Key Takeaways
1. From magic tricks to stand-up: Martin's early comedy journey
I had absolutely no gifts. I could not sing or dance, and the only acting I did was really just shouting.
Humble beginnings. Steve Martin's comedy career began with a fascination for magic tricks and performances at Disneyland's magic shop. Despite lacking natural talent in traditional entertainment skills, Martin's perseverance and dedication to his craft allowed him to develop a unique comedic voice. He honed his skills through various jobs, including performing at Knott's Berry Farm's Bird Cage Theatre and working in small comedy clubs.
Influences and inspirations. Martin's early comedy was shaped by a diverse range of influences:
- Laurel and Hardy's gentle humor
- Lenny Bruce's boundary-pushing material
- Nichols and May's subtle vocal shifts
- The philosophical concepts he studied in college
These experiences and influences laid the foundation for Martin's unconventional approach to comedy, setting the stage for his future success.
2. The evolution of an unconventional comedy style
My answer to the question is simple: Who wouldn't want to be in show business?
Breaking conventions. Martin developed a unique comedic style that defied traditional joke-telling formats. His approach focused on:
- Creating tension without release
- Embracing absurdism and non sequiturs
- Incorporating physical comedy and props
- Blending smart and stupid humor
Commitment to originality. Martin made a conscious decision to write all his own material, eschewing borrowed jokes and gags. This commitment to originality, while initially challenging, allowed him to develop a distinctive voice that set him apart from other comedians of his time.
3. Breaking into television and facing personal struggles
I learned over the next months that I could do several things at once: be a comedy writer, be a stand-up comedian, and endure private mortal fear.
Television breakthrough. Martin's career took a significant turn when he began writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. This opportunity allowed him to hone his writing skills and gain valuable experience in the television industry. However, success came with its own set of challenges.
Personal battles. As Martin's career progressed, he faced several personal struggles:
- Anxiety attacks that began during a movie outing
- The pressure of maintaining his unconventional style in a traditional industry
- Balancing his growing success with his personal life and relationships
These experiences shaped Martin's resilience and determination, contributing to his ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
4. The road to fame: Developing material through relentless touring
Everything was learned in practice, and the lonely road, with no critical eyes watching, was the place to dig up my boldest, or dumbest, ideas and put them onstage.
Constant refinement. Martin's rise to fame was characterized by relentless touring and performing. This grueling schedule allowed him to:
- Test and refine new material in various settings
- Develop a thick skin against criticism and failure
- Build a loyal following through word-of-mouth
Evolution of the act. Through countless performances, Martin's act evolved to include:
- More physical comedy and props (e.g., the arrow-through-the-head)
- Catchphrases like "Well, excuuuse me!" and "I'm a wild and crazy guy!"
- A blend of smart and absurdist humor that appealed to a wide audience
This period of intense touring and experimentation laid the groundwork for Martin's eventual breakthrough to mainstream success.
5. Saturday Night Live and the explosion of popularity
I walked onstage and was greeted with a roar of such intensity that I remember feeling both pleasure and fear.
SNL breakthrough. Martin's appearances on Saturday Night Live catapulted him to a new level of fame. His performances on the show:
- Introduced his unique brand of comedy to a national audience
- Created memorable characters and catchphrases
- Solidified his status as a comedic icon of the late 1970s
Rapid rise. The combination of SNL appearances, hit comedy albums, and relentless touring led to an explosion in Martin's popularity. He went from performing in small clubs to selling out arenas and amphitheaters, sometimes playing to crowds of over 20,000 people.
6. The double-edged sword of fame and success
I was now famous, and the normal rules of social interaction no longer applied.
Challenges of fame. Martin's meteoric rise to stardom brought both opportunities and challenges:
- Loss of privacy and normal social interactions
- Exhaustion from constant touring and performing
- The pressure to maintain his popularity and creative output
Personal toll. The demands of fame took a personal toll on Martin:
- Isolation and loneliness on the road
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- The struggle to separate his public persona from his private self
These experiences led Martin to reevaluate his career path and consider new opportunities beyond stand-up comedy.
7. Transitioning from stand-up to movies: A new chapter begins
I was determined to parlay my stand-up success into motion pictures while I still had some clout.
New horizons. As Martin's stand-up career reached its peak, he began to look towards a future in film. This transition was motivated by:
- A desire for longevity in the entertainment industry
- The physical and emotional toll of constant touring
- The opportunity to reach a wider audience through movies
The birth of a film career. Martin's transition to movies began with the development of his first screenplay, based on a line from his stand-up act: "It wasn't always easy for me; I was born a poor black child." This idea would eventually become the film "The Jerk," launching Martin's successful career in cinema.
The move from stand-up to movies marked a new chapter in Martin's career, allowing him to explore different aspects of his creativity while building on the success and fanbase he had cultivated through his comedy.
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FAQ
What's "Born Standing Up" about?
- Memoir of Steve Martin: "Born Standing Up" is a memoir by Steve Martin, detailing his journey from a young aspiring comedian to a successful stand-up performer.
- Focus on Stand-Up Comedy: The book primarily focuses on Martin's career in stand-up comedy, covering the years he spent honing his craft and achieving fame.
- Personal and Professional Insights: It provides insights into both his personal life and professional experiences, including his relationships with family and friends.
- Transition to Film: The memoir also touches on his transition from stand-up comedy to a successful career in film.
Why should I read "Born Standing Up"?
- Insight into Comedy: The book offers a deep dive into the world of stand-up comedy, providing valuable insights into the art and craft of making people laugh.
- Steve Martin's Journey: Readers get a firsthand account of Steve Martin's journey, including the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.
