Hey, Funny Fans!
You know who’s a funny guy?—Steve Martin! This is a name that might not be so familiar to a number of the younger generations, but likely anyone in their 20’s has at least heard the name and if you’re my age, then you understand this name is interchangeable with comedy genius!
Defunct in the modern day, Steve spent some beautiful summer weeks of his youth soaking in the sun at Camp Osceola on the West Coast. Though he was born in Waco, Texas, 1945, his family moved when he was young and he grew up in Inglewood, California where he didn’t travel far for his trip to camp.
He got his first job when he was 10. He worked sold guidebooks at Disneyland where he would work during his summer breaks from school as well as weekends. While working one day, he was captured on film in the background of somebody’s home movie which went on to be made into a short film called ‘Disneyland Dream’. This happily accounts for Steve’s first film appearance!
He attended Garden Grove High School and after graduating high school he went on to study at the Santa Ana College where he focused on theater and poetry. With a girlfriend’s helpful networking, Steve got a job quickly after college as a writer for ‘The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour’.
He also started to make a name for himself in stand-up. Continuing to grind away, his work eventually landed him appearances on ‘Saturday Night Live’. And it didn’t take long for him to hit the big screen. Steve can be seen in the hit film, ‘The Muppet Movie’ and made it real big when he landed his own feature film—the 1979 comedy classic, ‘The Jerk’.
Well known for his role in the ‘Father of the Bride’ movies as well, Steve made a big name for himself. Other talents of his always found their way into his comedy like his great musical inclination and proficiency. An accomplished author, playwright, pianist, and banjo player as well, Steve has actually gone on to embrace his musical passion these days.
Check him out singing with the great Bernadette Peters in this great scene from ‘The Jerk’ below and, as always, thanks for reading, Camp Folks!
- John