For decades, Steve Martin has been celebrated as one of America’s most beloved comedy legends. From “The Jerk” to “Father of the Bride,” Martin’s blend of absurdist wit and razor-sharp timing has delighted generations. But behind the scenes, not every collaboration was as smooth as his on-screen charm. Over the years, Martin has quietly revealed frustrations with several high-profile co-stars—frustrations that, until recently, remained Hollywood’s best-kept secret.

Now, as Martin opens up about the six actors he struggled with most, fans are discovering the hidden tensions behind some of comedy’s most iconic moments. Here’s a look at the six co-stars Steve Martin openly admitted he hated working with, and the stories behind those strained relationships.

1. Chevy Chase: The Ego That Could Buy Wall Street

When Steve Martin joined Chevy Chase and Martin Short for 1986’s “Three Amigos,” audiences saw three comedy giants sharing the screen in a western-inspired farce. On camera, their chemistry seemed effortless; off camera, the reality was far more complicated.

Martin, a consummate professional who prized preparation and structure, found himself constantly at odds with Chase’s improvisational chaos. Chase, notorious for rewriting scenes and chasing laughs, often disrupted the rhythm Martin worked so hard to create. Martin’s frustration seeped out in sarcasm rather than confrontation, famously quipping, “If ego was money, Chevy could buy Wall Street.”

Though the tensions never erupted into public feuds, Martin quietly declined future collaborations with Chase, preferring to leave “Three Amigos” as their sole cinematic partnership. The film remains a cult classic, but for Martin, the experience was a lesson in the perils of clashing comedic philosophies.

2. Bette Midler: When the Spotlight Wasn’t Shared

Another unexpected clash came during a high-profile charity gala co-hosted by Martin and Bette Midler. Martin, ever the craftsman, prepared a witty monologue designed to set a comedic tone. Midler, known for her flamboyant showmanship, had other ideas.

As Martin began his routine, Midler abruptly abandoned the script and broke into song, commandeering the stage and leaving Martin sidelined. Ever the professional, Martin remained polite, but the tension was palpable. He quietly exited the event early, leaving behind a whirlwind of Midler’s improvised takeover.

Later, Martin left a donation with a note: “Tell B it came from her biggest fan. Silence.” The witty, cutting remark summed up his disappointment. For Martin, the clash was less about ego and more about respect—a reminder that not all stars are willing to share the spotlight.

3. Robin Williams: The Roller Coaster of Chaos

When Steve Martin and Robin Williams teamed up for a comedy skit, fans expected brilliance. What they got was a masterclass in contrasting styles. Martin, the architect of structure and timing, was thrown into the eye of Williams’ improvisational storm.

During one key moment, Williams went off script, launching into an unscripted bit that brought the house down but derailed Martin’s carefully planned rhythm. Martin later described the experience as “like reading poetry on a roller coaster”—a line that captured both his awe and his disorientation.

Despite mutual respect, both men quietly agreed never to work together again. For Martin, Williams’ chaotic genius was best admired from a distance, not shared on stage.

4. Goldie Hawn: Charm Meets Discipline—and Friction

On screen, Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn seemed perfectly matched in 1992’s “Housesitter.” Off screen, their differing styles led to subtle but persistent friction. Martin, ever disciplined, arrived early and prepared; Hawn, the queen of spontaneity, often improvised or arrived late.

While their chemistry delighted audiences, the unpredictability gnawed at Martin. A light-hearted joke Hawn made about Martin’s banjo—a passion he treated with reverence—stung more than she realized. There were no public arguments, but by the end of filming, Martin quietly decided against future collaborations.

Hollywood tried to reunite the pair, but Martin always declined. For him, harmony mattered more than box office magic.

5. Bill Murray: When Chaos Collided With Craft

Perhaps Martin’s most bitter clash came with Bill Murray during a live sketch performance in the late 1970s. Martin, fresh off a string of successful stand-up tours, valued punctuality and preparation. Murray, brilliant but unpredictable, showed up nearly an hour late and mocked Martin’s style on stage.

The audience laughed, but Martin felt betrayed. The trust and rhythm essential to comedy had been broken. After that night, the two comedians didn’t speak for over a decade, keeping a deliberate distance even at major industry events.

Their feud was never loud or public, but the professional fracture was deep. Martin’s perfectionism clashed with Murray’s anarchic energy—a divide that kept them from ever sharing the spotlight again.

6. Jim Carrey: Chaos That Burned Too Bright

Award shows are meant to be celebrations, but when Jim Carrey and Steve Martin shared the stage at a comedy awards show in the 1990s, the result was pure friction. Carrey, then at the height of his “Ace Ventura” and “The Mask” fame, delivered a 14-minute acceptance speech filled with impressions and manic energy.

Martin, seated near the front, grew visibly restless. He eventually walked on stage holding a comically oversized “wrap it up” sign—a gesture that drew laughs but masked genuine irritation. Martin later admitted that working with Carrey felt exhausting, likening their dynamic to “oil and water.”

Hollywood pitched them as a potential buddy comedy duo, but Martin declined, unwilling to endure months of Carrey’s relentless energy. For Martin, comedy required balance; Carrey’s chaos threatened to burn out everything around it.

The Price of Perfection

Steve Martin’s career has been defined by discipline, structure, and a deep respect for the craft of comedy. While audiences see only the polished final product, these behind-the-scenes stories reveal the challenges of collaboration—even among legends.

Martin never launched public feuds or traded insults; his frustrations were expressed through wit, silence, and quiet decisions to walk away. In an industry built on partnerships, Martin’s insistence on professionalism sometimes meant sacrificing blockbuster pairings for the sake of harmony.

For fans, these revelations are both surprising and illuminating. They show that even in the world of comedy, where laughter reigns supreme, the work is serious—and sometimes, the greatest comedians are also the most demanding collaborators.

What do you think about Steve Martin’s list of co-stars he hated working with? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood’s biggest stars.