Martin Short Wiki, Bio, Networth, GF, Wife, Family & More

Brief Introduction of Martin Short

Martin Hayter Short is a celebrated Canadian-American actor, comedian, singer, and writer, renowned for his energetic and versatile performances. He first gained widespread recognition for his work on the Canadian sketch comedy show SCTV and later as a cast member on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, where he created iconic characters like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick. His extensive career spans television, film, and theater, earning him numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. Short’s enduring popularity is a testament to his unique brand of humor and his memorable roles in films such as Three Amigos and Father of the Bride.

Martin Short Overview

Early Life and Education of Martin Short

Martin Hayter Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the youngest of five children. His mother, Olive Grace (née Hayter), was the concertmistress of the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, and his father, Charles Patrick Short, was a corporate executive at Stelco, a Canadian steel company. His father had emigrated from Ireland as a stowaway during the Irish War of Independence. Short’s childhood was filled with creative encouragement from his mother, and he often put on his own pretend variety shows.

Tragedy struck the Short family on multiple occasions during his youth. When he was 12, his eldest brother, David, was killed in a car accident. His mother passed away from cancer in 1968, and his father died two years later from complications of a stroke. Short has spoken about these losses, suggesting they contributed to a certain resilience in his character. He attended Westdale Secondary School and later enrolled at McMaster University. Initially a pre-med student, he switched his major to social work and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971. It was at McMaster that he met and was encouraged by future comedy legends Eugene Levy and Dave Thomas.

Martin Short’s Career

Early Career and The Second City

After graduating, Short decided to pursue acting, landing his first professional role in a 1972 Toronto production of Godspell. The cast also included future stars Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, and Andrea Martin. This experience solidified his passion for performing. He then joined the Toronto branch of the improvisational comedy troupe The Second City in 1977, where he honed his skills and developed some of his most famous characters.

SCTV and Saturday Night Live

Short’s career gained significant momentum when he joined the cast of the acclaimed Canadian sketch comedy series Second City Television (SCTV) in 1982. On SCTV, he introduced audiences to a host of bizarre and hilarious characters, including the man-child Ed Grimley and the elderly songwriter Irving Cohen. His work on the show earned him an Emmy Award for writing in 1983. Following his success on SCTV, he joined the cast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live for the 1984-85 season. His single season on SNL is often credited with helping to revitalize the show, and his characters, particularly Ed Grimley, became cultural phenomena.

Film Career

Leveraging his television fame, Short transitioned to the big screen, making his film debut in Three Amigos (1986) alongside his good friends Steve Martin and Chevy Chase. This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration with Martin. He went on to star in a variety of films, showcasing his comedic range in movies like Innerspace (1987), Three Fugitives (1989), and the cult classic Clifford (1994). One of his most memorable film roles is that of the flamboyant wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer in Father of the Bride (1991) and its 1995 sequel. He has also lent his voice to numerous animated films, including The Prince of Egypt (1998), Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012), and Frankenweenie (2012).

Television and Stage Work

Throughout his career, Short has maintained a strong presence in television. He created and starred in his own television shows, including the sitcom The Martin Short Show (1994) and the talk show of the same name (1999-2000). He also created the character of the clueless, celebrity-obsessed interviewer Jiminy Glick for the Comedy Central series Primetime Glick (2001-2003). More recently, he has earned critical acclaim and award nominations for his role as the flamboyant and financially struggling theater director Oliver Putnam in the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building, which premiered in 2021 and also stars Steve Martin and Selena Gomez.

Short is also an accomplished stage actor. He made his Broadway debut in the 1993 musical adaptation of Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. In 1999, he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his performance in the revival of Little Me. He has also starred in his own one-man Broadway shows, including Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.

Martin Short Personal Life & Family

Martin Short met actress Nancy Dolman in 1972 during the Toronto production of Godspell. They married in 1980 and adopted three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Dolman retired from acting in 1985 to focus on raising their family. Tragically, Nancy Dolman passed away from ovarian cancer on August 21, 2010. Short has spoken openly about his grief and the importance of his family in the years following her death, describing their 30-year marriage as a “triumph”. He maintains a close relationship with his children, none of whom have pursued careers in the spotlight. Short holds dual Canadian and American citizenship and has homes in Pacific Palisades, California, and on Lake Rosseau in Ontario, Canada.

Awards and Achievements of Martin Short

Martin Short’s extensive career has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He is a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner, first for his writing on SCTV in 1983 and later for the AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Mel Brooks in 2014. He has received a total of sixteen Primetime Emmy nominations. For his stage work, he won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 1999 for Little Me and was nominated for the same award in 1993 for The Goodbye Girl. He has also won two Screen Actors Guild Awards for his performance in Only Murders in the Building.

In his native Canada, Short has been highly decorated. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2019, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. He received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2000 and was honored with Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals. In 2015, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp in his honor.

Martin Short Net Worth and Income

As of 2025, Martin Short’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. His wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career in television, film, and theater. His income sources include salaries from his acting roles, earnings from his live comedy tours, and compensation for his work as a writer and producer. For his role in Only Murders in the Building, it is reported that he earns a significant salary per episode. Short also has a valuable real estate portfolio, including a long-time residence in Pacific Palisades, California, and a cottage in Ontario, Canada.

Legacy and Influence

Martin Short is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and beloved comedians of his generation. His influence can be seen in the work of many younger comedians who admire his fearless approach to character comedy and his boundless energy. His creations, like the awkward Ed Grimley and the sycophantic Jiminy Glick, have become iconic in the world of comedy. His enduring friendship and professional partnership with Steve Martin have also become a celebrated part of his legacy, with their joint tours and television specials delighting audiences for years. Short is also known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with the Women’s Cancer Research Fund.

Interesting Facts about Martin Short

• His first paid acting job was in a television commercial for Chargex credit cards.
• He is a first cousin of Clare Short, a former member of the British Parliament.
• He became a five-time host of Saturday Night Live in December 2024.
• He has voiced characters in several popular animated films, including The Pebble and the Penguin and The Prince of Egypt.
• His brother, Michael Short, is a successful comedy writer and a three-time Emmy Award winner.
• He is known for his impersonations, including a memorable take on Jerry Lewis.

Controversies

Martin Short has maintained a largely scandal-free public image throughout his decades-long career. He is highly respected by his peers and beloved by audiences for his professionalism and kindness. Any public challenges he has faced have been personal tragedies, such as the early deaths of his parents and brother, and the loss of his wife, which he has handled with grace and candor.

Social Media Presence

Martin Short does not have a verified, personally managed public presence on major social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter. His work is often promoted through official show accounts and by his co-stars.

Final Words about Martin Short

Martin Short’s career is a masterclass in comedic longevity and versatility. From his breakout roles on SCTV and SNL to his recent resurgence with Only Murders in the Building, he has consistently entertained audiences with his unique characters and infectious energy. His ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic roles, on stage and screen, speaks to his immense talent. As he continues to tour with Steve Martin and delight viewers in his current television roles, Martin Short’s legacy as a comedic legend is firmly cemented. His future plans include continuing his successful collaboration with Martin and likely bringing his beloved character Oliver Putnam to life in future seasons of their hit show.