What Happened to Stephen Glenn Martin?
Steve Martin is a highly acclaimed American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and musician who has enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades. After achieving legendary status in stand-up comedy and film, he has experienced a significant career resurgence with the hit Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," which has seen multiple successful seasons and continues to be a major focus of his work. He also maintains an active schedule with comedy tours alongside Martin Short and continues to release music and books.
Quick Answer
As of March 2026, Steve Martin remains highly active in the entertainment industry. He co-stars in the critically acclaimed Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," which aired its fifth season in late 2025 and has been renewed for a sixth season, with nominations for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards. Martin also continues his successful comedy tours with long-time collaborator Martin Short, with dates scheduled throughout 2026. In 2025, he released a new book, "Steve Martin Writes the Written Word," and a collaborative album with Alison Brown, "Safe, Sensible and Sane."
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Waco, Texas
Stephen Glenn Martin was born in Waco, Texas, and later moved with his family to California.
Wins First Emmy Award
Martin won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Comedy, Variety or Music for his work on 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.'
Releases 'Let's Get Small' and Wins Grammy
His comedy album 'Let's Get Small' was released and earned him his first Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album.
Stars in 'The Jerk'
Martin starred in and co-wrote 'The Jerk,' his first major leading film role, which became a box office hit and cemented his transition to film.
Retires from Stand-Up Comedy
At the height of his popularity, Martin announced his retirement from stand-up comedy to focus on his burgeoning film career.
Receives Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Martin was awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor by the Kennedy Center.
Awarded AFI Life Achievement Award and Begins Touring with Martin Short
He received the AFI Life Achievement Award and began his highly successful comedy tours with long-time friend and collaborator Martin Short.
Only Murders in the Building Premieres
The mystery-comedy series 'Only Murders in the Building,' co-created by and starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, premiered on Hulu to critical acclaim.
Only Murders in the Building Season 4 Premieres
The fourth season of 'Only Murders in the Building' premiered on Hulu, continuing the trio's comedic murder investigations.
Only Murders in the Building Renewed for Season 5
Hulu officially greenlit 'Only Murders in the Building' for a fifth season, demonstrating the show's continued success.
New Book 'Steve Martin Writes the Written Word' Released
Martin released a new book titled 'Steve Martin Writes the Written Word: Collected Written Word Works by Steve Martin.'
Only Murders in the Building Season 5 Premieres
The fifth season of 'Only Murders in the Building' debuted on Hulu, with new episodes released weekly until late October.
Collaborative Album 'Safe, Sensible and Sane' Released
Steve Martin released a new collaborative bluegrass album with Alison Brown, 'Safe, Sensible and Sane.'
OMITB Nominated for Golden Globe and Renewed for Season 6
Steve Martin and 'Only Murders in the Building' received nominations for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, and the series was renewed for a sixth season, which will reportedly take the trio to London.
Continues 'The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short' Tour
Steve Martin and Martin Short are scheduled to continue their 'The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short' comedy tour with dates across the U.S. into late 2026.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Steve Martin, born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas, began his illustrious career as a writer for 'The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,' earning an Emmy Award in 1969. He rose to prominence in the 1970s as a groundbreaking stand-up comedian, known for his absurdist humor and iconic catchphrases, releasing platinum-selling comedy albums like 'Let's Get Small' (1977) and 'A Wild and Crazy Guy' (1978), both of which earned him Grammy Awards. In 1981, at the peak of his stand-up fame, Martin famously retired from the circuit to focus on a highly successful film career, starring in classics such as 'The Jerk' (1979), 'All of Me' (1984), 'Roxanne' (1987), 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' (1987), and 'Father of the Bride' (1991).
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Martin diversified his creative output, earning accolades for his banjo playing and bluegrass music, including multiple Grammy Awards. He also ventured into playwriting with Broadway productions like 'Bright Star' (2016) and 'Meteor Shower' (2017), receiving Tony Award nominations for the former. Martin has been honored with numerous lifetime achievement awards, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2005), the Kennedy Center Honors (2007), an Honorary Academy Award (2013), and the AFI Life Achievement Award (2015), solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
A significant turning point in his recent career came with the 2021 premiere of the Hulu mystery-comedy series 'Only Murders in the Building,' which he co-created and stars in alongside Martin Short and Selena Gomez. The show quickly became a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and nominations. The fourth season of 'Only Murders in the Building' premiered on August 27, 2024, and concluded on October 29, 2024. Following its success, Hulu greenlit a fifth season in September 2024, which began filming in March 2025 and premiered on September 9, 2025, with its finale airing on October 28, 2025.
As of early 2026, 'Only Murders in the Building' continues to be a central project for Martin, having received nominations for the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, and was renewed for a sixth season in January 2026, which will reportedly venture overseas to London. Despite previous discussions about potentially winding down his acting career after 'Only Murders in the Building,' Martin has clarified that while he might work less, he is "really not interested in retiring." He continues to tour with Martin Short, with their 'The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short' tour having dates scheduled through November 2026, though some February 2026 dates were postponed due to a personal matter for Short. In 2025, Martin also released a new book, 'Steve Martin Writes the Written Word: Collected Written Word Works by Steve Martin' (May 2025), and a collaborative bluegrass album with Alison Brown, 'Safe, Sensible and Sane' (October 2025). His estimated net worth in 2026 is $140 million, reflecting his diverse and enduring success across multiple artistic fields.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Stephen Glenn Martin made different choices?