Steve Martin is ''so honoured'' to receive the 43rd American Film Institute Life Achievement award.

The 69-year-old actor will accept the prestigious accolade during a tribute airing on TBS on Saturday (13.06.15) and believes he has ''earned it'', even though he was initially uncomfortable with the idea, until he recalled a screening of his 1989 film 'Parenthood'.

He said: ''I was driving home and I thought, 'Everyone in this movie is fantastic except for me.' But I drove a little further and thought, 'Wait, Ron Howard didn't hire eight great actors and one lousy one. I must be good too.' And that's what I thought about AFI. I guess I've earned it.''

Steve was a stand-up comedian for many years but didn't feel successful until his final four years on stage .

He said: ''I did stand-up comedy for 18 years. Ten years of learning, four years of refining and then four years of success.''

The 'Father of the Bride' star credits his wife Anne Stringfield, with whom he has one young daughter, for helping him to maintain his career.

He told People magazine: ''She makes it all possible. She has one of the most important qualities a person can have, and that's kindness.''