Steve Martin is never a stranger in Nashville. The actor, writer, and honored bluegrass musician came to Nashville on Monday, the 20th of March, joined by longtime friend and fellow comic genius, Martin Short. The two were in town to share their show at the Grand Ole Opry, and it was a surprise that Kimberly Williams-Paisley was one of the people in the audience, who was delighted to cheer on her on-screen dad in 1991’s “Father of the Bride” and its 1995 sequel. Martin Short portrayed her unforgettable wedding planner and certainly was as indelible on her special day as any family.
Both films are reincarnations of the Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy films of the 50s. Family is ageless, just as good friends are, and no matter the years, the bonds of love are still the same, and there's a picture to prove it.
Unexpected surprise
Steve Martin and Martin Short have joined forces for their 2017 tour, steering clear of politics, and mixing Martin’s bluegrass mastery on banjo with a “Borscht Belt” comic touch. The pair also took to the stage in 2015 for a tour, and Steve Martin collaborated with songwriting partner, Edie Brickell, on their unique, bluegrass-flavored musical, “Bright Star” on Broadway, along with several acclaimed albums together. Being at the Opry is a familiar comfort for Martin, who has delighted many audiences there with his ringing banjo.
Paisley knew she would be attending the show to see her friends, but their reunion backstage was a delightful surprise to Martin and Short. Their joy is spoken in smiles, and, along with the touching photo of her movie family, Kimberly posted a photo of herself and real-life husband, Brad Paisley, from their 2003 wedding.
Martin replied with only “Hooray!”
No trio for sequel in the future
As overjoyed as Steve Martin was to share those special backstage moments with Kimberly Williams-Paisley, he has no plans to reprise his paternal part in another sequel. In a 2016 “Today” interview, the comic master quipped, “I'd have to play a grandfather.”
Daddy duties are very much part of Steve Martin's life since he only became a dad in 2012.
He concedes that his answer is “of course I do” to the question of whether he wants to continue the doting character of George Banks, but he puts a period on the plans for him starring in another “Father of the Bride” sequel, closing with: “I think we've seen enough.” Fans would surely disagree, but Martin does feel that the entire franchise will be made by someone else again one day.
Films can always be made again, but cherished memories between old friends are priceless treasures, never to be replicated. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley shared just that kind of moment to treasure.
