The comedian and entertainer will collect the 43rd AFI Life Achievement Award at a gala tribute in Los Angeles on June 4, 2015.

“Steve Martin is an American original,” said Howard Stringer, chair of the AFI’s board of trustees. “From a wild and crazy stand-up comic to one who stands tall among the great figures in this American art form, he is a multi-layered creative force bound by neither convention nor caution.

“His work is defined by him alone, for he is the author – and a national treasure whose work has stuck with us like an arrow in the head. AFI is proud to present him with its 43rd Life Achievement Award.” 

Martin began his career writing for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, winning an Emmy for his efforts in 1969.

Successive TV appearances led to a breakout film role in The Jerk, spawning a long career in features that brought global recognition.

Celebrated roles include Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, The Man With Two Brains, Little Shop Of Horrors, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Planes, Trains And Automobiles, Roxanne, Parenthood and Father Of The Bride.

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