Anne Stringfield: 7 Surprising Facts About Steve Martin’s Ultra-Private Writer Wife
Steve Martin, the legendary comedian, actor, and musician, has spent over six decades in the public eye, yet the woman who anchors his private world remains one of Hollywood's most intriguing mysteries. As of December 2025, Martin is happily married to his second wife, the writer and former *New Yorker* staffer, Anne Stringfield.
Their relationship is a masterclass in privacy, a deliberate choice by the couple to shield their family life from the intense spotlight that follows a star of Martin's caliber. Stringfield is not a celebrity, but a respected professional who has carved out a quiet life with the *Only Murders in the Building* star, a life that began with a unique, professional phone call.
Anne Stringfield: A Private Profile and Biography
Anne Stringfield is an accomplished writer and former fact-checker whose career in journalism brought her into the orbit of one of the world's most famous comedians. Unlike Martin’s first wife, actress Victoria Tennant, Stringfield has consistently avoided the Hollywood red carpet, preferring a life focused on her work and family.
- Full Name: Anne Stringfield
- Occupation: Writer, Former Fact-Checker
- Known For: Wife of Steve Martin
- Date of Birth: 1972 (Approximate)
- Place of Birth: Pensacola, Florida, USA
- Education: Unknown, but an aptitude for study is noted
- Notable Work: Former staffer and fact-checker for *The New Yorker*, Contributor to *Vogue*
- Spouse: Steve Martin (m. 2007)
- Children: One daughter (born 2012)
The Unexpected Origin of a Highly Private Romance
The story of how Steve Martin and Anne Stringfield met sounds like the opening scene of a romantic comedy, blending the worlds of high-brow journalism and Hollywood comedy. Their initial connection was purely professional, yet it blossomed into a deep and lasting partnership.
1. Their First "Date" Was a Year-Long Phone Call
The couple’s introduction was through Stringfield’s job as a fact-checker at *The New Yorker*, a magazine to which Martin frequently contributes comedy pieces. Stringfield was assigned to fact-check one of his articles, leading to a series of lengthy phone conversations.
According to Martin, they spoke on the phone for an entire year before they ever met in person. This extended, non-visual courtship allowed them to build a profound intellectual and emotional connection, bypassing the typical pressures of celebrity dating. This foundation of genuine communication is often cited as the key to their enduring marriage, which has now lasted nearly two decades.
2. The Surprise Wedding That Fooled Hollywood
After dating for about three years, the couple decided to marry in a way that perfectly reflected their commitment to privacy: a surprise ceremony. On July 28, 2007, Martin and Stringfield invited a small group of friends and family to their Los Angeles home, telling them they were hosting a party.
Instead, the gathering turned out to be their wedding. The ceremony was officiated by Martin's close friend, former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey. Guests included high-profile names like Tom Hanks, Diane Keaton, and Eugene Levy, who were all reportedly stunned by the reveal.
The impromptu nature of the event ensured the news was kept tightly under wraps until after the vows were exchanged, a testament to Stringfield’s desire to keep their life out of the tabloids.
3. Stringfield Helped Martin Heal After a Heartbreaking Divorce
Before Stringfield, Steve Martin was married to British actress Victoria Tennant. They tied the knot in 1986 and divorced in 1994. Martin has been open about the emotional toll of that breakup, once stating that the divorce "broke his heart."
His marriage to Stringfield, which began over a decade later, represents a different kind of partnership. It is one built on a mutual appreciation for quiet, intellectual pursuits and a shared disdain for the relentless celebrity machine. Their successful, low-profile union stands in stark contrast to the high-visibility, short-lived Hollywood marriages that often preceded it.
Family Life and The Decision to Prioritize Privacy
The most significant shift in Steve Martin's life came five years into his marriage to Anne Stringfield. At the age of 67, the *Father of the Bride* star became a first-time father, a role he had previously thought he would never take on.
4. They Welcomed a Child in Complete Secrecy
Stringfield and Martin welcomed their daughter in December 2012, but the news was kept completely secret for several months. They managed to avoid any public announcement or media coverage, a remarkable feat in the modern digital age.
The couple has maintained this extreme level of privacy for their child, whose name is rarely mentioned publicly, though she has sometimes been referred to as Mary Martin. Martin has explained that he loves being an older father because he has the freedom and time to truly focus on his family, a luxury he might not have had during the peak of his "wild and crazy" career.
5. Anne Stringfield is a Writer for *The New Yorker* and *Vogue*
While often described simply as "Steve Martin's wife," Stringfield is a professional in her own right. Her work as a writer and fact-checker for prestigious publications like *The New Yorker* and *Vogue* highlights her intellectual depth and creative talent. Her career is entirely separate from the entertainment world, further solidifying the non-celebrity nature of their bond.
6. She Made a Rare Public Appearance in the 2024 Documentary
In a significant, albeit brief, break from her usual privacy, Anne Stringfield appeared in the 2024 documentary, *STEVE! (martin) a documentary in 2 pieces*. Her presence in the film, which offers an intimate look at Martin's life and career, was a powerful, quiet acknowledgment of her central role in his world. These brief on-screen moments are some of the only glimpses the public has ever received of her in a non-candid setting, reinforcing the value they place on their secluded life.
7. Her Relationship is the Reason for Martin's Current Career Balance
Martin’s recent career, including his widely popular role as Charles-Haden Savage in the Hulu hit *Only Murders in the Building*, reflects a conscious effort to balance work with his family life. He has stated that his current projects must be enjoyable and allow him to prioritize his time with Stringfield and their daughter.
The stability and joy he found with Anne Stringfield in his later years has profoundly affected his professional choices. He is no longer driven by the relentless pursuit of fame, but by creative fulfillment that complements his life as a devoted husband and father. This partnership with Anne Stringfield, the quiet writer from Pensacola, Florida, has allowed the legendary comedian to find his most meaningful and happiest act yet.
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