Steve Martin has been active in the film industry for almost 60 years. But contrary to what you may think, acting was not his first job.
Steve Martin first worked in Disneyland at the age of 11. In 1956 a family made a home movie while they were there and just happened to film Martin while he was on the job. The footage was turned into a short, technically his first film appearance.
Who is Steve Martin?
Stephen Glenn Martin was born on August 14, 1945, in Waco, Texas. His father was a real estate agent and an aspiring actor who would occasionally be an extra on shows. The family moved to Inglewood, California, where Martin was raised. He went to Garden Grove Highschool and was part of the cheerleading team.
Martin’s very first job was at Disneyland. He would sell guidebooks during the weekends and worked full-time during summer break. This gig lasted for three years, and during this time, he took an interest in magic and frequented the Main Street Magic shop. (Source: Britannica)
Martin’s Cameo on Disneyland Dream
In 1956, while working, Martin was caught in the background of a home movie shot by a family visiting the place. The footage was turned into a short film called Disneyland Dream. The short was technically the first film Martin ever appeared on. This was 16 years before his debut as a professional actor.
At age eleven I worked at Disneyland. I sold guidebooks at the park from 1956 to about 1958. I am as positive as one can be that I appear about 20:20 into your film, low in the frame, dressed in a top hat, vest, and striped pink shirt, moving from left to right, holding a guidebook out for sale.
Steve Martin
(Source: The Disney Blog)
Who Influenced Steve Martin to Get Into Comedy?
In an interview with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, Martin said that Jerry Seinfeld was one of his retro heroes.
A guy who came up behind me and is better than I am. I think he’s fantastic, I love to listen to him, he almost puts me at peace. I love to listen to him talk.
Steve Martin
But aside from being influenced by one of the funniest men in America, Martin was an iconic figure whose humor and style shape several comedians we all know and love today. Tina Fey, Conan O’Brien, Jon Stewart, Steve Carell, Jordan Peele, and many more identified with him. (Source: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert)
What Does Steve Martin Do Today?
Steve Martin is still active in the film industry today. He is currently working on a series on Hulu entitled Only Murders in the Building. But aside from acting, Martin does several other things too. He is a comedian, writer, producer, and musician.
Martin is known for writing the book and lyrics to the 2016 musicals Bright Star and Meteor Shower. In addition to this, he has won several awards for various films. He is pretty popular for his roles on The Jerk, Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, The Man with Two Brains, Three Amigos, Little Shop of Horrors, Roxanne, Parenthood, Father of the Bride, and Cheaper by the Dozen. (Source: IMDB)