Steve Martin Cancels Virginia Shows After COVID-19 Diagnosis
Comedy legend Steve Martin has tested positive for COVID-19, leading to the cancellation of two scheduled performances with his longtime collaborator Martin Short. The shows were part of their "Dukes of Funnytown!" tour and were set to take place in Virginia Beach and Richmond, Virginia.
Show Cancellations and Martin's Announcement
On September 19th, Martin shared the news on Instagram, posting a photo of his positive COVID-19 test result. He humorously captioned it "Hey! No flu!" alongside a picture of a sad dog in Mickey Mouse ears. The canceled shows included the performance at The Dome in Virginia Beach on September 19th and the show at Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Richmond on September 20th.
In his announcement, Martin stated, "Dear Virginia Beach and Richmond. Sadly, I have come down with Covid. I can’t possibly do the shows that you deserve. So Marty and I must cancel tonight & tomorrow. But we will return under better circumstances."
Fan Reactions and Support
Following Martin's announcement, his Instagram post was flooded with messages of support from fans and fellow celebrities. Stars like Brad Garrett and Rita Wilson offered their well wishes for a speedy recovery. Some fans responded with humor, making lighthearted jokes about the situation.
Tour Status and Future Plans
Despite the cancellations, the "Dukes of Funnytown!" tour is scheduled to continue. The next performance is slated for October 4th at the Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida. Martin and Short have more than 30 additional dates planned across the U.S. through April 2026. Ticket holders for the canceled Virginia shows are eligible for refunds.
Previous COVID-19 Related Interruptions
This is not the first time COVID-19 has affected Martin and Short's performances. In February, Martin Short tested positive for the virus after attending the "Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special," which led to the postponement of other shows. Martin jokingly attributed it to an "SNL 50th Covid curse."
"Only Murders in the Building" and Other Projects
Between tour dates, Martin and Short are also busy with their roles in the hit Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," which has been renewed for a fifth season. The upcoming season will take the trio, including Selena Gomez, to Hollywood. Martin and Short's collaboration dates back to the 1986 film "Three Amigos," showcasing their enduring partnership.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Canceled Shows | Virginia Beach (The Dome, Sep 19) and Richmond (Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront, Sep 20) |
| Next Scheduled Show | Hard Rock Live, Hollywood, Florida, Oct 4 |
| Refunds | Available for ticket holders of canceled shows |
Steve Martin's COVID-19 diagnosis has caused a temporary setback for fans in Virginia. However, his commitment to rescheduling the shows "under better circumstances" provides hope for a future performance in the area. The entertainment world eagerly anticipates his full recovery and return to the stage.
