Steve Martin
Born: 14th August 1945
Where: Waco, Texas
The golden age of the actor, comedian, author, playwright and producer appears to be behind him after being asked to take some less than roadworthy vehicles.
However, Martin's considerable triumphs include Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid, The Man With Two Brains, Roxanne and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
He pondered becoming a philosophy professor and, before discovering his true vocation, he worked at the Magic Shop in Disneyland.
Graduating to TV writing in the late 1960's, by the end of the decade was performing his own material in clubs and on television.
Martin's first film project, The Absent-Minded Waiter, was a short he wrote and starred in, and was nominated for an Academy Award.
In 1979, he moved into features, co-writing and starring in The Jerk, the detective thriller spoof, Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid and the science fiction comedy, The Man With Two Brains.
Thoroughout the 1980's, Martin appeared in many classic comedies like the Cyrano de Bergerac-inspired Roxanne and Planes, Trains and Automobiles.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels saw him winningly teaming up with Michael Caine and Parenthood began his fruitful working relationship with director Ron Howard.
In 1991, Martin wrote, starred in and co-produced the critically acclaimed L.A. Story.
He then starred in the The Father of the Bride, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe and then appeared in David Mamet's The Spanish Prisoner.
In 1996, Martin was honored at the US Comedy Arts Festival when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
He wrote and starred in the return-to-form Bowfinger opposite Eddie Murphy and played a dentist seduced by Helena Bonham Carter in Novocaine.
His career has enjoyed a mini renaissance thanks to a superb compering job at the 75th Academy Awards in March 2003.
He went on to play a tax lawyer plagued by Queen Latifah in the comedy Bringing Down the House.
In 2003, he starred in Shawn Levy's comedy Cheaper By The Dozen and also appeared in Shopgirl alongside Clare Danes.
Recent work includes the role of Inspector Clouseau made famous by Peter Sellers in the remake of The Pink Panther.
