After Steve Martin graduated college, he took drama and English poetry classes at Santa Ana Junior College. In his free time he and friend Kathy Westmoreland would participate in comedies at the Bird Cage Theatre.
He then eventually transferred to California State University, Long Beach and majored in philosophy and realized that it changed what he believed and what he thought about everything.
He occasionally did stand up acts in local arenas and in 1967 transferred to UCLA and quickly changed his major to theater. While at UCLA, he appeared in an episode of The Dating Game and worked at local clubs at night, at 21 he dropped out of college.
Thanks to friend and dancer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Nina Goldblatt helped Steve land a writing job with the show after he submitted his work to head writer Mason Williams.
In 1969, Steve Martin and the other writers won an Emmy Award for their writing. His first TV appearance was in 1969 on The Steve Allen Show and opened for groups including The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, The Carpenters and Toto. He earned an Emmy nomination for his work on Van Dyke and Company and made frequent appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The Gong Show, On Location and SNL.
Although his long term goal was to get into film, he had a huge following for his stand up comedy. In 1977 he wrote and starred in his first film, The Absent-Minded Waiter. Even though it was only seven minutes long, he was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Short Film, Live Action.
Steve’s first feature film appearance was in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; and he sang The Beatles, “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” in the movie. His most recent films that he has had roles in include, Joe Gould’s Secret, Novocaine, Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brother Comedy Hour, Brining Down the House, Looney Tunes: Back in Action, Cheaper by the Dozen, Jiminy Glick in Lalawood, The Merchant of Venice, Shopgirl, Cheaper by the Dozen 2, Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years, The Pink Panther, Baby Mama, Traitor, The Pink Panther 2, It’s Complicated, The Big Year, and voiced a role in the animated film Home. Steve Martin has hosted the Academy Awards in 2001, 2003, and 2010.
At the age of 17, he learned how to play the banjo and became in love with bluegrass. Throughout his career, he frequently poked fun of his quirky love of his banjo but eventually began performing with a band and made his first appearance on The Grand Ole Opry on May 30, 2009 and in the American Idol Season 8 finals.
He began a 2 month tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers on A Prairie Home Campanion and traveled all over the States. On July 4, 2011, Steve Martin preformed his own song called “Me and Paul Revere” on the lawn of The Capitol Building in D.C. Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers were named ‘Entertainers of the Year’ at the 2011 National Bluegrass Music Association Awards. Steve Martin is available for speaking engagements, public events, and personal appearances.
BOOKS: An Object of Beauty: A Novel, Late for School, Kindly lent their owner: The private collection of Steve Martin, Cruel Shoes, The Underpants, Pure Drivel, The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z!, The Crow: Book of Tablature: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo, Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Other Plays, The Pleasure of My Company: A Novella, Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
No reviews available for this post.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
A renowned speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté is highly sought after for his expertise on a range of topics including addiction, stress and childhood development. Rather than offering quick-fix solutions to these complex issues, Dr. Maté weaves together scientific research, case histories, and his own insights and experience to present a broad perspective […]
Kevin Daley stands as a testament to the power of resilience, leadership, and unwavering positivity. As an accomplished speaker and the award-winning author of I Never Stopped Smiling, Daley’s journey from the hardwood courts of the Harlem Globetrotters to the international stage is nothing short of remarkable. Kevin Daley | Sporting Legend Daley’s ascent to […]
Lisa Bodell is a globally recognized leader in organizational transformation, known for her groundbreaking work in simplification, collaboration, and innovation. As the founder and CEO of FutureThink, a leading innovation training firm, Lisa has empowered top organizations worldwide to rethink the way they work, replacing complexity with clarity and fostering a culture of innovation. Her […]
Chef Brian Malarkey is a culinary virtuoso known for his expertise in modern American cuisine. With an illustrious career marked by innovation and creativity, he has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. Malarkey’s unique approach to cooking involves blending diverse flavors and techniques, resulting in dishes that are not only delicious but also […]
As a Corporate Culture Specialist, Greg Hawks shapes environments where everyone gets to contribute their best daily! For two decades he has mentored leaders, developed teams, crafted culture and empowered employees. As a Keynote Speaker, he is an enthusiastic character. His style, wit and energy consistently capture the attention and imagination of audiences. His forward […]
Triple Emmy-Winning Journalist and Bestselling Author Gaby Natale is on a mission to awaken the PIONEER spirit in each of us. Gaby stands as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, possessing not only the creative prowess but also the entrepreneurial acumen to carve her path. As one of the few women who own the rights […]
Jennifer Keitt is a renowned communication and leadership speaker known for her dynamic and engaging presentations that inspire individuals and organizations to unleash their full potential. With over two decades of experience in the fields of communication, leadership, and personal development, Jennifer has become a trusted voice in guiding others towards achieving their goals and […]
Peter Dinklage has become a household name, captivating audiences worldwide with his extraordinary talent and charismatic presence. Best known for his portrayal of Tyrion Lannister in HBO’s critically acclaimed TV series “Game of Thrones,” Dinklage’s career spans over two decades, marked by a series of impressive performances on both stage and screen. His ability to […]
No results available
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel