Steve Martin, like Robin Williams is a comedic genius.  That means that he can play drama and tragedy better than actors who can only do drama and tragedy.  Yes, there are plenty of yuks, but there is also a warmth that few other actors can reach in a comedic performance.  Sniff at it, if you will, but in the end, it is Martin's character who takes the also wonderful tragedy that is Cyrano de Bergerac (1950), and turns it into a posy of hope, promise, and winning by a nose.