Why Steve Martin Turned Down Playing Tim Walz on SNL

Saturday Night Live fans will not be seeing comedy legend Steve Martin as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz when the show returns in the fall. In a surprise move, the actor politely declined the offer when SNL producer Lorne Michaels approached him. Known for his ingenious skills as a comedian, Martin cited a specific reason for turning down the opportunity.

The discussion about Martin potentially playing Walz began less than a day after Vice President Kamala Harris picked Walz as her running mate. Martin, who obviously heard the news, posted a humorous comment on Threads, saying, “I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short.” The playful post caught the attention of fans, and Michaels by extension, prompting the SNL exec to make the offer. Unfortunately, Martin declined and told the Los Angeles Times:

“I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no. 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.”

Saturday Night Live is already a well-established sketch comedy show that has entertained audiences and brought joy into homes for decades now. While the news that Steve Martin will not be playing Tim Walz may disappoint some fans, his reasoning is totally understandable.

Fans Really Wanted To See Martin as Walz on SNL

Steve Martin may not have been a cast member on SNL, but he has hosted the popular sketch comedy show numerous times. He is a beloved figure in the show’s history and a member of the coveted “Five-Timers Club.” Martin hosted the show 15 times after making his debut on SNL in 1976. However, his legacy is not the only thing that makes him an ideal choice to play Walz.

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Fans on social media were quick to point out the similarities between Martin and Tim Walz, noting that they resemble one another. Many even believed he would be the perfect fit as a returning host because he could promote his current work on the hit seriesOnly Murders in the Building, which also stars Martin Short and Selena Gomez. But Martin himself was not up for the commitment. He explained:

“It’s ongoing. 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.”

Despite Martin’s decision, SNL will still have plenty of star power in the upcoming season. As SNL prepares for its milestone 50th season, Maya Rudolph is set to reprise her role as Vice President Kamala Harris, a character she has portrayed since 2019. Her performance has gotten immense recognition from fans and made her a highlight of the show.