7 Surprising Facts About ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Star Steve Martin

17 hours ago 7

Steve Martin is a legend in the world of comedy, film, and music, known for his sharp wit, unique performances, and versatility across many creative outlets. At 78, the star of “Only Murders in the Building” continues to entertain audiences with his effortless charm and unparalleled talent. Despite being in the spotlight for decades, there are still many aspects of his life and career that remain lesser-known or surprising. Here are seven fascinating facts about Steve Martin that offer a deeper look into his remarkable journey.

1) He started his career at Disneyland

Long before he became a household name, Steve Martin honed his craft at Disneyland. From ages 10 to 18, he worked various odd jobs in the theme park, including selling guidebooks and performing at Merlin’s Magic Shop in Fantasyland. It was here that Martin learned the art of performing magic tricks and developed his comedic timing, laying the groundwork for his future success in stand-up comedy.

His sister, Melinda Martin, mentions how Disneyland was a refuge for Steve during his difficult childhood, giving him an escape from the frustrations of home life. This formative experience profoundly influenced his comedic style, and elements like his famous arrow-through-the-head gag were inspired by his time at the park.

2) His Big Break Came on ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’

At just 22 years old, Steve Martin got his first big break when he was hired as a writer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” thanks to Mason Williams, the show’s head writer. This was after Martin’s ex-girlfriend, Nina Goldblatt, suggested that Williams check out his stand-up act.

Despite initial struggles in the stand-up scene, Martin’s unusual and absurdist humor found a home on the hit TV show. His ability to write witty, punchline-driven comedy caught the attention of the show’s audience, giving him the confidence to further develop his distinct comedic style.

3) Success Didn’t Impress His Father

Even after Steve Martin’s meteoric rise to fame, his father, Glenn Martin, was never fully supportive of his unconventional career in comedy. His father, a frustrated actor himself, remained critical of Steve’s success, once famously remarking that Steve was “no Charlie Chaplin.”

Despite the strained relationship, Steve later reconciled with his father, but the lack of early support left a lasting mark on him. This complicated father-son dynamic is something Martin openly discusses in the new documentary STEVE!, directed by Morgan Neville.

4) Saturday Night Live Made Him a Comedy Icon

Although Steve Martin had already made waves in the comedy world, his frequent appearances as a host on Saturday Night Live solidified his status as a comedic icon. To date, he has hosted the show 16 times, often alongside his longtime friend and collaborator, Martin Short. His iconic performance of King Tut in 1978, a satirical song poking fun at the Egyptian exhibit craze, became one of the most famous sketches in SNL history, even reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

5) A Master of Banjo and Bluegrass Music

Many people may not know that Steve Martin is also a Grammy-winning banjo player. He began playing the instrument at the age of 17 and integrated his banjo skills into his comedy routines. Over the years, Martin transitioned from comedic use of the banjo to serious musical achievements. He has won several Grammys for his musical work, including awards for Best Bluegrass Album and Best Country Instrumental Performance. His collaboration with singer-songwriter Edie Brickell on the Broadway musical Bright Star also earned five Tony nominations, further proving his diverse talents.

6) Art Aficionado and Collector

In addition to comedy and music, Steve Martin has a deep passion for visual art. He is an avid art collector, owning works by Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Georgia O’Keeffe, among others. His collection has earned him a reputation in the art world, and he even sold an Edward Hopper painting for a staggering $26.9 million at Sotheby’s.

In the documentary STEVE!, his friend Adam Gopnik points out that many of the artworks Martin collects have a common theme of isolation, mirroring some of the personal struggles and loneliness he has dealt with throughout his life.

7) A Blissful Life in His 70s

After decades of personal and professional ups and downs, Steve Martin is now enjoying a peaceful and happy life in his 70s. He credits his wife, Anne Stringfield, and their daughter for bringing him immense joy and fulfillment. Martin describes this chapter of his life as “backward” compared to the traditional path of getting married and raising children earlier in life. His late-in-life fatherhood and successful show Only Murders in the Building have brought him renewed satisfaction, allowing him to reflect on his past with a “relaxed brain,” as he humorously puts it.

Steve Martin’s legacy as a multi-talented performer continues to grow, and his surprising personal journey offers a new appreciation for the man behind the iconic characters. From a young banjo-playing comedian at Disneyland to a seasoned star still making waves in Hollywood, Martin’s life is as multifaceted as his career.

*** Disclaimer: This Article is auto-aggregated by a Rss Api Program and has not been created or edited by Bdtype.

(Note: This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News Rss Api. News.bdtype.com Staff may not have modified or edited the content body.

Please visit the Source Website that deserves the credit and responsibility for creating this content.)

Watch Live | Source Article