Martin Short

Martin Short is a Canadian-American actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for his energetic comic performances across television, film, and stage. He rose to prominence on sketch comedy and has remained a familiar presence in entertainment for more than four decades, recognized for a gallery of memorable original characters.

Early life

Short was born in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1950. He attended McMaster University, where he became involved in theater and comedy and met figures who would shape Canada's comedy scene. He performed in stage productions, including a Toronto run of "Godspell" alongside future comedy stars, before moving into television.

Career

Short became widely known through sketch comedy, joining the cast of the Canadian series "SCTV," where he created characters that showcased his gift for caricature and physical comedy. He then joined the American program "Saturday Night Live" for a single, much-remembered season in the mid-1980s, introducing characters such as the nervous man-child Ed Grimley.

He moved into film with comedies including "Three Amigos," "Innerspace," and "Father of the Bride" and its sequel, in which his portrayal of an eccentric wedding planner became a popular role. He appeared in further comedies over the years, often as a scene-stealing supporting performer, and lent his voice to numerous animated films and series. He continued to perform on stage as well, winning a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical "Little Me" and later returning to Broadway in other productions.

Over the years Short developed a gallery of recurring comic personas. Among the best known is the brash celebrity interviewer Jiminy Glick, a character built around exaggerated bluster and absurd questioning, whom he played across television specials and a feature film. His characters frequently combined heightened physical comedy with improvisation, and he became known as a versatile entertainer comfortable moving between sketch, film, musical theater, and live performance.

Recent work

Short experienced a notable resurgence later in his career through the streaming comedy series "Only Murders in the Building," in which he stars alongside Steve Martin and Selena Gomez as one of three amateur podcasters investigating crimes in their New York apartment building. The series has been a critical and popular success and earned Short renewed awards attention, including Emmy nominations.

He has long performed live alongside Steve Martin in touring comedy shows that combine stand-up, music, and banter, and the two have built a celebrated comedic partnership. Short has also appeared as a guest host on late-night and variety programs and remains active in film and television. Known for his warmth, quick wit, and versatility, he has received numerous honors over his career and continues to work steadily in both comedy and dramatic-comedic roles.