Martin Short

Martin Short
Library of Congress Life · CC0 · source
Name	Martin Short
Birth name	Martin Hayter Short
Birth date	26 March 1950
Birth place	Hamilton, Ontario
Occupation	Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer
Years active	1972–present
Spouse	Nancy Dolman (m. 1980; died 2010)

Martin Short

Martin Hayter Short (born March 26, 1950) is a Canadian actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for character-driven sketch comedy, musical theatre, and film and television performances. He first gained prominence with work in Canadian television and with the sketch troupe Second City, later achieving international recognition on Saturday Night Live, SCTV, and in film collaborations with leading directors and performers. Short's career spans stage productions on Broadway and the West End, multiple Emmy and Tony nominations, and a public persona combining improvisation, character creation, and musical comedy.

Early life and education

Short was born in Hamilton, Ontario and raised in Hamilton and Oshawa, Ontario, the son of Ira Short and Ruth Short (née Hayter). He attended St. Jerome's High School before studying music and drama at McMaster University in Hamilton and later at the University of Toronto where he pursued drama studies and theatrical training. During his university years he became involved with the Canadian improvisational theatre scene, connecting with institutions such as The Second City and regional companies that fostered the careers of contemporaries from Toronto and Chicago comedy circuits. His early influences included practitioners from Commedia dell'arte, vaudeville traditions, and the work of comedians associated with Royal Canadian Air Farce and SCTV alumni.

Career

Short's professional career began in Canadian television and stage work, moving to the United States where he joined the cast of the Canadian sketch series SCTV and later the ensemble of Saturday Night Live. He became known for original characters and impersonations, collaborating with performers such as Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Joe Flaherty, and directors from New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. Short expanded into film and theatre, forging partnerships with actors like Steve Martin, Eugene Levy, Dustin Hoffman, and Jeff Goldblum. His career has included recurring television roles, film leads and supporting parts, Broadway headlining, and voice work for animated productions associated with companies like Disney and DreamWorks Animation. He has frequently worked with producers and creatives from NBC, CBS, and HBO on specials, series, and variety programming.

Film and television roles

Short's filmography includes appearances in comedies and dramas produced by studios including Universal Pictures and 20th Century Fox. Notable film roles are in productions alongside Steve Martin such as in collaborations where Short played comic foils, and in roles under directors like Penny Marshall and Harold Ramis. On television, his tenure on Saturday Night Live and SCTV produced memorable recurring characters and sketches, and he later headlined or guest-starred on series broadcast by NBC and CBS, as well as streaming and cable projects on Netflix and HBO Max. Short has also lent his voice to animated features and series developed by Disney Television Animation and other major animation studios. His television specials and guest appearances have led to multiple Primetime Emmy Awards nominations and wins for writing and performance contributions.

Stage and theatre work

Short has a significant stage career, performing in musical theatre and straight plays on Broadway, the West End, and regional theatres. He headlined in Broadway productions such as Little Me and participated in concerts and cabaret residencies at venues associated with Lincoln Center and historic theatres in New York City and London. Collaborations with directors from Royal Shakespeare Company-influenced productions and musical directors from the Broadway community reflect his training in song-and-dance tradition. Short has toured nationally with one-man shows and comedy revues, appearing at festivals including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and benefit performances linked to institutions such as The Public Theater.

Awards and honors

Throughout his career Short has received recognition from major awarding bodies. He is a multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominee and winner for writing and performance, and has been nominated for Tony Awards for his Broadway work. Industry honors include nominations and recognitions from the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and the Canadian Screen Awards, reflecting his impact in both Canadian and American entertainment industries. He has been invited to lifetime achievement celebrations and has received honors from organizations such as The American Theatre Wing and arts councils in Ontario.

Personal life

Short married actress and singer Nancy Dolman in 1980; the couple had three children. Dolman, a cousin of Lorne Michaels by marriage, performed in musical theatre and television before her death in 2010. Short holds dual Canadian and American citizenship and maintains residences in New York City and Toronto. He has frequently spoken publicly about his family, friendships with fellow performers such as Steve Martin and Eugene Levy, and his experiences dealing with grief and loss after Dolman's illness. Short continues to perform live, balancing stage, screen, and family life while participating in projects associated with major studios and theatrical producers.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Short has supported numerous charitable causes and cultural institutions. He has participated in benefit performances for organizations including Actors Fund, arts education programs connected to Juilliard, and healthcare-related charities in Ontario and New York City. Short has engaged with fundraising events for performing arts conservatories and has appeared at galas affiliated with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Theatre Development Fund, and Canadian arts foundations. He has also worked with nonprofit organizations focused on illness research and caregiver support, collaborating with fellow entertainers and institutions for televised benefit concerts and live auctions.

Category:1950 births Category:Canadian male film actors Category:Canadian male comedians Category:Canadian emigrants to the United States