Steve Martin was born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas, to Mary Lee (née Stewart; 1913–2002) and Glenn Vernon Martin (1914–1997), a real estate salesman and aspiring actor. He has an older sister, Melinda.
Of English, Scottish, Welsh, Scots-Irish, German, and French descent, Martin grew up in Inglewood and Garden Grove, California, in a Baptist family. He was a cheerleader at Garden Grove High School and recalls seeing his father working as an extra at the Call Board Theatre on Melrose Place.
During World War II, Martin’s father performed in a production of Our Town with Raymond Massey in the UK. Despite his father’s affection through gifts like cars and bikes, he was emotionally distant and stern, which led to feelings of resentment from Martin during his teenage years.
At 78, Steve Martin has confirmed the recent rumors about his retirement. After an illustrious career spanning six decades, Martin seemed ready to retire but was revitalized by the success of Only Murders in the Building, which earned him three Emmy nominations.
This led to new stage performances, a fresh book, and other ventures, but now he is genuinely easing into retirement.
Martin first gained prominence as a member of the Saturday Night Live cast. His exceptional acting and humor made him a beloved figure, with a notable career in films including The Pink Panther, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Father of the Bride.
Despite most people retiring in their sixties, Martin continued working into his seventies and embraced fatherhood for the first time. He and his wife Anne Stringfield welcomed their daughter in 2012 when Martin was 67.
Reflecting on his career, Martin said, “There comes a point when audiences can’t wait to see you… At this stage, I’m the one who has to make the effort to show up.”
Regarding Only Murders in the Building, which he co-created with John Hoffman and stars in alongside Selena Gomez and Martin Short, Martin noted, “I’m very happy with my character not growing. At 75, there’s not much left to learn, only more mistakes. It’s about being true to the character.”
Martin concluded, “When this show is done, I’m not going to seek other projects. This is, weirdly, it.” With a remarkable career behind him, Martin is poised to bid farewell to Hollywood on a high note.
