted Steve’s work to head writer Mason Williams and he was later hired.
Steve continued to work on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour and even won an Emmy Award along with other writers on the show. He also wrote for other shows such as The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour and The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour.
In addition to his work as a writer, Martin has also appeared in many talk and comedy shows hosting and performing on them. He frequently appeared on The Gong Show, On Location, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and The Muppet Show as a stand-up comedian. Furthermore, Steve is one of the most successful guest hosts on Saturday Night Live.
Steve Martin has continued his comedy journey and performs on stage regularly. He opened for Jerry Seinfeld in 2016, performing a ten-minute routine before Jerry took over the stage. That same year, Steve and frequent collaborator, Martin Short embarked on a national tour. This resulted in a Netflix comedy special titled, Steve Martin and Martin Short: An Evening You Will Never Forget for the Rest of Your Life.
Besides stand-up, Martin has also put out numerous comedy albums over the years. His studio albums include Let’s Get Small, A Wild and Crazy Guy, Comedy Is Not Pretty!, The Steve Martin Brothers, Love Has Come for You and So Familiar. He has five Grammy Awards to his name and was nominated for Tony Awards for the musical Bright Star.
How Many Projects Has Steve Martin Starred In?
Well, in addition to comedy and music, Steve has also gained much recognition for his onscreen appearances. His first on-camera appearance was in an episode of Off to See the Wizard in 1967. He also played various characters in shows such as The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. But it was a small part in the 1972 movie Another Nice Mess that eventually started Martin’s acting journey.
Following Another Nice Mess, the Texas native starred in projects such as Doc, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Muppet Movie, The Jerk, Pennies from Heaven, Twilight Theater, The Man with Two Brains, The Lonely Guy, All of Me, and more. Martin then joined Martin Short and Chevy Chase in the 1986 comedy movie, Three Amigos which was a big success. Steve continued to appear in many other projects some of which are listed below:
- Little Shop of Horrors
- Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
- Planes, Trains and Automobiles
- Parenthood
- My Blue Heaven
- Grand Canyon
- Father of the Bride
- Leap of Faith
- Father of the Bride Part II
- The Spanish Prisoner
- The Pink Panther 2
- The Big Year
The talented comedian even served as a creator and writer on many of the projects he has starred on. Moreover, in his most recent television show, Only Murders in the Building Steve not only played the character Charles Hayden-Savage he also serves as the executive producer. He and John Hoffman created the series which also stars Selena Gomez and Martin Short.
How Rich Is Steve Martin?
Having worked in various fields in the entertainment world has helped Steve Martin’s net worth to be around $140 million. He has earned such a massive fortune due to his work as a comedian, writer, actor, and musician. Furthermore, Martin has also written, adapted, and produced numerous plays throughout the years and even starred in a few Broadway productions.
Additionally, Steve has published many books over the years, whose content ranges from his life story, comedy essays as well as art. Martin is also an avid art collector having first started in 1968. He has even helped organize exhibits in various galleries.
It is evident that Steve Martin’s net worth of $140 million is aided by his highly successful career. And with his continued dedication to the art, there is no doubt that his fortune will increase in the coming days.
Who Is Steve Martin Married To?
Much like the success he has found in his professional life, the talented star has also gained much happiness in his personal life. He is married to Anne Stringfield, and the couple also has a daughter together. Steve Martin’s wife is a former The New Yorker staff member and writer and the lovely duo tied the knot in July 2007. Their marriage was a surprise to many as guests were told that they were only attending a party.
Talking about fatherhood, Martin was 67 when his wife, Anne gave birth to their only child. He has stated that becoming a father late in his career has been wonderful. Steve has talked about how his career was a priority for much of his life and he would not have been able to spend much time with his family during that time.
Well, it is evident that the multi-talented actor has found much happiness in his life and career.