Steve Martin has canceled two stops of the Dukes of Funnytown! tour with Martin Short after testing positive for COVID-19, the comedians announced Friday. The impact was immediate for fans in Virginia Beach and Richmond, where the pair were scheduled to perform at The Dome in Virginia Beach on Friday night and at Richmond’s Allianz Amphitheater at the Riverfront on Saturday. In a post to followers, Martin shared a photo of a positive test result and explained that he and Short could not deliver the show that audiences deserve.
Dear Virginia Beach and Richmond. Sadly, I have some down with Covid. I can't possibly do the show that you deserve. So Marty and I must cancel tonight & tomorrow. But we will return under better circumstances. [sad face emoji]," Martin wrote. He later updated the caption to read, "Hey! No flu!" as fans offered well-wishes. Rita Wilson posted, "Feel better!" while others urged him to take care and recover fully. The cancellation marks the latest in a string of health-related adjustments the duo has faced in recent years.
The Dukes of Funnytown! tour has been a high-profile collaboration between the two longtime comic partners, who have spent decades performing together in various formats. The Friday and Saturday dates represented a pair of back-to-back performances that would typically be billed as a showcase of their distinct, complementary styles—Martin’s dry wit and Short’s rapid-fire delivery—paired with the kind of playful banter fans have come to expect from a duo that has become a staple of American comedy.
The cancellations come after the two comedians faced a similar disruption earlier in the year. In February, Martin and Short also pulled two shows due to Martin contracting COVID, which followed Short’s appearance at high-profile events like the Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary special. At the time, Martin joked that the illness was spreading through the duo’s circle, referencing a tongue-in-cheek quip about Maya Rudolph in relation to why the SNL event was affected. The tone of the posts reflected a blend of humor and concern that many fans have come to expect from the pair.
In addition to their live work, Martin and Short have continued to collaborate on television. They star together on the hit mystery-comedy series Only Murders in the Building, alongside Selena Gomez. The show has been a major success for Hulu, with renewed interest fueling continued production and fan engagement. Recent reporting indicated that Only Murders in the Building had been renewed for a fifth season at Hulu, with plans for a ten-episode run. Variety cited the renewal as part of the show’s ongoing appeal, noting how the leads—Martin, Short, and Gomez—took the show from a New York City setting to a Hollywood backdrop for a story about how their podcast was created. The dynamic trio has helped keep the series at the center of pop culture conversations, even as the duo balances touring and other projects.
The broader context of the duo’s work underscores how intertwined their careers have become with television, film, and live performance. Martin, Short, and Gomez have built a cross-platform brand that continues to resonate with audiences across generations. The live tour, which often features a mix of stand-up, sketches, and improvised moments, remains a key pillar of their collaboration. While these recent health-related cancellations are disappointing for fans, the partners have signaled their intention to resume performances when Martin is cleared to return to the stage. In social media posts and interviews, both men have expressed appreciation for fan support and the importance of giving audiences the best possible show when times are right.
Looking ahead, fans of the Dukes of Funnytown! tour will likely monitor official channels for new dates and any updates related to Martin’s health. The show’s positive reception in past seasons—the playful, self-referential humor and the camaraderie between two veteran entertainers—suggests that restoration of the tour schedule will be a priority once Martin is back to full health. In the meantime, Short has publicly expressed his desire to continue bringing laughter to audiences while Martin recovers, emphasizing the duo’s commitment to delivering a strong performance when they can guarantee the level of energy and delivery fans expect from them.
The broader entertainment landscape has watched closely as both Martin and Short navigate health considerations while maintaining a high-profile commitment to fans. Their work on Only Murders in the Building has continued to draw attention, both for its clever premise and the chemistry that has become a hallmark of their collaboration. The series’ renewal for a fifth season reinforces the ongoing vitality of their partnership, offering a pathway back to the stage once touring resumes and providing a complementary narrative arc to their live performances. As the entertainment industry continues to adapt to health and safety realities, the Dukes of Funnytown! tour stands as a reminder of how classic comic duos can remain relevant and beloved across multiple platforms, even as audiences await new live moments.
For now, the focus remains on Martin’s recovery and the hope that the concerts can be rescheduled in the near future. Fans who purchased tickets are advised to await official word from event organizers regarding refunds or rearranged dates. In the era of digital engagement, many listeners have already expressed their support for the performers, with social media posts from fellow entertainers and fans alike highlighting the enduring appeal of a partnership that has spanned decades. The news also serves as a reminder that even legendary acts are not immune to the unpredictable nature of illness, reinforcing the importance of health and safety for performers and audiences alike.
As the Dukes of Funnytown! tour progresses, the entertainment world will be watching to see when Martin can return to the stage and how Short will proceed with remaining dates. The pair’s legacy—built on a shared history, a distinctive comedic voice, and a willingness to try new formats—suggests that their fans will welcome a comeback with enthusiasm. Until then, the public can revisit their past collaborations, including memorable moments from Only Murders in the Building and other projects that have helped define a generation of comedy and television alike.