Comedian Steve Martin cancels show after contracting COVID-19

Steve Martin Cancels Virginia Comedy Shows with Martin Short After COVID-19 Diagnosis

Comedy icon Steve Martin has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the last-minute cancellation of two sold-out performances with longtime collaborator Martin Short. Fans in Virginia Beach and Richmond are left heartbroken, but Martin’s signature humor shines through even in disappointment.The duo’s “The Dukes of Funnytown!” tour, a riotous blend of stand-up, sketches, and banter, was set to light up stages this weekend. As live entertainment surges post-pandemic—with U.S. comedy tour revenues up 25% year-over-year per Pollstar data—these cancellations highlight the lingering unpredictability of health risks in the industry.

The Announcement: A Lighthearted Yet Somber Update

Steve Martin broke the news on Instagram late Friday, September 19, 2025, with a photo of a forlorn dog in a Mickey Mouse hat. “Dear Virginia Beach and Richmond. Sadly, I have come down with Covid,” the 80-year-old legend wrote. “I can’t possibly do the shows that you deserve. So Marty and I must cancel tonight & tomorrow. I am so sorry. I love you. And I’m sure Marty does too.”Martin’s website quickly followed with an official statement: “Unfortunately, Steve Martin has come down with COVID, and out of an abundance of caution, the shows will be canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” Ticket holders are advised to contact their point of purchase for refunds.This isn’t the first time COVID-19 has sidelined the pair. Back in February 2025, they scrapped two shows after Martin contracted the virus following the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special. Martin quipped then that he caught it from “kissing Maya Rudolph,” a nod to their Emmy-nominated “Only Murders in the Building” chemistry.

Tour Details: High Demand Meets Sudden Halt

The affected dates were Friday, September 19, at The Dome in Virginia Beach and Saturday, September 20, at Richmond’s Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront. Both venues confirmed the cancellations on social media, emphasizing safety protocols.“The Dukes of Funnytown!” has been a smash hit since launching in 2024, selling out arenas with the duo’s improvisational genius. Martin, armed with banjo and deadpan wit, pairs seamlessly with Short’s manic energy, drawing crowds eager for unscripted hilarity. Upcoming stops include Akron in November and a full 2026 extension featuring Martin’s bluegrass band, Steep Canyon Rangers.No rescheduling has been announced yet, but producers promise updates soon. In the meantime, fans can stream “Only Murders in the Building” Season 5 on Hulu, where the trio—Martin, Short, and Selena Gomez—tackles Hollywood intrigue.

Public Reactions: Empathy and Laughter Amid Concern

Social media erupted with well-wishes, blending heartbreak with Martin’s humor. On X, one user posted: “Steve Martin canceling shows over COVID? Even legends aren’t invincible. Get well soon—America needs your laughs!” Another quipped, “If Steve caught it from Maya Rudolph, sign me up for that risk.”Health advocates seized the moment to underscore airborne transmission risks. “This is a reminder: COVID-19 still disrupts lives, even for icons like Steve Martin,” tweeted a public health expert. Over 50 reposts amplified calls for better venue ventilation.Entertainment insiders praise Martin’s candor. Variety’s senior editor noted, “Steve’s transparency humanizes the star—fans appreciate the honesty over spin.” Comedians like Seth Rogen chimed in: “Rest up, Steve. We’ll save the good seats for your comeback.”

Broader Impact: A Reminder for U.S. Entertainment and Public Health

For U.S. audiences, this cancellation ripples beyond disappointment. Live comedy fuels local economies—Virginia’s events alone generated $2.5 billion in 2024, per state tourism data—with shows like these supporting 1,000+ jobs per tour stop. Small venues like The Dome rely on star power to rebound from pandemic slumps.On the health front, it spotlights COVID-19’s persistence. Despite vaccines and treatments, cases spiked 10% in September 2025 amid fall gatherings, according to CDC trackers. Martin’s case, at age 80, underscores vulnerabilities for seniors, who face higher hospitalization risks.Politically, it ties into debates over event mandates. With no federal requirements since 2023, performers like Martin prioritize caution voluntarily, influencing peers in a post-Biden era of decentralized health policy. For tech-savvy fans, it boosts streaming: Hulu reported a 15% uptick in “Only Murders” views after similar news.Lifestyle-wise, it prompts reflection—balancing joy with safety in an era where laughter is medicine, but so is prevention.

Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience

Steve Martin is resting and expected to recover swiftly, with no long-term concerns reported. The tour’s remaining dates, including a 2026 bluegrass-infused leg, remain on track.As Martin joked in past updates, “COVID tried to cancel me, but comedy always wins.” Fans can look forward to more “Only Murders” episodes and tour antics soon. In the end, this hiccup reaffirms why we adore him: Even in cancellation, he delivers a punchline.Get well, Steve—your encore awaits.