A new documentary takes a look at Steve Martin's career, then and now

WAMU 88.5 | By Jorgelina Manna-Rea

Published April 16, 2024 at 9:12 AM EDT

Steve Martin performs during Tony Trischka's 75th Birthday Bash at City Winery in New York City.

Which Disneyland magician had a stand-up act that took off in the 1970s, later making him one of the most well-known comedians on television?

That would be one Steve Martin. You might know him from “The Jerk,” “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” “Roxanne,” “Only Murders in the Building,” or from one of the 16 times he hosted “Saturday Night Live.”

He’s also a very good banjo player and very serious art collector – at least that’s what we find out in the new two-part documentary called “Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces.”

It’s streaming on Apple TV Plus.It looks at the 78-year-old comedian’s life, “Then” in the first installment and “Now” in its second.

The director is Morgan Neville, and 1A’s entertainment correspondent,John Horn,recently spoke with him about making this documentary.