Steve Martin marked his 80th birthday in the happiest place on earth, Disneyland, where a personal moment of magic brought his life full circle. The legendary actor revealed that he filmed a one-day scene at the park on August 14, his birthday, in the very magic shop where he once worked at age 15. Standing in the same spot from his teenage years, Martin quipped that going to work at 15 and coming home at 80 felt like a full-circle moment.
The moment came during a panel for Only Murders in the Building at the Television Academy’s Televerse event, with Gomez and Short joining via video and showrunner John Hoffman also on hand. Martin spoke about his character’s emotional arc, highlighting the Season 4 finale in which his role confronts the death of a close friend, Sazz, played by Jane Lynch.
Martin reflected on the balance between comedy and drama in his career, noting that while The Jerk was his first film, Pennies from Heaven showed a different, more dramatic side. He pointed to projects like Father of the Bride to illustrate how living in both comedic and serious realms has shaped his approach as an actor.
Fans can look forward to the Hulu series’ return on September 9. Since its 2021 debut, Only Murders in the Building has followed three unlikely neighbors in a New York City apartment building who start a true-crime podcast and keep getting entangled in real murder investigations. The show has become a magnet for high-profile guest stars, a trend Hoffman credited to the trio’s appeal and his own casting process.
Hoffman emphasized that Martin, Short, and Gomez have drawn guests who share the same on-set spirit, with Hoffman ensuring they’re aligned with the vibe before bringing in guest stars. He also praised the local New York character actors who have found a home on the series, and he noted the excitement of working with performers the cast has long dreamed about.
What to watch ahead: Season 4 promises continued blend of sharp wit and heartfelt moments, anchored by the three leads whose chemistry has been a hallmark of the show’s appeal.
Summary: Steve Martin’s Disneyland birthday moment underscored his talent for merging humor with genuine emotion, a thread that runs through his storied career and through Only Murders in the Building as it gears up for its next season.
Positive note: The piece is a celebration of Martin’s longevity and the collaborative creativity behind a show that invites top talent to share the screen with three beloved New York figures.
Additional value: For readers, a quick reminder of what makes Only Murders in the Building special—its mix of bite-sized comedy, real emotional stakes, and a cast that continually attracts standout guest stars—could help set expectations for the upcoming season. If you’re new to the series, this moment at Disneyland is a charming entry point into Martin’s multi-decade career that fans can appreciate as a gateway to what’s next on Hulu.