myVU - Resources for Faculty and Staff

Bobby Johnson and Steve Martin - separated at birth?

Posted 6/2/2009

Backstage at the Grand Ole Opry turned into a Steve Martin lookalike affair recently, thanks in large part to our own Commodore head football coach.

With the help of Vanderbilt Athletics fan and longtime Opry member Whisperin' Bill Anderson, Bobby Johnson got to meet Martin, the legendary actor/comedian whom he resembles.

Johnson, accompanied by his wife Catherine, was introduced to his famous lookalike after Martin's opening set at the Opry on May 30.

"He was preoccupied and I definitely understand why," the head coach said, "but he was very cordial and just real excited about playing on the Opry."

"As we were introduced, he said, 'Hey, we look alike.' That's what Catherine has been saying for years now," Johnson added.

An lifelong banjo picker, Martin was making his highly anticipated first appearance on the Opry stage. He was joined by an all-star lineup of talent, including Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant, John McEuen of the Nitty Gitty Dirt Band, fiddler Stuart Duncan and guitarist Tim O'Brien, in front of a packed house.

Contact: Larry Leathers, (615) 322- 4121
larry.leathers@vanderbilt.edu

---