After the popular Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building” wrapped up, Steve Martin revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he’s planning to slow down on his performances. While he didn’t officially announce his retirement, Martin mentioned that he wouldn’t be actively seeking new roles once the show concluded.
Martin’s decision marks a significant point in his illustrious career, which has spanned over six decades. He has achieved remarkable success across various fields in the entertainment industry and is just one Tony Award away from joining the prestigious EGOT club, which includes winners of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.
Let’s delve into some of Martin’s impressive talents and accomplishments that have defined his career.
Martin started his journey in comedy during the 1960s, writing for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” earning an Emmy nomination in 1969. Throughout the 1970s, he became a frequent host of “Saturday Night Live,” hosting the show 15 times.
His fame grew as he embarked on sold-out tours featuring his unique stand-up routines, which often included music and props. By the 1980s, Martin shifted his focus to acting, stepping away from stand-up comedy. In 2005, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
In 2016, Martin returned to the stage, opening for Jerry Seinfeld and later touring with his “Only Murders in the Building” co-star, Martin Short. This collaboration led to the Netflix special “An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life” in 2018.
Throughout his career, Martin starred in numerous films, including classics like “Father of the Bride,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Three Amigos” (1986), “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” (1987), and “Bowfinger” (1999). Despite never receiving an Oscar nomination, he was honored in 2013 for his outstanding contributions to the industry.
Martin also showcased his skills as a playwright and composer, co-writing and scoring the Broadway musical “Bright Star,” set in the 1940s North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. The musical earned him five Tony Award nominations in 2016.
Since 2021, Martin has been the co-creator and star of “Only Murders in the Building,” playing an amateur podcaster. His performance has earned him three Emmy nominations, contributing to the show’s seven total nominations.
Born in Texas and raised in California, Martin developed a passion for the banjo early on, incorporating it into his stand-up routines in the 1970s. His rendition of Earl Scruggs’ “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” won him a Grammy Award in 2002. He continued his musical career with the release of his first music-only album, “The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo,” which won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album in 2010.
In summary, while Steve Martin may be stepping back from actively seeking new roles, his legacy as a multi-talented performer and creator is firmly cemented in entertainment history.
