Martin Short: The Versatile Canadian Comedy Legend Who Conquered Hollywood

Martin Hayter Short stands as one of entertainment's most dynamic and versatile performers, seamlessly transitioning between television, film, and Broadway throughout his remarkable five-decade career. Born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, this Canadian-American comedian, actor, singer, and writer has captivated audiences worldwide with his infectious energy, memorable characters, and unparalleled comedic timing.

Early Life and the Foundation of a Comedy Career

Short's journey to stardom began in Hamilton, Ontario, where he was raised as the youngest of five children. His mother, Olive Grace Hayter, served as concertmistress at the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, while his father, Charles Patrick Short, worked as a corporate executive at the steel company Stelco. Tragically, Short experienced profound loss early in life—his eldest brother David died in a car accident in 1962, his mother passed away from cancer in 1968, and his father died from stroke complications in 1970.

Despite these early hardships, Short's passion for performance flourished. After graduating from McMaster University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work in 1971, he made the pivotal decision to pursue acting in Toronto. His first paid acting job came almost immediately—playing a plastic credit card in a Chargex television commercial in March 1972.

Breakthrough Success: From SCTV to Saturday Night Live

Short's career trajectory changed dramatically when he joined the cast of the Toronto production of "Godspell" in 1972, working alongside future comedy legends including Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, and Andrea Martin. This production served as a launching pad for many of Canada's most celebrated comedic talents.

In 1977, Short joined The Second City improvisational comedy troupe, taking over for John Candy. This experience led to his involvement with Second City Television (SCTV) from 1982-83, where he developed several iconic characters that would define his career:

• Ed Grimley - The oddball man-child obsessed with Wheel of Fortune
• Irving Cohen - An aged songwriter character
• Nathan Thurm - A nervous defense attorney
• Jackie Rogers Jr. - An albino Vegas singer

Short's talent caught the attention of Saturday Night Live producers, and he joined the show for the 1984-85 season. His appearance helped revive SNL's fanbase following Eddie Murphy's departure, with his Ed Grimley character becoming particularly beloved by audiences.

Hollywood Success and Memorable Film Roles

The 1980s and 1990s marked Short's transition into major Hollywood productions. His film career includes numerous memorable roles that showcased his versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor.

Some of his most notable film appearances include:

• Three Amigos (1986) - Western comedy alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase
• Father of the Bride (1991) - Scene-stealing performance as eccentric wedding planner Franck
• Father of the Bride Part II (1995) - Reprising his beloved Franck character
• Mars Attacks! (1996) - Tim Burton's sci-fi comedy as Press Secretary Jerry Ross
• The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006) - Family comedy with Tim Allen

Short also established himself as a talented voice actor, lending his voice to animated films including "The Prince of Egypt" (1998), "Treasure Planet" (2002), "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (2012), and "Frankenweenie" (2012).

Broadway Triumph and Tony Award Recognition

Short's theatrical talents earned him critical acclaim on Broadway. His most significant stage success came with the 1999 revival of "Little Me," for which he received the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He also earned a Tony nomination for his performance in "The Goodbye Girl" (1993), demonstrating his exceptional range as a musical theatre performer.

Television Innovation and Jiminy Glick

In the 2000s, Short created one of his most memorable characters: Jiminy Glick, an incompetent celebrity interviewer. The character starred in Comedy Central's "Primetime Glick" (2001-2003) and the feature film "Jiminy Glick in Lalawood" (2004). The New York Times called Glick "the most unpredictable and hilariously uninhibited comic creation to hit TV since Bart Simpson was in diapers."

Personal Life: Love, Loss, and Family

Short married actress Nancy Dolman in 1980, and together they adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Nancy's death from ovarian cancer in 2010 profoundly impacted Short, who has spoken openly about how her passing both devastated and emboldened him. "Our marriage was a triumph," Short told AARP in 2019. "She died in 2010, but I still communicate with her all the time."

His children have largely stayed out of the entertainment industry—Katherine works in social work, Oliver is a television producer, and Henry has worked in finance and veterinary assistance.

Current Success: Only Murders in the Building

Short's career experienced a remarkable renaissance with the Hulu comedy-mystery series "Only Murders in the Building" (2021-present), co-starring Steve Martin and Selena Gomez. The show has earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award recognition for Short's performance as the theatrical Oliver Putnam.

Legacy and Recognition

Throughout his career, Short has received numerous honors including:

• Two Primetime Emmy Awards
• Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical
• Two Screen Actors Guild Awards
• Officer of the Order of Canada (2019)
• Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002)
• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Martin Short's most famous characters?

Martin Short's most iconic characters include Ed Grimley (the triangle-playing man-child), Nathan Thurm (the nervous chain-smoking lawyer), Irving Cohen (the aged songwriter), Jackie Rogers Jr. (the albino Vegas singer), and Jiminy Glick (the incompetent celebrity interviewer).

How long were Martin Short and Nancy Dolman married?

Martin Short and Nancy Dolman were married for 30 years, from 1980 until her death from ovarian cancer in 2010. They adopted three children together during their marriage.

Is Martin Short still performing?

Yes, Martin Short continues to perform actively. He currently stars in the hit Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building" alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez. He also tours regularly with Steve Martin in their comedy show.

What awards has Martin Short won?

Martin Short has won numerous awards including two Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for "Little Me," two SAG Awards, and was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019.

Martin Short's enduring appeal lies in his ability to reinvent himself while maintaining the infectious enthusiasm and comedic brilliance that first captivated audiences over four decades ago. From his early days on SCTV to his current success on "Only Murders in the Building," Short continues to prove that genuine talent, combined with relentless creativity and an irrepressible spirit, can sustain a remarkable career across multiple generations of entertainment.