Steve Martin, the comedic genius with over 40 acting credits to his name, has finally revealed his top five favorite projects of all time. In a candid conversation, Martin opens up about his illustrious career, the movies that stand out to him, and the projects that truly resonated with his heart and soul.
Reflecting on a Legendary Career
On a memorable Monday, August 19, during an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Steve Martin, now 79 years young, delved into the idea that it takes a lot of work to create something truly memorable. He mentioned, "You need to make 40 movies to get five good ones." With that philosophy in mind, Martin took the opportunity to name some of the standout projects that have defined his career.
The Movies That Shaped a Legend
Martin didn't hold back when it came to naming his favorite films. He declared, "Oh, I’d say Father of the Bride, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Roxanne. I like Bowfinger. The Jerk. I love all the movies I made with Frank Oz — Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Little Shop [of Horrors] and Housesitter." These films are more than just projects; they're a testament to Martin's creativity and the joy he brings to the screen.
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However, one film that Martin still has mixed feelings about is L.A. Story, the 1991 rom-com that starred him alongside his first wife, Victoria Tennant. It’s a film that’s deeply personal and not your typical story-driven movie. Despite its quirks, it continues to charm audiences with its unique take on Los Angeles.
A Personal Journey Through L.A. Story
Speaking about L.A. Story, Martin revealed, "It’s funny… Hauser & Wirth, the gallery in Los Angeles, is doing a show starting in September based around L.A. Story." He added, "They’ve got all these artists that quite liberally fit into the concept of L.A. And they’re doing a good job of it." The film’s connection to the city runs deep, with Martin sharing, "I’ve always loved Los Angeles. My initial concept of it was a love story set in L.A. I knew that the city would take on a character." His vision was to make something magical, and while he's not sure if he fully achieved that, he acknowledges the evolution of the city. "When I left in the '70s, the sky was green. The traffic hasn’t changed. But at least the sky is clear now."
Gearing Up for What’s Next
Steve Martin isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He’s preparing for the release of the fourth season of the Hulu sensation Only Murders in the Building, a project he’s been working on with longtime friend Martin Short and Selena Gomez. When asked about retirement, Martin had a lot to say. "When this television show is done, I’m not going to seek others. I’m not going to seek other movies," he shared with The Hollywood Reporter in August 2022. "I don’t want to do cameos. This is, weirdly, it."
Yet, Martin’s wife keeps reminding him, "You always say you’re going to retire and then you always come up with something." Despite these thoughts, Martin insists, "I’m really not interested in retiring. I’m not. But I would just work a little less. Maybe."

Family and Legacy
Steve Martin married his second wife, Anne Stringfield, in 2007, and five years later, they welcomed a daughter into their lives. While the couple has chosen to keep their daughter’s name private and share little about her, Martin did make a rare comment about how fatherhood has influenced his career. "Well, family was not a goal for me. I wasn’t shown that it was something fantastic. Not sure if I’m phrasing it correctly because it’s such a common thing for most people, but it just wasn’t for me," Martin confessed during his Apple TV+ documentary, STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces.
He continued, "The first time I saw true love in my life was after the baby was born. I looked over at Anne, and she’s holding the baby. And she’s looking into her face, and there’s no one else on the planet." It’s clear that family has brought a new dimension to Martin's life, influencing his decisions both personally and professionally.
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