Steve Martin Says He Won't Play VP Pick Tim Walz onSNLDespite Lorne Michaels' Offer: 'I'd Be Struggling'

Mar. 15, 2025

Steve Martin (left); and Tim Walz.Photo:Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Paul Morigi/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Getty; Paul Morigi/Getty

Steve Martinhas heard the calls, but sadly won’t be taking things to theSaturday Night Livestage.

Hours after Vice PresidentKamala Harrisannounced thatMinnesota Gov. Tim Walz would be her running matein the 2024 election, the actor addressed the pleas fans were making for him to play a version of Walz onSaturday Night Live– and joinMaya Rudolph, whohas already confirmed she’ll reprise Harris on the upcoming 50th season.

In aposton Threads, Martin, 78, wrote, “I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short.”

The joke – which referenced hisOnly Murders in the Buildingcostar and frequent stand-up comedy partnerMartin Short– got fans excited as they were quick to point out the similarities in looks between Martin and Walz, 60, and expressed their hopes for Rudolph and Martin to team up onSNLas caricatures of the Democratic ticket.

Another personwrote, “SNLget Steve Martin on the phone NOW.”

Steve Martin, Tim Walz, Maya Rudolph and Kamala Harris.Monica Schipper/Getty; Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Michael Tullberg/Getty; Jim Vondruska/Getty

Monica Schipper/Getty; Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty; Michael Tullberg/Getty; Jim Vondruska/Getty

Despite fans' calls and a subsequent offer fromSNLcreatorLorne Michaels, Martin confirmed he wouldn’t be returning to the late night series,

Noting how much of a commitment it would be to take on the role, Martin added: “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.”

Steve Martin.Monica Schipper/Getty

Monica Schipper/Getty

The news comes just one week afterDeadlinerevealed that Rudolph was confirmed to return for season 50 of the late-night sketch comedy show and play the former California attorney general, whom she first portrayed in 2019 when Harris ran for the democratic nomination for president.

In a 2020 interview with the actress,Harris asked her what the “process” was like to portray her onSNL, and while Rudolph called it “embarrassing,” she detailed her approach.

“In terms of Senator Harris, I didn’t have an impression because I wasn’t walking around the house doing my ‘Kamala.’ But I think it starts with trying to get someone’s voice if you can,” she said. “There’s nothing crazily overt about Sen. Harris, but I have to tell you, when I got to [SNL] and they put the wig on me, it was done.”

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On Aug. 6,Harris and Walz made their first joint appearance as running matesin Philadelphia, and Harris called Walz a “leader who will help unit our nation and move us forward.”

source: people.com