Steve Martin Turns Down ‘SNL’ Offer to Play Tim Walz Because ‘I’m Not an Impressionist’
Almost immediately after Kamala Harris announced her running mate as Tim Walz, people on social media began dream-casting Steve Martin to play the role on “Saturday Night Live.”
Martin, who not only bears a physical resemblance to the Minnesota governor but also gives off the same friendly dad vibe, embraced the online fervor, joking on Threads: “I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short.”
More from Variety
The next morning, Lorne Michaels apparently called Martin with an offer, which Martin unfortunately declined. “I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no,” Martin told the Los Angeles Times. “I said, ‘Lorne, I’m not an impressionist. You need someone who can really nail the guy.’ I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses.”
Martin, who was never a part of the “SNL” cast but has hosted the show 16 times since 1976, would have joined Maya Rudolph, who is returning to play Vice President Kamala Harris. But Martin, who is also hard at work on his Hulu comedy “Only Murders in the Building,” says he wasn’t up for that kind of commitment.
“It’s ongoing,” Martin said. “It’s not like you do it once and get applause and never do it again. Again, they need a real impressionist to do that. They’re gonna find somebody really, really good. I’d be struggling.”
There’s been other news out of “SNL” in the past week, as cast members Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney both announced they were departing the sketch comedy series ahead of its 50th season.
“Saturday Night Live” returns on NBC on Sept. 28.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
