Steve Martin turns down Walz role on ‘SNL’: ‘I’m not an impressionist’

Comedian and actor Steve Martin has reportedly turned down the role of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on “Saturday Night Live.”

Martin, according to the Los Angeles Times, was reached out to by the show’s executive producer and creator, Lorne Michaels, for the role. The actor, known for comedies such as “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Parenthood,” declined the invitation to play Vice President Harris’s running mate on the sketch comedy show.

“I wanted to say no and, by the way, he wanted me to say no,” Martin told the outlet. “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.”

His comments came just a day after Harris announced Walz as her vice presidential pick following a whirlwind couple of weeks for the Democratic Party. Harris and Walz are certified to top the ticket in November, a development that comes only a few weeks after President Biden left the race and endorsed his vice president to run instead.

Martin responded to calls for him to play the Minnesota governor Tuesday via a post on Threads.

“I just learned that Tim Walz wants to go on the road with Marty Short,” Martin wrote.

Many online users had noted the similarities in looks that Walz and Martin have and pushed for the comedian to take on playing the Minnesota governor.

“SNL” alum Maya Rudolph is also reportedly returning to play Harris on the show.