Comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short have built a reputation for delivering unforgettable live shows filled with humor, storytelling, and music. But this past weekend, their highly anticipated Virginia performances were abruptly canceled after Steve Martin revealed he had contracted Covid.
The announcement disappointed thousands of fans in Virginia Beach and Richmond, but Martin and Short reassured audiences that the cancellations were temporary and promised to return once circumstances improve.
The Official Announcement
On social media, Steve Martin personally broke the news:
“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.”
Organizers confirmed the decision, stating that both shows were canceled “out of an abundance of caution.” Ticket holders were promised full refunds, though new dates for Virginia have not yet been announced.
For fans who had eagerly anticipated the Virginia stops of the tour, the news was disheartening. Yet many responded with understanding and well wishes, echoing the sentiment that health must always come first.
Covid Still a Disruptive Force
Though Covid no longer cancels events on the same scale it did in 2020 and 2021, it still poses challenges for live performances. Artists and production crews must adapt quickly when illness strikes, especially when audiences are expecting high-energy shows.
Steve Martin and Martin Short have faced these interruptions before. Earlier in 2025, the pair postponed two shows after Martin Short contracted Covid during the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary celebration. At the time, Martin jokingly referred to it as the “SNL 50th Covid curse,” humorously blaming Maya Rudolph as the source of Short’s infection.
Despite the disappointment, both comedians approached the situation with humor, promising fans that the rescheduled shows would be “funnier” when they returned. That lighthearted attitude has helped the duo maintain a strong connection with their fan base even during setbacks.
A Packed Touring Schedule
The Virginia cancellations come in the middle of an extremely busy period for Martin and Short. The pair are currently headlining their “Dukes of Funnytown Tour,” which runs through December 5, 2025. Their next scheduled stop is October 4 in Hollywood, Florida — just days away.
While no update has been given on whether Martin will recover in time for the Florida date, fans are hopeful. Both comedians are seasoned performers who prioritize delivering their best on stage, and their team will likely adjust the schedule if needed to ensure Martin returns healthy.
Looking beyond 2025, Martin and Short already have another massive project lined up. In 2026, they will embark on “The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short Tour.” That tour is slated to kick off January 29 in San Antonio, Texas, and conclude April 26 in Cleveland, Ohio. It will feature Martin’s longtime musical collaborators, the Steep Canyon Rangers, bringing a mix of comedy and bluegrass music to audiences nationwide.
The Duo’s Continued Popularity
Part of what makes these cancellations headline-worthy is the enduring popularity of Steve Martin and Martin Short. Beyond their stand-up comedy and live shows, both are household names for their acting careers, most recently starring together in the acclaimed Hulu series Only Murders in the Building.
The show has introduced the comedy icons to a younger audience while keeping longtime fans engaged. Their ability to adapt across decades — from sketch comedy to film, to live performance, and now streaming — has solidified their legacy as one of the most successful comedy duos of all time.
That legacy is precisely why fans are confident that the Virginia shows will be rescheduled rather than forgotten. Both Martin and Short have shown deep respect for their audiences throughout their careers, often going the extra mile to make up for postponed or canceled dates.
Health Comes First
While disappointing, the Virginia cancellations highlight the reality that even seasoned performers can’t avoid health setbacks. At 79, Steve Martin remains an active and energetic performer, but catching Covid meant he couldn’t deliver the kind of show fans expect.
The decision to cancel was ultimately about prioritizing safety — for Martin, for Short, and for their audiences. Organizers emphasized caution, apologizing for the inconvenience but reassuring ticket holders that refunds were available.
Fans, for their part, responded positively to Martin’s honesty. Many took to social media to wish him a speedy recovery, with some even joking that the cancellations only added more anticipation for the rescheduled shows.
Looking Ahead
If Martin recovers quickly, the Hollywood, Florida performance on October 4 will go ahead as planned, marking the duo’s return to the stage. From there, their tour schedule remains packed, with stops across the U.S. until early December.
Then, in 2026, the larger-scale “Best of” tour will kick off, likely drawing even bigger crowds. Featuring not only comedy but also Martin’s bluegrass roots with the Steep Canyon Rangers, the upcoming tour promises a dynamic mix of entertainment.
For Virginia fans, the wait might feel long, but the pair’s track record suggests they’ll deliver an unforgettable experience when they return.
Conclusion
Steve Martin and Martin Short have faced plenty of obstacles in their decades-long careers, but their resilience — and ability to turn setbacks into punchlines — is part of what makes them beloved.
The canceled Virginia shows are a temporary bump in the road, and fans can rest assured that both comedians plan to return under “better circumstances.” With their busy touring schedule, upcoming 2026 plans, and continued popularity from Only Murders in the Building, the duo remains as relevant and in-demand as ever.
For now, all eyes are on Steve Martin’s recovery and whether the October 4 Florida show will mark the comedians’ triumphant return to the stage. Either way, fans are ready to laugh with them again — whether in Virginia, Florida, or anywhere else on the map.