Steve Martin has no desire to play Gov. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris’ running mate, on “Saturday Night Live,” even though social media believes he would be perfect for the role.
After Harris announced that the Minnesota governor would join her campaign this week, Martin received a call from “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels encouraging him to appear on the iconic comedy sketch show for it’s 50th season.
“I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no,” Martin explained to the Los Angeles Times about his conversation with Michaels.
“I said, ‘Lorne, I’m not an impressionist. You need someone who can really nail the guy.’ I was picked because I have gray hair and glasses,” he added.
so Steve Martin is definitely gonna play Walz on SNL right pic.twitter.com/EnMRjXzPni
— Abby Barr (@1AbbyRoad) August 6, 2024
The actor also mentioned that recurring appearances as Walz on “SNL” conflict with his current schedule, which includes the upcoming fourth season of Hulu hit “Only Murders in the Building.”
“It’s ongoing. It’s not like you do it once and get applause and never do it again,” Martin said about portraying Walz on “SNL.”
“Again, they need a real impressionist to do that. They’re going to find somebody really, really good. I’d be struggling.”
SNL get Steve Martin on the phone NOW pic.twitter.com/7AbHn2zAFU
— Adam (@AdamJSmithGA) August 6, 2024
Following Harris’ announcement of Walz as her running mate, Martin stirred speculation about a potential “SNL” appearance alongside Maya Rudolph, who plays Harris, when he posted on social media.
“I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short,” Martin wrote, referencing longtime collaborator Martin Short, who he co-stars with in “Only Murders in the Building” and a recent series of Wells Fargo ads.
Martin’s Threads post caused fans to call for Martin to salivate over the prospect of the a “Father of the Bride” star becoming Walz comedic double.
“SNL get Steve Martin on the phone NOW,” one viral post on X declared, amassing 3.7 million views and 160,000 likes so far.
“So Steve Martin is definitely gonna play Walz on SNL right,” another viral post suggested, with side-by-side photos of the two men.
“I imagine a Tim Walz Father of the Bride Sketch with costar Martin’ Short,” someone tweeted, tagging “SNL.”
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 7, 2024
Another fan made their appeal by posting a collage of the pair, urging, “I would like to officially launch my campaign for Steve Martin to play @GovTimWalz on SNL. Because 1- he’s perfect for it, and 2- we all need the Maya/Steve team to make us happy!”
Maya Rudolph will reprise her role as VP Harris when the new season of the NBC comedy show premieres on Sept. 28, according to Deadline.
In 2020, Harris reportedly asked Rudolph what it was like to play a caricature of her on the show.
“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,” Rudolph replied.
“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.”
Tim Walz is younger than Brad Pitt pic.twitter.com/ABBP38klJt
— Eriq Gardner ✍️ (@eriqgardner) August 6, 2024
Walz, who at just 60 looks remarkably like Martin, who is 18 years his senior, has gone viral for looking so old despite his age.
Eriq Gardner, the founding partner of Puck News, highlighted how old he looks, with side-by-side photos of Walz and actor Brad Pitt.
“Tim Walz is younger than Brad Pitt,” Gardner’s caption read.
While both men are 60, Walz was born on April 6, 1964, and Pitt on December 18, 1963.
“Abbott Elementary” star Sheryl Lee Ralph gave her two cents, noting the “difference between a WestCoast 60 and a MedWest 60.”
One user came to Walz’s, noting that he was a teacher, who they believed had to work harder than the actor.
“Brad Pitt never stayed up all night making lessons, took home a stack of papers to grade after working all day, used part of his meager paycheck for classroom supplies, participated in professional development during his ‘time off.'”
Liberal “Hocus Pocus” witch Bette Midler also jumped in to defend Walz, posting a screenshot of commentary by activist and writer Amy Siskind.
“Walz, 60, has drawn criticism for appearing older than his age. Walz responded on X, saying that it’s because he ‘supervised the lunchroom for 20 years. You do not leave that job with a full head of hair. Trust me,'” the screenshot read.