I was lucky enough to see Steve's standup at Merriweather Post Pavilion in the late 70s. I had the comedy albums too, and a 45 single of King Tut. The comedy bit that sticks with me to this day (I'm sure paraphrased over decades):

I'm in Paris and hail a cab. I say to the driver, "Take me to the hotel." The driver says, "Pardonnez-moi? Je ne parle pas anglais." [BEAT] "Oh." [WITH AN ACCENT NOW] "Take me to zeee 'otel."

Steve also worked with George Gipe on 'Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid' and 'The Man With Two Brains'. I only know that because George's son, George, is a friend of mine. So today I get to think about George, Jr., too. Thanks!

Where to begin?

LA Story, obviously, is a perennial fave. The grossly under appreciated "The Man With Two Brains" and "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid" slay me every time... (who knew Merv Griffin was a serial killer?!?!)

But for me, and I guess it's no surprise, Martin's career as a writer is one I most value. His two novellas, Shopgirl and The Pleasure of My Company, are delightful reads.

He actually just buzzed through town here in Milwaukee a few months back with his bluegrass combo, had the chance to check him out, a great evening of music. The man is a demon on the banjo!

Yeah I'm a fan.

I'm a casual fan, not familiar with a lot of his work. But, I've always considered "Bowfinger" to be a wonderful comedy that deserves more recognition.

I enjoy all of Steve's movies, but my all-time favorite one is "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". Happy birthday, Mr. Martin, and I wish you many more years of success.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels was his BEST film.

But I always remember to stay away those cans.