Steve Martin‘s Classic First Stand Up Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson was a memorable moment in comedy history. The transcript of this legendary talk show episode reveals the talent and unique humor that made Steve Martin a household name.
During his first appearance on The Tonight Show, Steve Martin introduced himself as a comedy writer with notable credits such as The Sonny and Cher Show and The Smothers Brothers. Initially performing as a magician, his appearance on the show marked a turning point in his career, as he decided to abandon magic in favor of stand-up comedy.
From the moment he stepped on stage, Martin captivated the audience with his quick wit and lively persona. With his trademark enthusiasm, Martin thanked the audience for their warm welcome, jokingly claiming that he didn’t deserve such a reception.
Martin then proceeded to entertain the crowd with his unconventional approach to comedy. He started off by discussing how many comedians rely on cheap tricks and phony audience participation bits to win over the audience’s favor. Rejecting this approach, Martin engaged the audience by doing a comedy impression of the “incredible shrinking man.” With a flourish, he requested the audience to close their eyes and, upon opening them, claimed to be the shrinking man himself.
Throughout his performance, Martin showcased his unique perspective on everyday life. He pondered the peculiarities of the human body, imagining a world where people had only one arm, making it impossible to clap. He even humorously considered the placement of the mouth, suggesting that it could have been located anywhere on the body.
Martin also presented his outlandish yet amusing solutions to real-world problems. He proposed an unconventional way to deter muggers by acting crazy or even throwing up on money. These absurd suggestions garnered laughter and applause from the audience.
One of the highlights of Martin’s performance was his hilarious sketch, “The Adventures of Hairy Man,” which he concluded by expressing his appreciation to the audience. He humorously mentioned being horny and playfully expressed a desire to take every audience member home with him.
In addition to his comedic talents, Martin showcased his impressive vocal abilities by producing a wide range of sound effects using only his voice. This unique talent delighted the audience and demonstrated his versatility as a performer.
Johnny Carson, the host of The Tonight Show, couldn’t help but be amazed by Martin’s comedic genius. Throughout the interview segment, Carson admired Martin’s abstract sense of humor and expressed his fascination with the funny noises Martin could create with his voice.
Reflecting on his early days, Martin shared his school experiences and admitted that he was never able to do sound effects like some of the great comedians. However, he did recall imitating a chicken, which became one of his early comedic trademarks. Martin’s ability to make people laugh even as a child foreshadowed his future success as a renowned comedian.
Steve Martin‘s classic first stand-up appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson remains a defining moment in comedy history. His ability to captivate the audience with his unique humor and observations solidified his place as a comedic legend. From his unforgettable sound effects to his witty anecdotes, Martin’s performance on The Tonight Show showcased his immense talent and laid the groundwork for his successful career in comedy.
Originally aired on October 12, 1972
