Steve Martin has turned down the opportunity to portray Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on the upcoming season of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), despite a strong push from fans. The comedian revealed his decision after speaking with SNL’s creator and producer Lorne Michaels, who had reached out following the announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris had chosen Walz as her running mate.
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Martin, 77, expressed his reasons for declining the role, stating, “I’m not an impressionist. You need someone who can really nail the guy. I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses.” He also mentioned the extensive time commitment required to play a recurring character, which factored into his decision.
The timing of Martin’s decision coincides with his ongoing “Dukes of Funnytown” tour alongside his “Only Murders in the Building” co-star Martin Short. The tour, which has several dates booked between the SNL season premiere on September 28 and election day on November 5, further complicates his availability.
Interestingly, Martin’s decision comes as he humorously acknowledged the fan demand on social media. On Threads, he joked, “I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short.”
While Martin won’t be portraying Walz, his tour partner Martin Short, who has previously played Vice President Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, on SNL, might also face scheduling conflicts. Short’s tour dates limit his availability, though the season opener could still see him reprise his role if needed.
Comedian and actor Steve Martin has rejected the role of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on “Saturday Night Live.” NewsNation’s Paula Froelich discusses why Martin declined the offer by alluding that the show needed to hire someone who impersonates people for a living. pic.twitter.com/z1ETUMhDwz
— NewsNation (@NewsNation) August 8, 2024
This development leaves the door open for other potential actors to take on the role of Tim Walz. Fans and social media users have suggested several names, including Jim O’Heir from “Parks and Rec,” John Goodman, Jim Gaffigan, and Danny DeVito.
Maya Rudolph is expected to return as Kamala Harris, with pre-production on her Apple TV+ series “Loot” being delayed, likely due to her involvement with SNL.
Key Points:
i. Steve Martin declined to play Tim Walz on SNL due to his lack of impressionist skills and time commitment.
ii. Martin and Martin Short’s ongoing “Dukes of Funnytown” tour also influenced the decision.
iii. Fans suggested other actors for the role, including Jim O’Heir and John Goodman.
iv. Maya Rudolph is expected to reprise her role as Kamala Harris on SNL.
v. The search for an actor to portray Tim Walz on SNL continues.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
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