Martin Short

In a career spanning over four decades, Martin Short has established himself as one of the most beloved and adaptable comedic talents in North America. Known for his frenetic energy, dazzling array of characters, and mastery of both sketch and theatrical comedy, Short is a rare performer who can command the stage, television, and film with equal flair. He has charmed audiences through his work on SCTV, Saturday Night Live, numerous film roles, and his recent acclaimed collaborations with Steve Martin. Beyond his comic bravado, Short is also a dedicated craftsman, infusing his performances with nuance, heart, and a deep respect for the history of comedy.

Early Life and Influences

Martin Hayter Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, the youngest of five children in a close-knit Irish Catholic family. His father, Charles, was a corporate executive, and his mother, Olive, was a concertmistress with the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra. From an early age, Short was exposed to both structure and creativity—an upbringing that helped shape his disciplined yet freewheeling comic style.

Tragedy struck early in Short's life: his older brother died in a car accident when Martin was 12, and both of his parents had passed away by the time he was 20. These losses, while devastating, would later infuse his humour with an undercurrent of poignancy and depth, qualities often evident in his more subtle performances.

Short attended McMaster University, where he majored in social work. But his passion for performance—ignited during his university days—soon pulled him toward the arts. He was drawn to the burgeoning comedy scene in Toronto in the 1970s, which included future collaborators like Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, and Catherine O’Hara.

SCTV and the Rise to Fame

Short’s big break came with Second City Television (SCTV), a Canadian sketch comedy show that became a comedic powerhouse. He joined in 1982, during its fourth season, and quickly stood out for his over-the-top characters and fearless physical comedy.

Among his most memorable SCTV creations:

Ed Grimley – A hyperactive, childlike man with a high-pitched voice, love of triangle-playing, and iconic hair. Grimley would become Short’s signature character.

Jackie Rogers Jr. – An albino lounge singer and entertainer with a penchant for tacky glitz and self-delusion.

Smarmy TV Hosts and Pompous Celebrities – Short excelled at satirizing media culture, crafting parodies that were both specific and broadly accessible.

SCTV allowed Short to fine-tune his gift for character comedy, supported by a dream ensemble of fellow future stars.

Saturday Night Live (1984–1985)

Short’s success on SCTV caught the attention of Saturday Night Live, and he joined the cast for its 10th season (1984–85)—a critical transitional year for the show following a ratings slump. Alongside Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, Short was credited with helping revitalize the series.

His characters from SCTV made the leap to SNL, most notably Ed Grimley, and his impersonations of Jerry Lewis and Katharine Hepburn earned critical praise. Though Short only stayed for one season, his impact was lasting, and he would return over the years for cameos and tributes.

Film Career: From Farce to Feeling

Martin Short’s film career began during the 1980s and includes a mix of cult classics, mainstream comedies, and family-friendly fare.

Notable Films:

Three Amigos! (1986) – Starring alongside Steve Martin and Chevy Chase, Short played Ned Nederlander, the most eager and innocent of the trio. The film remains a cult favourite for its affectionate send-up of silent-era Westerns and celebrity hubris.

Innerspace (1987) – Short co-starred with Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan in this sci-fi comedy, displaying both slapstick agility and emotional depth.

Three Fugitives (1989) – Short played a bumbling bank robber opposite Nick Nolte in a role that allowed him to pivot between comedy and heart.

Father of the Bride (1991) & Father of the Bride Part II (1995) – Short stole scenes as flamboyant wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer, whose exaggerated accent and gestures became iconic.

Clifford (1994) – A notorious box office flop upon release, the film has since earned cult status, with Short playing a bizarrely mischievous 10-year-old opposite Charles Grodin. The performance is polarizing—some find it grating, others a masterclass in absurdist comedy.

Stage and Voice Work

A trained singer and lover of musical theatre, Short has also excelled on stage. His Broadway appearances include:

The Goodbye Girl (1993) – Earning a Tony nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.

Little Me (1999 revival) – Winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical, playing eight different roles.

His voice work includes animated hits such as:

The Prince of Egypt (1998) – Huy

Treasure Planet (2002) – B.E.N.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012) – Stefano the sea lion

His vocal versatility and sense of timing made him a natural fit for animation.

Later Career and Reinvention

In recent years, Short has reinvented himself through a series of high-profile collaborations and critically acclaimed work.

Steve Martin Partnership

Short’s decades-long friendship with Steve Martin has blossomed into a fruitful creative partnership. Their touring stage shows, such as An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life, blend stand-up, storytelling, musical numbers, and character skits. Their Netflix special earned Emmy nominations and exposed Short’s talents to a new generation.

Only Murders in the Building (2021–present)

Co-starring with Martin and Selena Gomez in this Hulu mystery-comedy series, Short plays Oliver Putnam, a flamboyant theatre director whose failed career and financial woes contrast with his irrepressible spirit. The role is perhaps his most layered: vulnerable, narcissistic, hilarious, and deeply human. It earned him multiple Emmy nominations and critical acclaim for revealing new dimensions of his talent.

Comedy Philosophy and Legacy

Martin Short's comedic style is rooted in character, commitment, and controlled chaos. He has a deep appreciation for classic comedy traditions—from vaudeville and silent films to the sketch boom of the 1970s. His influences include Peter Sellers, Dick Van Dyke, and Sid Caesar, and he shares with them a gift for disappearing into characters while still making them unmistakably his own.

Though often associated with manic energy, Short is also capable of incredible restraint and tenderness. His comedic roles often mask a more reflective sensibility, which has become increasingly apparent in his later work.

He is also widely known in the industry for his kindness, humility, and work ethic. In his 2014 memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, Short balances behind-the-scenes anecdotes with touching reflections on grief, family, and fame.

Awards and Recognition

Tony Award – Little Me (1999)

Emmy Awards – Multiple nominations; won for a guest appearance on Primetime Glick.

Order of Canada – One of the nation’s highest civilian honours

Hollywood Walk of Fame Star – Awarded in 2000

Canadian Walk of Fame – Inducted in 2000

Conclusion

Martin Short is more than a comedian—he is a master of transformation, a stage-trained entertainer, and a resilient creative spirit. From his early days on SCTV to his current Emmy-nominated television work, he has continually evolved while staying true to his comedic roots. Whether he’s playing an absurd man-child or a faded Broadway director, Short brings a unique blend of warmth, wildness, and wonder to every role.

He’s the kind of performer who seems incapable of phoning it in, whose joy in performing is contagious. In a world of fleeting fame and disposable comedy, Martin Short endures—as a living link to the golden age of sketch comedy and as a still-vital artist in today’s storytelling landscape.