Why Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNL

Why Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNL

As a dedicated follower and long-time admirer of Steve Martin‘s comedic genius, I must admit that I was initially disappointed to hear he would not be portraying Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Saturday Night Live (SNL). However, upon reflecting on his illustrious career and the demands of playing a recurring character, I wholeheartedly support his decision.


As a devoted Saturday Night Live (SNL) enthusiast, I was eagerly anticipating comedy icon Steve Martin stepping into the role of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz when SNL returns in the fall. However, in an unexpected twist, Martin respectfully declined the offer from SNL producer Lorne Michaels. Renowned for his exceptional comedic abilities, Martin chose to decline the opportunity due to a particular reason he revealed.

Discourse about Martin possibly teaming up with Walz started shortly following Vice President Kamala Harris’ announcement of selecting Walz as her running mate. Upon learning this news, Martin playfully commented on Threads, saying, “Tim Walz seems to want a road trip with Marty Short.” This witty post sparked interest among fans and Michael, who runs SNL, eventually extended an offer. Regrettably, Martin turned down the offer and told the Los Angeles Times:

“Initially, I intended to decline, and it turned out that’s exactly what he expected from me. When I expressed my reservations, saying ‘Lorne, I’m not an impressionist; you need someone who can truly capture the essence of the person,’ I was chosen for the role. It seems they chose me more for my appearance – the gray hair and glasses.”

On Saturday evenings for many years, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a beloved source of humor for countless viewers worldwide. However, recent reports indicating that Steve Martin won’t portray Governor Tim Walz might leave some enthusiasts feeling let down. Yet, his decision is indeed comprehensible under the circumstances.

Fans Really Wanted To See Martin as Walz on SNL

Why Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNLWhy Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNLWhy Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNLWhy Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNLWhy Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNL

Although Steve Martin didn’t permanently star on Saturday Night Live (SNL), he has graced its stage as host many times over. He’s a cherished icon in the show’s past and proudly belongs to the exclusive “Five-Timers Club”. Martin first appeared on SNL back in 1976, but he returned an impressive 15 times to host the show. However, his distinguished history with SNL is not the sole reason he could excel in portraying Walz – there are other factors that make him a perfect fit for the role.

On various social media platforms, people swiftly recognized the likeness between Martin and Governor Tim Walz. Some even speculated that he would make an excellent return host due to his role in the popular show “Only Murders in the Building” alongside Martin Short and Selena Gomez. However, Martin himself was unwilling to take on the commitment, expressing his reasons as follows:

“It’s something continuous, not a one-time event where you receive appreciation and then move on. In fact, it requires a skilled impressionist to pull off such performances consistently. They’ll certainly seek an exceptionally talented individual for the job. Frankly, I’d find it quite challenging.”

Regardless of Martin’s choice, Saturday Night Live (SNL) will continue to shine with its impressive lineup in the upcoming season. As SNL gears up for its historic 50th season, Maya Rudolph will once again embody Vice President Kamala Harris, a role she has skillfully played since 2019. Her portrayal has garnered significant praise from viewers, making her a standout feature of the series.

Saturday Night Live’s
50th season is set to premiere on September 28.

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2024-08-09 18:01