Early Life and Background
Martin Hayter Short was born on March 26, 1950, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He was the fifth of six children in a family of performers; his older brother, Ian, and older sister, Nora, both pursued careers in entertainment. After studying at McMaster University, where he met future collaborator Eugene Levy, Short focused on improv and sketch work in Toronto before joining Second City. These foundational years shaped his rapid-fire delivery and character-driven approach to comedy.
Rise to Prominence in Sketch and SCTV
SCTV and Early Visibility
Short rose to national and international prominence as a cast member of Second City Television (SCTV), which aired from 1976 to 1984. On SCTV, he co-created enduring characters such as Ed Grimley, a high-energy, wiseguy poseur obsessed with cartoons and The Monkees, and Jiminy Glick, the gratingly enthusiastic celebrity interviewer. His partnership with John Candy and Eugene Levy formed a core comedic engine of the show. This period established his talent for rapid-fire impressions, physical comedy, and layering multiple quirks into a single performance.
Key Characters and Signature Bits
- Ed Grimley: A nervous, nasal-voiced wannabe who favored wigs and shouted catchphrases like “I’m Ed Grimley!”
- Jiminy Glick: An overeager talk-show host whose interviews devolved into chaotic name-dropping.
- Peewee: A mumbling, sidekick character often used in recurring SCTV sketches.
Transition to Film and Major Roles
Broadway and Film Breakout
Short’s film career gained momentum with 1979’s Rocky II, followed by leading roles in the comedies Three Amigos (1986), Innerspace (1987), and Dad (1989). He earned critical praise and a Tony nomination for Broadway’s Little Me (1998), showcasing his ability to carry a musical book with rapid-fire patter and physical storytelling. His film work often leaned into lovable, slightly neurotic protagonists, allowing his gift for expressive faces and escalating ad-libs to shine.
Notable Filmography Snapshot
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Rocky II | Tony “Duke” Evers | Breakout film role |
| 1986 | Three Amigos | Ned Nederlander | Co-writer and star |
| 1987 | Innerspace | Tuck Pendelman | Lead comedic role |
| 1991 | Father of the Bride | Franck Eggelhoffer | Key supporting performance |
| 1998 | Nobody’s Fool | Walt | Dramatic turn |
| 2000 | What About Bob? | Dr. Leo Marvin | Iconic comedic role |
Television, Theater, and Awards
Stage and Revival Work
Short has remained active in theater throughout his career, earning a second Tony nomination for Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me (2006), a one-man show that blended monologue, song, and character work. He returned to Broadway in Honeymoon in Vegas (2015) and has frequently appeared in televised concert specials, demonstrating enduring stagecraft. Offstage, he has lent his voice to animated features and guest spots, maintaining a high public profile while diversifying into producing and writing.
Recognition and Honors
Over his decades-long career, Short has received multiple Emmy nominations, a Grammy nomination for comedy, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (inducted 2000). He is a multiple winner of the American Comedy Award and has been honored by several festivals and critics groups for his contributions to entertainment. While not without fluctuations in commercial success, his body of work is widely regarded as influential in sketch and character comedy.
Comedic Style and Influence
Short is known for a meticulously crafted, almost hyperactive style where voices, posture, and timing converge. He excels at portraying outsized personalities who are desperate to be liked or admired, often masking insecurity with bluster. This approach allowed him to build a repertoire of recurring shtick—tight collars, nervous ticks, exaggerated entrances—that became signature trademarks. Many contemporary sketch and character comedians cite Short’s work on SCTV and his solo shows as a key influence on their approaches to ensemble play and persona comedy.
Personal Life and Relationships
Short has been married twice. His first marriage to actress Nancy Dolman (1980–2010) produced three children: Katherine, Oliver, and Henry. Following Nancy’s passing in 2020, he married hotelier Marilyn Miller in 2021. He is known for speaking openly about family, grief, and the demands of show business, often balancing humor with sincerity in interviews. Short maintains close ties with SCTV alumni, most notably Eugene Levy and Catherine O’Hara, reflecting a professional and personal network built on long-term creative trust.
Legacy and Current Work
As of the early 2020s, Short continues to perform in stage productions, voice roles, and occasional screen appearances. His influence persists through the many performers who emulate his eclectic character work and fearless vocal choices. While he has discussed the challenges of aging in an industry that prizes youth, Short remains a vivid presence in comedy, frequently celebrated in retrospectives, cast reunions, and special broadcasts. His career, built on meticulous craft and an unmistakable voice, endures as a touchstone for sketch and character comedy.