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!

Audrey Asistio anchors weekdays on NBC Bay Area News at 4:30. She joined NBC Bay Area in November 2021, co-anchored the weekend edition of NBC Bay Area News at 5, 6, and 11 p.m., and reported during the week. Audrey joined NBC Bay Area from NBC10 Boston, where she anchored the 4, 5:30, and 7 […]

For over 25 years, Kristin Arnold has helped over a hundred different organizations, facilitated over four hundred executives and their teams, and presented to over a half a million people around the world around the topics of team leadership, team work, collaboration, culture, and critical thinking. Whether your meeting is completely online or a “hybrid” […]

Long before artificial intelligence became the powerhouse of modern technology, Yejin Choi was already diving into its most complex and overlooked challenges. As the Dieter Schwarz Foundation HAI Professor, a Professor of Computer Science, and a Senior Fellow at Stanford HAI, she continues to shape the future of AI research with a sharp focus on […]

With a transformative journey from debilitating stage fright to becoming an esteemed figure in broadcast journalism, Kerry Barrett stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring speakers and professionals alike. Over two decades, Kerry has etched her mark as an Emmy-award winning network news anchor, host, and reporter, honing her craft in the intense spotlight […]

Janet Palmore is a powerhouse in security, integrity, and leadership. As the founder of WISE Risk Advisers LLC and a retired Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Janet brings a riveting blend of real-world experience, expert knowledge, and transformative leadership to the stage. Her message resonates with corporate audiences, law enforcement professionals, […]

John Gucci Foley is not your typical keynote speaker. With a career marked by exceptional achievements and a commitment to excellence, he stands out as a beacon of inspiration for those seeking to unlock their highest potential. From his days as the lead solo pilot of the renowned Blue Angels to his role as a […]

Peter Zeihan is a geopolitical strategy speaker, renowned for his insightful analysis and compelling presentations. As a distinguished speaker, Zeihan offers invaluable perspectives on global affairs, helping audiences navigate the complexities of international relations and anticipate future trends. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he has earned widespread recognition for his ability to dissect […]

Rachel Tucker is a multifaceted individual whose life’s purpose revolves around empowering women and mothers to embrace their full potential. As a mother of four and a devoted wife, she understands the intricacies of balancing family responsibilities while pursuing personal and professional goals. Rachel’s journey as a passionate coach and advocate for holistic well-being has […]
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.
Connecting you with the perfect speaker.
We connect you with world-class speakers to create impactful, memorable events.
Tell us about your event and we’ll match you with the right speaker.
© All rights reserved 2026. Designed using Voxel