Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 20, 2025 · Entertainment

Steve Martin Catches COVID-19, Cancels Comedy Tour with Martin Short

Steve Martin, 80, had to cancel two comedy shows with Martin Short after catching COVID-19; Pictured 2023

STEVE MARTIN'S COVID CONUNDRUM: Comedian's Tour Dates Cancelled Amid Virus Outbreak

In a shocking turn of events, comedy legend Steve Martin has been forced to cancel not one but TWO shows with his longtime collaborator and friend, Martin Short, due to contracting COVID-19. The 80-year-old actor took to social media on Friday to share the unfortunate news, accompanied by a photo of his positive test result.

The cancellation of their show at The Dome in Virginia Beach was announced just hours before the scheduled performance, leaving fans in dismay. "Dear Virginia Beach and Richmond," Steve's caption read, "Sadly, I've come down with Covid. I can't possibly do the show that you deserve." He went on to explain that he and Martin would have to postpone their Saturday night show at Richmond's Allianz Amphitheater at the Riverfront as well.

The actor shared on Friday that his and Martin's, 75, The Dukes Of Funnytown! tour stop at The Dome in Virginia Beach that night had to be cancelled

Steve's candid post, which included a winking face emoji (but no sad face, it seems!), sparked an outpouring of support from friends and fans. Rita Wilson, known for her own health struggles in the past, was among those who offered words of encouragement: "Feel better!" she wrote. Other well-wishers chimed in with messages of hope and healing, including a fan who joked about Steve's possible COVID-19 symptoms being linked to his touring schedule (we won't get into that here!).

This isn't the first time Steve and Martin have had to cancel shows due to illness. Back in February, they postponed two performances after Martin contracted COVID following their appearance at the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary special. At the time, Steve joked about the SNL "Covid curse" being a real thing – Maya Rudolph's rumored kiss with Martin may have been the culprit behind his infection.

The highly anticipated show, which drew an impressive 14.8 million viewers across NBC and Peacock, featured memorable monologues from both Steve and Martin. As longtime friends and collaborators, they've worked together on numerous projects, including their hit mystery-comedy series Only Murders In The Building. This popular Hulu show has been renewed for a fifth season, with a new cast of characters set to join the fold, including Meryl Streep and Melissa McCarthy.

'Dear Virginia Beach and Richmond. Sadly, I have some down with Covid. I can't possibly do the show that you deserve,' he wrote

But back to Steve's current health woes... As fans continue to send him well-wishes and messages of support, we can't help but wonder: will this COVID-19 diagnosis derail their tour plans for good? Only time – and a speedy recovery – will tell.

A Closer Look at the SNL 50th Anniversary Special

The Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary special was a highly anticipated event that drew in an impressive audience. With Steve and Martin delivering standout performances, it's no wonder this show set records for NBC viewership. The duo has been friends and collaborators for decades, with their partnership yielding countless laughs and memorable moments.

Later, he appeared to change the caption to simply read, 'Hey! No flu!

Only Murders In The Building: A Hit Mystery-Comedy Series

This popular Hulu series, which stars Steve, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as a trio of true-crime podcasters turned amateur detectives, has captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. With its unique blend of humor, mystery, and heart, Only Murders In The Building has become a must-watch for fans of comedy and crime dramas alike.

As the new season approaches, with Eugene Levy, Eva Longoria, and Zach Galifianakis joining the cast as detectives, we can't wait to see what's in store for our favorite characters. With a murder mystery to solve, and a Hollywood setting that promises new challenges and opportunities for growth, this series is sure to deliver.

Stay Tuned for More Updates on Steve Martin's Health

As fans eagerly await news of Steve's recovery, we'll be keeping a close eye on his health updates. Will he be back on stage soon? Only time will tell – but one thing's for sure: with his quick wit and infectious energy, Steve Martin is sure to bounce back in no time.

Sources:

  • thescholarlynote.com (original article)
  • Various online sources, including interviews and articles about the SNL 50th Anniversary special and Only Murders In The Building

Friends and fans expressed their well wishes for the star in the comments. Rita Wilson wrote, 'Feel better!'

The two star together on the hit mystery-comedy series Only Murders In The Building, along with Selena Gomez; Seen in January

The duo previously cancelled two shows back in February because Martin got COVID after attending the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary special (pictured)

At the time, Steve joked that it was because Martin kissed Maya Rudolph