Steve Martin's Banjo Playing Helped With Oscar Hosting

LOS ANGELES — Steve Martin says playing the banjo helped prepare him for his Oscar-hosting gig. The 64-year-old actor-writer-musician says performing live with the Steep Canyon Rangers made him feel comfortable on the Kodak Theatre stage at the Oscars.

Martin says he wasn't sure why he wasn't nervous before co-hosting the March 7 Oscars with Alec Baldwin, but a friend suggested maybe it was because he'd been in front of audiences around the country with his banjo.

Martin said in a recent interview that he "hadn't been on stage live in front of people in a long, long time, except for this," gesturing toward the banjo in his hand.

He'll begin another tour with the Steep Canyon Rangers on April 19.

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On the Net:

http://www.stevemartin.com

Comments

[chiliboots2000]

06:50 PM on 03/27/2010

I find that playing the banjo helps me move my bowels.

[Agentlady007]

08:40 PM on 03/27/2010

You have zero personality unless something is written for you, and you are basically a loser, and should be removed from this website for abusing the dignity of this community.

[Agentlady007]

03:19 PM on 03/27/2010

I always love to watch and listen to Steve Martin play the Banjo. He's amazing.
I however feel Alec Balwin helped host more since hs is so good looking and drop dead gorgeous.

[davidmnc76]

07:47 PM on 03/26/2010

For those of you interested, Steve's performing at this Bonnaroo festival.

[rivergirl301]

12:13 PM on 03/26/2010

I couldn't believe the rave reviews immediately after (and during!) the show. I was dumbfounded. These 2 were stiff and not funny.

[Lucky123]

01:03 PM on 03/26/2010

I guess it's all a matter of personal perspective. I thought they were funny, and overall, thought this year was better than many of the previous.

As far as being "stiff", I'll agree with you there. Baldwin always seems like that.

[thundermummy]

11:56 AM on 03/26/2010

What's the difference between a banjo and an onion?
Nobody cries when you chop up a banjo.

Ah, love when I get to trot out my banjo joke.

[Rand]

09:33 AM on 03/26/2010

Everything's better with a banjo picker around!

Have I ever mentioned that I play banjo?

[freethinking moderate]

09:12 AM on 03/26/2010

Funny, because both he and Baldwin were sorely out of tune as hosts this year.