- Inspirational Story: It's an inspirational story about perseverance, creativity, and the pursuit of one's passion.
- Humor and Reflection: The memoir is filled with humor and reflection, making it an engaging and thought-provoking read.
What are the key takeaways of "Born Standing Up"?
- Persistence Pays Off: Martin's journey highlights the importance of persistence and dedication in achieving success.
- Originality in Comedy: The book emphasizes the value of originality and innovation in comedy, as Martin developed a unique style that set him apart.
- Balancing Personal and Professional Life: It explores the challenges of balancing personal relationships with a demanding career.
- Evolution of a Career: Martin's transition from stand-up to film illustrates the evolution of a career and the importance of adapting to new opportunities.
How did Steve Martin start his career in comedy?
- Early Interest in Magic: Martin's interest in performing began with magic tricks, which he practiced and performed as a child.
- Disneyland and Magic Shops: He worked at Disneyland and a magic shop, where he honed his skills in entertaining and engaging an audience.
- Stand-Up Beginnings: Martin started performing stand-up comedy in small clubs, gradually developing his unique style.
- Breakthrough Moments: Key moments, such as his performances at the Boarding House in San Francisco, helped him gain recognition and success.
What challenges did Steve Martin face in his stand-up career?
- Initial Struggles: Martin faced challenges in finding his comedic voice and style, often performing to unresponsive audiences.
- Balancing Writing and Performing: He struggled to balance his work as a television writer with his aspirations as a stand-up comedian.
- Dealing with Fame: As his fame grew, Martin faced the challenges of maintaining privacy and dealing with the pressures of celebrity.
- Creative Burnout: Toward the end of his stand-up career, Martin experienced creative burnout and a desire to explore new opportunities.
How did Steve Martin's family influence his career?
- Father's Disapproval: Martin's father was often critical of his career, which motivated Martin to prove himself and succeed.
- Mother's Support: His mother was supportive and proud of his achievements, although she didn't always understand his work.
- Sibling Relationship: Martin's relationship with his sister, Melinda, was distant during his early career but improved over time.
- Reconciliation with Parents: Later in life, Martin made efforts to reconcile with his parents, leading to a deeper understanding and connection.
What is Steve Martin's comedic style as described in "Born Standing Up"?
- Absurd and Surreal: Martin's comedic style is characterized by absurdity and surreal humor, often defying traditional punchlines.
- Physical Comedy: He incorporated physical comedy and visual gags into his performances, making his act highly entertaining.
- Anti-Comedy Elements: Martin's style included elements of anti-comedy, where the humor came from the unexpected and the unconventional.
- Audience Interaction: He often engaged directly with the audience, creating a unique and interactive experience.
How did Steve Martin transition from stand-up to film?
- Desire for Longevity: Martin saw film as a way to achieve longevity in his career, as opposed to the ephemeral nature of stand-up.
- The Jerk: His first major film, "The Jerk," was a significant success and marked his transition from stand-up to movies.
- Creative Collaboration: Working with director Carl Reiner, Martin found joy in the collaborative process of filmmaking.
- Continued Success: Martin's success in film allowed him to explore new creative avenues and expand his career beyond stand-up.
What are some of the best quotes from "Born Standing Up" and what do they mean?
- "I did stand-up comedy for eighteen years. Ten of those years were spent learning, four years were spent refining, and four were spent in wild success." This quote highlights the long and arduous journey Martin undertook to achieve success in comedy.
- "I was seeking comic originality, and fame fell on me as a by-product." Martin emphasizes the importance of originality in his work and how fame was an unexpected result of his dedication to his craft.
- "In a sense, this book is not an autobiography but a biography, because I am writing about someone I used to know." This reflects Martin's perspective on his past self and the transformative nature of his career.
- "One can have, it turns out, an affection for the war years." Martin expresses a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the challenging times that shaped his career.
How did Steve Martin's anxiety affect his career?
- Panic Attacks: Martin experienced panic attacks, which he describes as a significant challenge during his early career.
- Impact on Performance: Despite these attacks, he continued to perform and write, refusing to let anxiety hinder his progress.
- Coping Mechanisms: Martin developed coping mechanisms to manage his anxiety, such as avoiding certain triggers like movie theaters.
- Long-Term Effects: Over time, the anxiety subsided, but it remained a part of his life for many years, influencing his approach to work and life.
What role did originality play in Steve Martin's success?
- Unique Style: Martin's commitment to originality set him apart from other comedians and contributed to his success.
- Breaking Conventions: He broke away from traditional comedic conventions, creating a style that was fresh and innovative.
- Influence of Lewis Carroll: Inspired by Lewis Carroll's logical nonsense, Martin incorporated similar elements into his comedy.
- Legacy of Originality: Martin's emphasis on originality has left a lasting impact on the world of comedy, influencing future generations of performers.
How did Steve Martin's career in stand-up comedy end?
- Creative Burnout: Martin experienced creative burnout, feeling that his act had reached its peak and was no longer fulfilling.
- Desire for Change: He desired to explore new creative opportunities, leading to his transition into film and other projects.
- Final Performances: Despite his success, Martin decided to end his stand-up career, feeling that it was time to move on.
- Legacy in Comedy: Although he left stand-up, Martin's contributions to comedy continue to be celebrated and remembered.
Review Summary
Born Standing Up recounts Steve Martin's journey from aspiring magician to comedy superstar. Reviewers praise Martin's candid writing style and insights into his creative process. Many appreciate the book's focus on his stand-up career rather than his later film work. Some find the tone melancholic but admire Martin's honesty about his family relationships and struggles with fame. While a few readers wanted more personal details, most found it an engaging look at Martin's development as a performer and the comedy scene of the 1960s-70s.
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