Steve Martin, the beloved actor and comedian, has had an extraordinary career that has spanned six decades. Born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas, and raised in Inglewood and Garden Grove, California, Martin grew up in a Baptist family with an older sister named Melinda.
Martin’s father, Glenn Vernon Martin, was a real estate salesman and aspiring actor who, despite being emotionally distant, made a lasting impact on Martin’s life. His father’s involvement in theater, including a production of “Our Town” during World War II in the UK, influenced Martin’s early interest in the performing arts. One of Martin’s earliest memories is of his father serving drinks onstage at the Call Board Theatre.
With a diverse heritage that includes English, Scottish, Welsh, Scots-Irish, German, and French ancestry, Martin’s career truly took off with his role on “Saturday Night Live,” where his extraordinary acting and quick wit captivated audiences. His iconic roles in films such as “The Pink Panther,” “Cheaper by the Dozen,” and “Father of the Bride” solidified his place in comedy history.
At 78, Martin recently confirmed that the rumors of his retirement are true. Following the success of “Only Murders in the Building,” which earned him three Emmy nominations, Martin decided it was time to retire and enjoy life. He has also explored stage performances and authored a book during this period.
While many retire in their sixties, Martin continued to work well into his seventies. He embraced fatherhood for the first time at 67 when he and his wife, Anne Stringfield, welcomed their daughter in 2012, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing new experiences and passions.
Reflecting on his career, Martin shared, “There comes a point in your career when audiences can’t wait to see you… At this stage of my career, I’m the one who has to make the effort to show up.” This sentiment highlights his dedication and love for entertaining.
“Only Murders in the Building,” co-created by Martin and John Hoffman, reflects his ongoing commitment to his craft. Martin expressed satisfaction with his role, saying, “I’m very happy with my character not growing… Once you get to 75, there’s not a lot left to learn, there’s only more mistakes. So I don’t worry about those things. [It’s about] being true to the character.”
Martin has announced that he will not pursue new television or film opportunities after this show, choosing instead to savor the end of his remarkable career.